Ecuador
Ecuador presidential election makes central bank reform likely
President-elect favours measure granting autonomy to central bank
Ecuadorian politicians clash over central bank independence
IMF backs law to make central bank independent, but leftwing candidate condemns measure
IMF extends Article IV consultations as it steps up aid efforts
Nine more countries receive IMF aid as demand continues at “unprecedented” levels
Uribe details aggressive Flar expansion plans
The Latin American fund chief, José Darío Uribe, speaks about: Flar’s efforts to support macroeconomic and financial stability; exposure to Venezuela; and more
Central bank independence key to Ecuador programme – IMF
Fund is expected to sign off on first review of extended fund facility in June, providing $250 million
IMF demands Ecuador end monetary financing
Central bank will need to cover liabilities vis-à-vis banks with international reserves
Fed paper builds dynamic factor model for nowcasting
Model produces “reasonably good” estimates of Ecuadorian GDP and outperforms other models
Uruguay’s digital currency pilot ‘close to launch’, says governor
Central bank’s initiative will allow the public to access digital currency via mobile wallets; Ecuador’s prototype proves a flop
Ecuador’s central bank forecasts sustained recovery
Nation experienced two years of recession on falling oil prices, but stable commodity prices, fiscal austerity and stronger trade links with Europe expected to support growth
IMF paper offers more granular stress testing framework
IMF applies new stress testing framework to Ecuador’s banking sector; framework offers more efficient surveillance, authors argue
Central banks expect South American inflation to stabilise
Inflation rising in several countries in South America, but central bank heads in region suggest it will ‘moderate’ when supply shocks dissipate and exchange rates normalise
Colombian paper examines synchronisation of economic cycles in Latin America
Central Bank of Colombia working paper finds there is ‘not a high’ level of synchronisation between a sample of seven Latin American countries
Central Bank of Ecuador trials mobile payments
A group of 800 people are testing the platform as part of pilot program; Central Bank of Ecuador hopes to tackle financial inclusion with the new technology
Ecuador applies 0.5% tax on credit transactions to finance cancer care
A new regulatory body in Ecuador that counts the central bank governor as a member has devised the tax as a means of fulfilling social responsibilities
Central Bank of Ecuador deposits half its gold with Goldman Sachs
Three-year deal sees the bank swap half-a-million ounces of bullion for ‘high security instruments and liquidity', ostensibly to cover government's widening fiscal deficit
Central Bank of Ecuador governor resigns
Pedro Delgado resigns after admitting he does not hold a degree in economics, according to local media reports
Central Bank of Ecuador receives loan to promote financial inclusion
Inter-American Development Bank lends Ecuador $10 million to further access to financial services in remote parts of the country; central bank to administer the project
Ecuadorian governor injured during bullfight
Pedro Delgado suffers severe ankle injury at a bullfight; was immediately hospitalised following the incident at a ranch near Machachi
Brazil slams IMF proposal on capital controls
Brazil’s finance minister Guido Mantega rejects IMF proposals for establishment of framework on capital controls; attacks Fund’s laissez-faire policy on capital movements
IMF: dollarisation minimises central bank functions
IMF paper offers guidance on dollarisation of currency using past experiences
Ecuador chief and general manager quit
Upheaval at the top of the Central Bank of Ecuador sees Carlos Vallejo and Karina Sáenz depart; cabinet minister Diego Borja is named new governor
Don't panic, pleads ECCB as Stanford run starts
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, which acts as financial regulator, has called for calm in Antigua and Barbuda as nervous depositors began to withdraw funds from the Bank of Antigua, part of the Stanford Group.
Further questions over SEC in Stanford affair
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) faces further questions over its authority and competence as the fallout from the regulator's fraud charges against Sir Allen Stanford continues.
Ecuador appoints new central bank chief
Carlos Vallejo Lopez has become president of the Central Bank of Ecuador little more than a week after joining the institution.