Russia
The EU tries to rethink its faltering AML regime
The European Union plans to centralise its anti-money laundering efforts following a series of scandals this year. Dan Hardie looks at the options available and the multitude of challenges that remain
EU countries to build payments link with Iran
“Special purpose vehicle” designed to allow “legitimate business” with Iran, despite US sanctions
Bank of Russia becomes latest EM central bank to hike
Central bank cites effects of ruble depreciation as it raises policy rate
Rupee falls to record low as instability hits emerging markets
Indian currency falls to 70 against the US dollar for the first time
Central Bank of Cyprus suspends subsidiaries of two Russian banks
CBC says decision was influenced by Russian central bank’s decisions but uncertainty remains
Bank of Russia says cost of major bailout is rising
Central bank makes further capital injection into failed lender Otkritie
Russia changes security operation, makes senior appointments
Bank of Russia deputy governor appointed and monetary policy head retires
Russian central bank starts using biometric database of bank customers
Citizens can submit face and voice data to banks to be authorised for remote transactions
Russian central bank bails out another commercial lender
Asian-Pacific Bank is “socially important” in Siberia and Far East, Bank of Russia says
People: Bank of Russia appoints new Moscow chief
Senior appointment at Bank of Russia; Uzbekistan picks new deputy; Bank of Japan gains new head of international affairs; Eiopa shuffles board
Russian central bank plans $19 billion loan to new ‘bad bank’
Entity will take over distressed assets from three banks that failed in 2017
ECB orders Latvia to close bank accused of money laundering
Latvian finance minister says 12 further banks in country may be at risk from money laundering
ECB orders Latvia to shutter bank over laundering allegations
US Treasury alleges the bank laundered billions of dollars and had links to North Korea
Bank of Russia upgrades interbank loan system
The central bank publishes a clutch of documents on financial technology; says hackers stole $6 million via Swift in a “common scheme”
World Gold Council launches gold accounting framework
Guidance aims to help central banks harmonise the treatment of gold in their accounts in a way that meshes with broader reserves accounting
Bank of Russia cuts policy rate as inflation reaches historic low
Balance of risks has shifted from inflation to economic growth, central bank says
Central banks built up gold reserves in 2017
2017 sees eighth consecutive year of net purchases, though only a handful of central banks made substantial changes
Russia raises capital ratios, launches fintech consultations
Systemically important banks must increase capital ratios; smaller banks can choose “basic” or “universal” licences
Gontareva accused of complicity in money laundering
Ex-governor denies she improperly helped former president Yanukovych
Russian central bank bails out country’s ninth-largest lender
Move is sign of continuing squeeze on private banks, observers say; Bank of Russia also cuts policy rates for fourth time in 2017
Russian central bank becomes sole shareholder in failed bank
Central bank injects approximately $7.7 billion into Otkritie
Russian central bank closes two more banks for malpractice
Smaller banks will be able to operate with “basic licences” from 2018, Nabiullina says
Bank of Russia allows country’s largest bank to use IRB approach
Sberbank is first Russian bank to be allowed to use IRB
New Russian banknote provokes anger in Ukraine
Ukrainian central bank prohibits institutions from handling new note, which depicts scenes from Crimea region; design was chosen by the public in 2016