Central Banks
Nicaragua lowers policy rate as long recession continues
Recession and political turmoil have beset the country since before the Covid-19 pandemic
BoT says prototype corporate CBDC boosted efficiency
Thai central bank says DLT allowed cement firm to integrate payments systems with suppliers
People: Elderson approved as vice-chair of ECB supervisory council
Former Canadian deputy Wilkins joins insurance company; Japan nominates new policy board member; Rwandan deputy gains role at African Union Commission; and more
Ukrainian deputy governor accuses central bank of censorship
Rozhkova says governor is using “Soviet”-style practices but NBU spokeswoman attacks “slander”
Taiwan governor optimistic over US currency dispute
Yang says country meets ‘currency manipulator’ criteria but adds he does not expect sanctions
ECB to increase asset purchases
Lagarde says PEPP decision was unanimous as ECB staff increase inflation and growth forecast
Riksbank renews Covid-19 lending facilities
Riksbank extends $60 billion facility and will penalise banks that do not lend to non-financial firms
Expectations play key role in policy transmission – BoE paper
Authors use high-frequency data to assess importance of term premia and expectations
Big data in central banks 2020–21 report: shifting to centre stage
The Covid-19 shock made big data a key input into policy at a time when data governance appears to be improving and central banks are embracing cloud technology
Lagarde expected to clarify ECB bond-buying plans
ECB has lowered purchases as yields have risen and spreads have increased
Irish central bank requests more powers to regulate financial executives
Politicians say scandal at financial firm strengthens case for measures to act against wrongdoing
Pakistan government approves SBP autonomy law
Bill should secure central bank independence as required under IMF conditions, if it passes
Bank of Canada holds policy rate steady
Economy improving, but central bank sees “considerable economic slack” and “great deal of uncertainty”
BoE paper outlines new theory of automation and inequality
Authors highlight “new theoretical mechanism” linking automation to higher wealth inequality
RBNZ winds back pandemic liquidity support
Use of two facilities has been “very low” in the last six months, RBNZ official says
Greenpeace lands activists on ECB roof
Stunt publicises new study arguing collateral framework favours high-carbon industries
Bank of Israel hails milestone in move to ‘smart payments’
Central bank is pushing transition to EMV payments that allow contactless transactions
Venezuela releases three new banknotes amid hyperinflation
High-denomination notes reflect ongoing surge in prices
US spillovers might increase need for UK easing, says Hélène Rey
Andrew Bailey says policy will be “state contingent” but negative rates are possible
MAS selects asset managers with green focus
Singapore government will start issuing green bonds, governor Menon says
IMF expresses concern about São Tomé central bank
Reform law has languished for more than a year as nation copes with pandemic
BoE to consult on Sonia clearing mandate
Long-dated Sonia swaps set to lose clearing exemption as liquidity shifts from Libor