Feature/Governance
IFRS 9 deadline looms
The successful implementation of new accounting rules for financial instruments requires urgent attention and leadership from frontline departments. It should not be left solely to the accountants
The arrival of web-first publications
Websites have become the primary channel for distributing central bank publications, with PDF being the format of choice. The BIS's Christian Beslmeisl asks whether central banks could do better
Goldfajn faces independence test
Ilan Goldfajn has abundant technical skills required to run Brazil's central bank. But he could face similar political pressures as his predecessor at a troubled time for the Brazilian economy.
Secrecy over MNB funds sparks constitutional dispute
Unanswered questions over the use of Hungarian central bank funds have led to a series of legal and constitutional battles
Risk management services provider of the year: Wall Street Systems
A powerful real-time risk-calculation engine, consistent high-quality support and broad central-banking experience make this treasury management offering the best in class
Post-conflict central banking
Building the integrity and operational soundness of central banks is a vital priority for post-conflict countries.
The Islamic liquidity facility conundrum
The rapid growth of Islamic finance could undermine both financial stability and monetary policy if central banks do not set up sharia-compliant facilities
Fed comes under renewed fire as governance structure challenged
An under-staffed board, embarrassing leaks and outspoken regional presidents pose challenges to the Fed as it seeks to exit loose monetary policies. Is it a good time to review its governance structure?
Will new reforms lift the veil of secrecy at the Bank of England?
The Bank of England has unveiled a broad package of reforms to its transparency. Daniel Hinge speaks with transparency experts to assess the changes
Are central banks the ‘Figaro’ of the financial markets?
Central banks continue to play a vital position in the functioning of markets. While this raises significant concerns about moral hazard it is not an unfamiliar role from an historical perspective
The ECB's approach to central banking without data borders
Data sharing and access to confidential information – on a need-to-know basis – remain a legal, cultural, technical and organisational challenge at the ECB and elsewhere, writes Aurel Schubert
The viability of a commercial approach to central bank communication
Will the prevailing trend for central bank communications to mimic those of commercial entities and political parties stand the test of time?
Choosing a suitable exchange rate suitable for price-takers
Flexible exchange rates can act as an asset price as well as a price for goods and services, so movements can distort the market for goods and services. Taxing capital inflows can address the matter
Financial inclusiveness and financial stability are key to success
Bangladesh has achieved growth in excess of 6% for the past decade, aided by its focus on financial inclusion. The next step is to modernise finance, writes Atiur Rahman
(Too) great expectations for macro-prudential?
Macro-prudential policies are a welcome response to the financial crisis, but not necessarily in their current incarnation. BIS economics head Claudio Borio highlights their limitations
Independence no substitute for rules-based policy
Thomas Cargill summarises the conclusions of four papers by world-leading economists on the issue of central bank governance and finds independence is overrated
A new vision of the Old Lady
The strategic review at the Bank of England represents an opportunity to create an ‘Economics Directorate’, a research department and an external policy unit, writes Richard Barwell
Has the global financial crisis dented central bank independence?
Grace Koshie looks at the post-crisis role of central banks, examining issues of fiscal dominance and weaker policy freedom in an increasingly inter-connected world demanding ever-greater transparency
New central bank mandates raise operational challenges
Central bankers face a raft of policy and operational challenges as their institutions take on new mandates and expanded responsibilities. By Martina Horáková, Tristan Carlyle and Arvid Ahlund
Rajan faces daunting challenges as he takes over as RBI governor
Raghuram Rajan faces a raft of monetary policy, governance and financial stability challenges when he takes over as governor of the Reserve Bank of India next week, writes Hugh Sandeman
Central bankers should be wary of their political bargain with government
Central bankers appear ‘spellbound’ by governments keen to give them new regulatory powers despite concerns about their ability to deliver either stable monetary or financial policy in the future
ECB conflicted by Cyprus bail-in
The ECB’s failure to secure a bail-out for the Cypriot banking system changes the template for sovereign rescue in the eurozone. It also has implications for a central bank that appears conflicted
BIS calls for monetary tightening not heeded by major central banks
The BIS's latest annual report voices the private concerns of the world’s leading central bankers. But it falls short on action that will hold national governments to task
The Bretton Woods transcripts: debate about the World Bank and the BIS
Andrew Rosenberg highlights the secondary importance of negotiations to create the World Bank and cover ‘other discussions’ as well as Norway’s objections to having the BIS once the IMF was founded