Central Banks
RBI aims to triple volume of digital payments by 2025
New strategy document aims to build on “phenomenal” growth in electronic payments
North Macedonia makes third 25bp hike
Central bank moves to increase local currency deposits, while inflation reaches double digits
China keeps key lending rates unchanged despite US rate hike
Chinese inflation remains subdued and there are signs of a marginal improvement in the economy
People: IMF names new Asia-Pacific head
New deputy governors in Jamaica and Azerbaijan, and more
Lebanese judge orders probe into central bank chief to continue
Chief prosecutor wants to file charges of financial crimes against Riad Salameh
Gender equality is key to sustainable development
Bank of Zambia deputy governor Rekha Mhango sets out the central bank’s strategy on financial inclusion
Yen weakens further as BoJ stands by loose policy
Central bank stresses commitment to defending yield curve control despite exchange rate worries
Costa Rican central bank raises rates to highest level since 2011
Board also orders increase in reserve requirements from July as inflation remains over target
Brazil’s MPC continues hikes, but slows pace
Central bank orders eleventh consecutive increase, and says it expects more, but smaller, rises
Hong Kong and Taiwan raise rates
HKMA raises rates by 75bp, but local banks don’t follow, while Taiwan increases by 12.5bp
Argentina increases reference rate 300bp
Central bank says it anticipates inflation will fall despite continuing rise
Banknotes: April to June 2022
A round-up of news and salient issues that have affected central bankers in the past three months
Non-bank access to RTGS systems still rare
Only a handful of central banks allow non-bank users
Gulf central banks raise rates after Fed hike
Qatar, UAE and Bahrain make 75bp hikes, while Kuwait raises by 25bp and Saudi 50bp
BoE opts for 25bp hike as growth disappoints
Weakening economy and high inflation leave policy-makers divided
Nearly 30% of central banks implementing instant payments
Over half of respondents already oversee or operate instant payments
Understanding informal remittances
Better tracking of remittance flows could give central banks valuable insights to support policy, say Deepali Fernandes, Amil Aneja and Azar Sultanov
People: April to June 2022
A round-up of central bankers in the news and on the move during the past three months
Fed meets inflation surge with 75bp hike
Unexpected spike in inflation and expectations spurs committee into rare policy aggression
ECB emergency meeting pledges sovereign bond support
Governing council says eurozone will accelerate efforts to create “anti-fragmentation mechanism”
Basel Committee launches principles for climate supervision
Guidance for banks and supervisors designed to create “common baseline” for tackling risks
Chile’s Marcel stresses importance of trust
Former central bank governor warns monetary and fiscal policies will diverge