Financial inclusion
Singapore to step up consumer protection on e-payments
Banks must offer users better protection measures, but users could also face fines for recklessness or carelessness
Education key to forex liberalisation success, says Bahamas governor
Private sector needs to base forex decisions on returns rather than “fear the erosion of wealth”, says Rolle
Riksbank renews its website to address user demands
New design preserves original structure, but makes the most demanded content more accessible
Potential ATM closures will be PSR’s first ‘major test’ – Morgan
Treasury select committee chair says Payment System Regulator should not hesitate to intervene should closures threaten financial stability; market calls for independent review
Transparency: Central Bank of Ireland
The Irish central bank has made great progress in communicating in a candid and open manner with the people it serves
Co-operation key to cyber defence success, says Sarb deputy
Groepe says institutions need to ensure fintech interconnectivity does not cause system failure; new players should be held to the same security standards
Central Banking Awards: Bank of Canada is central bank of the year
Awards go to the Bank of Canada, PriceStats, Perago and De La Rue
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 Banking Awards: Perng Fai-nan recognised for lifetime achievements
The first four 2018 Central Banking Awards are unveiled – banknote and currency management, consultancy, innovation in reserve management, and lifetime achievement
Banknote and currency manager of the year: Norges Bank
The Nordic central bank has redefined how its banknotes are designed, incorporating top-notch security and an innovative awareness campaign
PBoC releases liquidity ahead of new year celebrations
RRR cut is expected to release liquidity to counter the seasonal tightening around Chinese new year
Banking ‘deserts’ do not explain financial exclusion – NY Fed economists
Data shows absence of nearby banks fails to explain “unbanked” share of the population
Financial initiatives may bypass people with lower financial literacy, paper says
Reforms in Israel designed to benefit the whole population did not reach some groups
Central Bank of Brazil survey shows poor savings habits
More than half of respondents had no spare earnings over past year to put aside, which could put them at risk if “unforeseen expenses” arise
Fed paper studies inequality in three dimensions
Authors find examining three dimensions simultaneously gives new insights
Patrick Njoroge on reshaping banking and finance to work for the masses
The Central Bank of Kenya governor speaks to Christopher Jeffery and Rachael King about exchange rate intervention, food prices, banking reform and financial inclusion
Cambodia shortens duration of liquid reserves ahead of election – reserves chief
De-dollarisation and lack of interbank market make forex intervention the only real policy tool left for National Bank of Cambodia
Bank Indonesia to nudge more people to open bank accounts
The country aims to boost the percentage of the population with bank accounts to 75% by 2019
Financial distress in the US is concentrated in a small percentage of consumers
Around 10% of consumers account for 50% of all distress events, research finds
Loose policy supported equality in Sweden – Skingsley
Deputy governor of Sveriges Riksbank reflects on how monetary policy promotes inclusive growth
People: Fiji appoints deputy; Commission proposes new SRB chair term
Esala Masitabua will become deputy governor in Fiji on January 1, 2018; European Commission proposes extending Elke König’s mandate as chair of the SRB; and more
Change in fees could lead to ATM ‘deserts’ – MP Nicky Morgan
Chair of UK Treasury committee concerned that changes to ATM networks could threaten financial inclusion as cash continues to be important to 2.7 million people
BoJ working closely with fintech firms, says Kuroda
Fintech can make contributions to both emerging and developed countries, but needs close monitoring, Haruhiko Kuroda says
Digital currencies may foster competitiveness in retail payments, research finds
But central banks should be cautious and implement non-anonymous models to preserve security