Central Banks
Tensions rise as EU payments deadline nears
Europe’s revised payment services directive is meant to boost innovation, competition and security, but many are concerned it has serious flaws
Guinea Bissau still struggling with NPLs, says latest IMF assessment
Country still reeling from failed bailout that saw two banks default; fund stresses the need for prudential regulatory compliance and praises three-pronged approach
Mozambique central bank praised for monetary framework overhaul
IMF staff approve of changes made towards interest rate corridor, but say the central bank should remain vigilant with regard to prudential regulation
France should broaden macro-prudential oversight – FSB report
Country should widen its outlook to include asset managers and other risky areas, a peer review finds; report recommends action to boost communication and disclosure
Central Bank of Paraguay re-enters markets with World Bank support
World Bank to provide assistance on efficient portfolio management following re-entry into international markets
BoE paper warns escape from secular stagnation may ‘beggar thy self’
Authors outline an unappealing situation where the only escape comes from currency depreciation, but may nevertheless end up harming domestic welfare
ECB will look afresh at policy this autumn – Draghi
Draghi says recovery is continuing, but strikes a cautious note on inflationary pressures
FCA threatens further action against firms “misleading” customers
UK regulator says some banks are still incorrectly using currency transfer services, despite warnings last year; customers are “not fully aware” of being misled until registration has taken place
Sarb takes action amid ‘extremely weak’ demand
Central bank revises down its forecasts as economic situation deteriorates; governor warns of possible cliff effect if there are further rating downgrades
Non-banks drive rebound in cross-border banking – BIS
First-quarter statistics show non-banks helped drive a turnaround of cross-border banking flows, which had been in retreat
Bank of Japan cuts inflation forecast as policy remains on hold
The BoJ cuts its forecast for prices as it struggles to hit its inflation target; keeps policy steady
Russian central bank reorganises senior personnel
First deputy governor will resign on September 1; responsibilities to be split among other board members
Verbs matter in forward guidance – Italian paper
Researchers look at verbs used in ECB statements from 2002 to 2015
Debate over Kenya’s growth potential continues – Njoroge
Private sector sees macroeconomic stability and infrastructure funding aiding growth in the long term, while banks are concerned about elections and a decrease in credit growth
Fed fines BNP Paribas over forex manipulation
French bank is to pay $246 million to settle an investigation of misconduct
IMF praises Madagascar’s approach to monetary framework change
Madagascan central bank to introduce overnight deposit facility to form basis of an interest rate corridor; fund notes effects of vanilla bean shock still being felt by banks
BoE opens RTGS to non-bank payment service providers
Non-banks gain direct access to settlement accounts at the Bank of England for the first time, though they will not be able to participate in monetary operations