Middle East
GCC central banks follow Fed by reducing rates
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain opt for 25bp cuts, while Qatar loosens by 30bp
Reserve managers brace for war
Geopolitical escalation could trigger inflationary and energy shocks, RMT survey finds
Policy-making amid war in Gaza
Bank of Israel has implemented a textbook crisis response, but uncertainty remains
Pakistan launches sovereign wealth fund
Struggling country transfers $8 billion of shares in seven state companies to new SWF
Russian legislators approve Islamic banking pilot
Two-year programme may attract foreign capital or appease restive minorities
IMF approves $3 billion short-term loan for Pakistan
Saudi Arabia and UAE provide $3 billion more as country tries to overcome crisis
Central Bank of Oman launches 24/7 RTGS
Oman will be connected to payment systems across the Arab world via AFAQ and Buna systems
The allure of private markets
SWFs have piled into the asset class while reserve managers remain wary, writes Blake Evans-Pritchard
Currency round-up: Ukraine issues war anniversary note
Caymans redesigning banknotes; Travelex expands wholesale business; and more
Rates round-up: Zimbabwe cuts policy rate to 150%
Azerbaijan raises rates 25bp; Qatar bucks Gulf trend; and more
Sanctions fear drives surge in central bank gold purchases
China, Turkey and India are largest declared buyers, while Russia probably bought big quantities
Morocco’s Jouahri on inflation, forex reform, digitalisation and sustainability
The Central Bank of Morocco governor speaks with Christopher Jeffery about Covid-19 policies, Fed tightening, BIS membership, regional co-operation and financial inclusion
Gulf central banks increase rates in line with Fed
Five banks raise rates 75bp, while Kuwait orders 25bp increase due to different currency peg
Communications Benchmarks 2022 – executive summary
Key findings of the 2022 report, including the ongoing shift to social media and the impact of Covid-19
Global markets: HSBC
The bank’s long-term commitment to clients and its wide range of expertise shone in 2021 as central banks navigated the aftermath of the Covid-19 shock
Saudi Arabia gives $3 billion to Egyptian central bank
Donation is pandemic aid, and follows similar deposit with Pakistan central bank
People: Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund gets new managing director
Korean president nominates head of financial supervisor and EBRD gets new corporate strategy chief
Governance Benchmarks 2021 report – the frameworks that rule central banks
How are central banks governed? Benchmarking data offers insights on appointments, legal structures, powers, decision-making bodies, independence and more
The Belt and Road Initiative 2021 Survey – The impact of Covid‑19 on the BRI
The fourth annual Belt and Road Initiative survey reveals that the Covid‑19 pandemic has disrupted many projects despite China remaining committed to financing the initiative, which is expected to support future economic growth and environmental…
Bahrain accuses Iranian central bank of money laundering
Prosecutors allege Iranian officials were involved in laundering around $1.3 billion to dodge sanctions
Iran governor registers for presidential run
Hemmati is one of nearly 600 candidates for the June vote who now face screening from the Guardian Council