Governance
Governance Benchmarks 2024 report – central banks’ core processes
The benchmarks shed light on central bank profitability and distributions, independence and more
The Governance Benchmarks 2024 report presents original data on the ways central banks ensure they can meet their mandates. The report covers governance structures, including staffing; governors, including their appointment and salaries; the role played by boards; independence and accountability mechanisms; and central banks’ own financing.
Charts
Pressure levels
Most central banks say they have the necessary level of independence to set policy, and only a handful say they have been put under pressure by external groups. But central banks in middle-income economies seem to come under greater pressure.
For the full breakdown, use the benchmarking service’s interactive charts to explore the data.
Model banks analysis – Governance 2024
Additional breakdowns of the data reveal details of central bank powers, staffing and more
Governance data
View the full breakdown of responses to the Governance Benchmarks.
Previous years
Governance 2024
Governance 2023
Governance 2022
Governance 2021
Governors serve unlimited terms in half of central banks
While term length averages five years, majority of governors can be dismissed early
Smaller central banks more likely to manage government debts
Consumer protection widely overseen in larger institutions
Half of central banks must be consulted on law changes
Practice is slightly more common at banks with government officials on the board
Governance Benchmarks 2024 – model banks analysis
Additional breakdowns of the data reveal details of central bank powers, staffing and more
Governance Benchmarks 2024 report – central banks’ core processes
The benchmarks shed light on central bank profitability and distributions, independence and more
Central banks reveal top staffing constraints
Career progression limits, skills gaps and red tape identified as challenges
Most high income central banks lack formal recapitalisation agreements
Seven respondents report launching recapitalisation in past year
Central banks’ profit distribution widely agreed with governments
Few institutions have arrangements with other parties or private shareholders
Two-thirds of central banks report profit in last fiscal year
Few institutions seek recapitalisation and technological advancement for operational goals
Board non-execs more likely to be appointed by governments
Middle income central banks tend to have more government officials on board
Central bank independence usually safeguarded by law
But one in 10 respondents see their autonomy threatened
Most central banks have policy independence
But some respondents provide details of pressure they have faced to change policy