Governance
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.
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
Middle income central banks lag on diversity and green policies
But code of ethics and whistleblower schemes remain common standards
Governors’ salaries tend to rise with country income
Low income developing countries less likely to disclose data
African central banks most likely to manage sovereign wealth fund
FX reserve management, currency supply remain leading functions in most jurisdictions