Central bank mandates
Aruban central bank needs mandate to regulate payment system – report
New mandate would require creation of central bank payments department; stakeholders agree on need for modernisation
Governor of the year: Lesetja Kganyago
Kganyago has defended and enhanced the Sarb’s reputation as an independent and well-governed institution against all threats – despite a turbulent political and economic backdrop
Delayed restructuring prompts strike action at Central Bank of Cyprus
Cypriot central bank staff strike over lack of communication from senior management on restructuring plans; former governor fears independence is under threat
Central bank of the year: Bank of Canada
The Canadian central bank has stood out for its ever-improving levels of transparency, forward-looking management and best-practice review of its policy mandate
Central banks lack ‘firepower’ to combat financial crises, says report
Without interest rate cuts available, the next financial crisis could be much “longer and deeper”, Global Risk Report says
Sarb rejects nationalisation plan
Sarb says nationalising the central bank would increase uncertainty in an already “fragile economic situation”
Experts’ panel appointed for RBNZ mandate review
A panel of three external experts will provide a report to the Minister of Finance; group will hold its first meeting later this month
IMF suggests changes to Mauritian monetary policy framework
Lack of clarity in current framework risks “undermining” the credibility of monetary policy, report says; medium-term inflation target of 3% should be implemented
Bank of England operations could leave London under Labour government
Report envisages BoE’s regional offices becoming part of national investment strategy; inflation mandate could also be changed
Adrian Orr to lead RBNZ in 2018
Former deputy takes over at a time when the central bank mandate is being called into question; Grant Spencer sets sights on retirement
Riksbank plans comms drive to mark 350th anniversary
The world’s oldest central bank intends to engage the public, explaining its role in the economy
Sarb rejects postponement calls from public prosecutor
Central bank does not accept Mkhwebane’s latest court request; claims her reasoning is false and “overly exaggerated”
Doubts emerge over RBNZ mandate plans
Acting governor Spencer says a dual mandate would have little impact, but expresses concern over a committee structure; former RBNZ economists weigh in
No reason why central banks cannot be privatised, economists argue
Central banks may be better equipped to sustain market stability if privately owned, argues Juan Castañeda, with the private sector bailing out failed banks
Tinkering with rates will not bolster New Zealand employment
The New Zealand government would do well to remember why a single price stability mandate was established in the first place
Scottish central bank could be based around ‘stakeholder’ framework
Think-tank proposes framework for Scottish central bank, should independence vote occur, based around a “stakeholder” structure
Bank of Zambia to revamp ‘outdated’ supervisory framework
IMF praises the central bank’s efforts to inspect banking sector following overhaul of monetary policy framework in last 12 months
Italian premier proposes Visco for a second term, despite opposition
Former prime minister Renzi tried to derail governor’s renewal, questioning his record on supervision
RBNZ faces mandate review under new government
Coalition agreement retains Labour pledge to consider shake-up of Reserve Bank mandate
PNG’s Bakani defends board’s overseas travel expenses
Governor crosses swords with predecessor, who claims decision to hold board meeting overseas makes Bakani unfit to lead the central bank
Legal independence ‘not 100% insurance’, warns Posen
Academic says central banks have to look at the political context when policymaking, while senior figures say it is the responsibility of central banks to speak out
Senior figures disagree over future of central bank mandates
Independence for central banks has been a success and is vital for carrying out mandate; Otmar Issing says ECB should not act as a substitute for politics
John Williams on the neutral rate of interest and mandate change
The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco speaks about the plunge in the natural rate of interest, and why it means central banks should work together to review their price stability targets
Fed’s Williams floats co-ordinated shift from 2% targets
San Francisco Fed president is concerned that extraordinary, ‘beggar-thy-neighbour’ monetary policies will be more frequent in a lower-growth world