Financial Stability
Central Bank of Sri Lanka implements RTGS system
The central bank of Sri Lanka implemented its Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS) together with the Automated General Ledger system on Monday, according to Sri Lanka Daily News. The RTGS system will facilitate large value fund transfers and…
New Hong Kong banknotes
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has announced the forthcoming issue of a new series of Hong Kong banknotes in 2003 and 2004. A number of advanced security features have been added to the new banknotes to enhance their anti-counterfeiting capabilities,…
Hitachi develops RFID chip for bank notes
Hitachi has developed an RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that requires no external antenna and makes possible the embedding of chips in bank notes, IDG News Service said. A Hitachi spokesman denied media reports Tuesday that the company was…
Cost savings from e payments and ATMs in Europe
Working Paper from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia "Cost Savings From Electronic Payments and ATMS in Europe". Electronic payments are considerably cheaper than their paper-based alternatives. As the share of electronic payments in 12 European…
UAE central bank signs software deal
The central bank of the United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with a software giant to install its comprehensive electronic document management, indexing and archiving system, ArabDox, at the central bank, local daily the Khaleej Times reported.
It's cheque out time says Bank of Uganda governor
Lengthy clearing time and limited use mean the days are numbered for cheques in Uganda. The governor of the central bank, Elliot Mwebya, would ban them tomorrow if he could, reports allAfrica.com
BOE's tail between legs over IT fiasco
The Bank of England has approached its various account holders - including foreign central banks - with its tail between its legs after unforeseen problems arose in its payment system, according to the Financial Times. "It is now clear that the new…
Eurozone in your pocket
The ECB launched its latest periodical: "Statistics Pocket Book" on August 15. Updated monthly, the guide offers the latest key economic figures for the eurozone in a handy-size book.
The role of central bank money in payment systems
The role of central bank money in payment systems raises a number of questions this CPSS Paper says. For example, which institutions should have accounts at the central bank? What services should central banks provide to meet the needs of account holders…
ECCB upgrades security features of currency
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank released plans on Wednesday to upgrade the security features of "its family of banknotes". Upgrades are being made to the security thread and the filigree foil features, the ECCB said, according to the Caribbean Media…
Forged notes found in Bangladesh cb vault
Counterfeit bank notes have been found in the vaults of The Bangladesh Bank, the country's central bank, according to a report by Reuters. Four bank employees have been suspended and a special inquiry was looking for other suspects, a spokesman said.
Travellers cheques to ease Zimbabwe cash crisis
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will launch a range of travellers cheques on Friday 8 August,according to Sapa-AP. The move comes amid Zimbabwe's acute cash shortage. Similar to bank notes, the travellers' cheques are printed on security paper with fibres…
Global settlement bank CLS to recognise Korean won
The CLS Bank has said it recognises the Korean won as an eligible currency for the bank's settlement process in principle, according to The Korea Herald. Bank of Korea officials noted that the inclusion of the local currency as a CLS currency would free…
Bangladeshis complain of 'smelly' banknotes
The people of Bangladesh are becoming increasingly unhappy with their banknotes, according to a report by Reuters. Complaints that the paper money can "smell awfully bad" has seen fish-market customers refusing to take notes in their change, insisting…
ESCB-CESR Clearing and Settlement Standards
ESCB-CESR Standards for Securities Clearing and Settlement Systems in the European Union: Consultation announcement, consultative report and scope of application, 1 August 2003. The ESCB and CESR documents entitled "Standards for securities clearing and…
Suriname changing name of its currency
Suriname is changing the name of its currency to the dollar from January when new banknotes will be printed, according to News-Journal. The exchange rate to the dollar will also be changed significantly.
Madagascar launches new currency
The Madagascan franc will be replaced by the launch of a new currency, according to a report by AFP The reference to the franc "lost its raison d'etre since the arrival of the euro", a central bank official said.
The new colour of money, $20 information seminars
The Federal Reserve System is offering information seminars on the new $20 note. The information seminars will discuss the features of the new $20 note and review the operating plan for releasing the new note to the public later this year.
Zimbabwe to abolish notes to ease cash shortage
The Zimbabwean government plans to withdraw the Z$500 note from circulation within 60 days, reports Sapa-AFP. The note will become worthless after this time providing a strong incentive for people to deposit in banks cash they are hoarding.
National Bank of Hungary, ECB banknotes agreement
Agreement has been concluded between the ECB and the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (National Central Bank of Hungary) in the areas of prevention and detection of counterfeiting of euro banknotes, 28 July.
ECB and acceding country central banks agreement
Template Agreement between the European Central Bank and The Acceding Country National Central Bank enhancing the cooperation between the ECB and the ACNCBs in the areas of prevention and detection of counterfeiting of euro banknotes, 28 July.
Reappointments to the RBA's Payments System Board
Australian Treasurer Peter Costello announced the reappointment of three members to the Reserve Bank of Australia's Payments System Board (PSB), 24 July.
RBI asks Indian banks to be ready with RTGS
A meeting held at the Reserve Bank of India urged banks to be ready for the introduction of India's Real Time Gross Settlement, which is expected to begin simulated tests before the year end, according to a report by The Hindu. Deputy governor Vepa…
Bank of England to withdraw Dickens £10 note
The Bank of England intends to withdraw the £10 note featuring Charles Dickens at the end of July. The new style £10 note with a portrait of Charles Darwin will remain in circulation.