Web Directory: Banks

The Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) is the central bank of the Republic of Austria and as such an integral part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The OeNB contributes, in the public interest, to monetary and economic policy decision-making in Austria and the euro area. In fulfilling this role, the OeNB is independent and not bound by any instructions. Its core business areas are cash management, monetary policy, financial stability, statistics, and payments. An organization committed to diversity and sustainability, the OeNB also promotes the sciences and research, and it supports cultural activities.

The Österreichische Nationalbank was started in 1816 by Johann Philipp Stadion, Count von Warthausen in the reign of Francis I (Franz I.), the first Emperor of Austria. The foundation of this bank followed a period of high currency devaluation in Austria during the war times when paper money was issued by the Habsburg state.

The Österreichische Nationalbank (ÖNB) is the central bank of the Republic of Austria and, as such, an integral part of both the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Eurozone. In the public interest, the National Bank of Austria contributes to monetary and economic policy decision-making in Austria and in the Euro area.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is Australia's central bank. It conducts monetary policy, works to maintain a strong financial system and issues the nation's banknotes. The Reserve Bank commenced operations as Australia's central bank on 14 January 1960.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) came into being on 14 January 1960 as Australia's central bank and banknote issuing authority, when the Reserve Bank Act 1959 removed the central banking functions from the Commonwealth Bank.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (the Authority or BMA) regulates Bermuda's financial services sector. The Authority was established by statute in 1969. Its role has evolved over the years to meet changing needs in the financial services sector. Today it supervises, regulates and inspects financial institutions ​operating in the jurisdiction. It also issues Bermuda’s national currency, manages exchange control transactions, assists other authorities with the detection and prevention of financial crime, and advises Government on banking and other financial and monetary matters.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (the Authority) is the integrated regulator of the financial services sector in Bermuda. Established under the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969, the Authority supervises, regulates and inspects financial institutions operating from within the jurisdiction. It also issues Bermuda's national currency; manages exchange control transactions; assists other authorities in Bermuda with the detection and prevention of financial crime; and advises the Government and public bodies on banking and other financial and monetary matters.

The Bank of Brazil was originally set up with mixed responsibilities. As a Central Bank, it performed the roles of depositary, discount and issuing bank. In addition, it was responsible for selling the exclusive products of the State administration and Royal contracts. This dual role performed by the Bank of Brazil is seen as one of the factors that explains why it took so long before a true Central Bank was established.

In December 1964, a law was passed establishing the Central Bank of Brazil as a federal agency, part of the National Financial System.

The Central Bank of Brazil (Portuguese: Banco Central do Brasil) is Brazil's central bank. It was established on December 31, 1964.

The Central Bank is linked with the Ministry of Finance. Like other central banks, the Brazilian central bank is the principal monetary authority of the country. It received this authority when it was founded by three different institutions: the Bureau of Currency and Credit (SUMOC), the Bank of Brazil (BB), and the National Treasury.

The BNB’s major objective is to maintain price stability by ensuring the stability of the national currency. The Bank supports the creation and functioning of efficient payment systems and exerts oversight over these. It is the only issuing institution in Bulgaria and maintains the cash cycle. The BNB shall regulate and supervise other banks’ activities in this country for the purpose of ensuring the stability of the banking system and protecting depositors’ interests. The Bank carries out research work, compiles, aggregates and analyses statistical data.

The Bulgarian National Bank (Bulgarian: Българска народна банка, Balgarska narodna banka) is the central bank of the Republic of Bulgaria with its headquarters in Sofia. The BNB was established on 25 January 1879. It is an independent institution responsible for issuing all banknotes and coins in the country, overseeing and regulating the banking sector and keeping the government's currency reserves. The BNB is also the sole owner of the Bulgarian Mint.

The Bank of Canada is the country's central bank. Its role, as defined in the original Bank of Canada Act of 1934, is "to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada".

The Bank of Canada, BoC (French: Banque du Canada) is Canada's central bank. The Bank was chartered by and under the Bank of Canada Act on July 3, 1934, as a privately-owned corporation. In 1938, the Bank was legally designated a federal Crown corporation, whose shares are owned by the Government of Canada, and executively administered by the Crown in Right of Canada through the Governor of the Bank of Canada. The Minister of Finance holds the entire share capital issued by the bank. "Ultimately, the [shares in the corporation comprising the] Bank [are] owned by the Minister of Finance on behalf of [the Crown] in Right of Canada".

The CNB is the central bank of the Czech Republic and the supervisor of the Czech financial market. As an independent institution, the Czech National Bank maintains price stability, supervises the financial system and supports its balanced development, and ensures smooth circulation of money and smooth payments.

The Czech National Bank, (Czech: Česká národní banka, ČNB) is the central bank and financial market supervisor in the Czech Republic with its headquarters in Prague. In accordance with its primary objective, the CNB sets monetary policy, issues banknotes and coins and manages the circulation of currency, the payment system and settlement between banks. It also performs supervision of the banking sector, the capital market, the insurance industry, pension funds, credit unions and electronic money institutions, as well as foreign exchange supervision.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for Europe's single currency, the euro. The ECB’s main task is to maintain the euro's purchasing power and price stability in the euro area. The euro area comprises the 19 European Union countries that have introduced the euro since 1999.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank for the euro and administers monetary policy of the Eurozone, which consists of 19 EU member states and is one of the largest currency areas in the world. It is one of the world's most important central banks and is one of the seven institutions of the European Union (EU) listed in the Treaty on European Union (TEU). The capital stock of the bank is owned by the central banks of all 28 EU member states.

The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Central Office of the Reserve Bank was initially established in Calcutta but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. The Central Office is where the Governor sits and where policies are formulated. Though originally privately owned, since nationalisation in 1949, the Reserve Bank is fully owned by the Government of India.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI, Hindi:भारतीय रिज़र्व बैंक) is India's central banking institution, which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee. It commenced its operations on 1 April 1935 during the British Rule in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The original share capital was divided into shares of 100 each fully paid, which were initially owned entirely by private shareholders. Following India's independence on 15 August 1947, the RBI was nationalised on 1 January 1949.

Bank Indonesia has one single overarching objective: to establish and maintain rupiah stability. This objective incorporates two key aspects: the first is a stable rupiah for goods and services, reflected by the inflation rate. The second is exchange rate stability against other foreign currencies, which is reflected by rupiah performance against other foreign currencies.

Bank Indonesia (BI) is the central bank of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Central Bank Reform Act, 2010, created a new single unitary body – the Central Bank of Ireland - responsible for both central banking and financial regulation. The new structure replaced the previous related entities, the Central Bank and the Financial Services Authority of Ireland and the Financial Regulator. The Act commenced on 1 October 2010.

The Central Bank of Ireland (Irish: Banc Ceannais na hÉireann) is the financial services regulator of Ireland and historically the central bank. The bank was the issuer of Irish pound banknotes and coinage until the introduction of the euro currency, and now provides this service for the European Central Bank.

The bank was founded in 1943 and since 1 January 1972 has been the banker of the Government of Ireland in accordance with the Central Bank Act 1971, which can be seen in legislative terms as completing the long transition from a currency board to a fully functional central bank.

The Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (CBC; Chinese: 中華民國中央銀行; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Mínguó Zhōngyāng Yínháng), known in English from 1924 to 2007 as the Central Bank of China, is the central bank of the Republic of China, now commonly known as Taiwan.

Its legal and common name in Chinese is literally translated as the "Central Bank". The central bank is administered under the Executive Yuan of the ROC government.

The Central Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) (CBC; Chinese: 中華民國中央銀行; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Mínguó Zhōngyāng Yínháng), known in English from 1924 to 2007 as the Central Bank of China, is the central bank of the Republic of China, now commonly known as Taiwan.

Its legal and common name in Chinese is literally translated as the "Central Bank". The central bank is administered under the Executive Yuan of the ROC government.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has its origins in the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which was created in March 1956 as a central bank for the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. The Reserve Bank was the successor to the Central Currency Board, which had the sole right to issue currency.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the central bank of Zimbabwe. The bank traces its history to the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, founded in March 1956, which in turn was the successor to the Central Currency Board. The Reserve Bank has continued to function, and has grown in operations and staff, through a variety of changes in sovereignty and governmental structure in Rhodesia and Zimbabwe.

The Ottoman Bank (Turkish: Osmanlı Bankası) (formerly Imperial Ottoman Bank, Ottoman Turkish: Bank-ı Osmanî-i Şahane‎) was founded in 1856 in the Galata business section of İstanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, as a joint venture between British interests, the Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas of France, and the Ottoman government. It operated as the Imperial Ottoman Bank from 1863 to 1924. Privileged as a state bank, it carried out the functions of a central bank.

The basic functions of the Royal Monetary Authority are to formulate and implement necessary monetary policy with a view to achieving and maintaining price stability; developing, regulating and supervising banking and financial system, including payments system, to support macro-economic objectives of the Royal government, bring in international best practices and to protect it against systemic risks and thereby enhance its credibility at the national and international levels.

The Central Bank of Madagascar (Malagasy: Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara; French: Banque Centrale de Madagascar, BCM) is the central bank of Madagascar.

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (Dutch: Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten, previously the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles) is the central bank for the Netherlands Antillean guilder and administers the monetary policy of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The bank dates to 1828 making it the oldest central bank in the Americas.

The National Bank of Poland (Polish: Narodowy Bank Polski, NBP) is the central bank of Poland. It controls the issuing of Poland's currency, the złoty. The Bank is headquartered in Warsaw, and has branches in 16 major Polish towns. The NBP represents Poland in the European System of Central Banks, an EU organisation.

Prior to 1970, the various monetary functions associated with a central bank were performed by several government departments and agencies. As Singapore progressed, the demands of an increasingly complex banking and monetary environment necessitated streamlining the functions to facilitate the development of a more dynamic and coherent policy on monetary matters. Therefore in 1970, Parliament passed the Monetary Authority of Singapore Act leading to the formation of MAS on 1 January 1971. The passing of the MAS Act gave MAS the authority to regulate the financial services sector in Singapore.

The MAS has been given powers to act as a banker to and financial agent of the Government. It has also been entrusted to promote monetary stability, and credit and exchange policies conducive to the growth of the economy.

National Bank of Slovakia (Slovak: Národná banka Slovenska, NBS), is the central bank of Slovakia, which is a member of the European Union and the European System of Central Banks. Since 1 January 2009, it has also been a member of Eurosystem.

The Central Bank of Montenegro (Montenegrin: Centralna Banka Crne Gore) is the central bank of Montenegro. The mission of the central bank is to establish and maintain a sound banking system and monetary policy.

The Central Bank of Belize regulates Belize’s financial system, provides economic data and publications, provides services to the government and financial institutions, and issues Belize’s currency.

Danmarks Nationalbank (English: Danish National Bank; in Danish often simply Nationalbanken) is the central bank of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is a non-eurozone member of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). Since its establishment in 1818, objective of the Nationalbank as an independent and credible institution is to issue the Danish currency, the krone, and ensure its stability. The Board of Governors holds full responsibility for the monetary policy.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (Greek: Kεντρική Τράπεζα της Κύπρου Turkish: Kıbrıs Merkez Bankası), is the central bank of the Republic of Cyprus, located in Nicosia. It was established in 1963. The bank issued Cypriot pound banknotes and coins prior to 2008, when Cyprus adopted the euro.

The Reserve Bank of Vanuatu is the central bank of Vanuatu. It was initially known as the Central Bank of Vanuatu after the nation's independence from France and the United Kingdom.

The bank began operations on 1 January 1981 and was initially responsible for currency exchange. It established the Vatu as the national currency to replace the circulation of the New Hebrides franc and Australian dollar. The bank also replaced the role of the Banque Indosuez Vanuatu.

The institution's name was changed to the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu in May 1989 and its responsibility over the national banking industry was expanded.

Bank Negara Malaysia (the Central Bank of Malaysia), is a statutory body which started operations on 26 January 1959. Bank Negara Malaysia is governed by the Central Bank of Malaysia Act 2009. The role of Bank Negara Malaysia is to promote monetary and financial stability. This is aimed at providing a conducive environment for the sustainable growth of the Malaysian economy.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is the central bank of New Zealand. It was established in 1934 and is constituted under the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989. The Governor of the Reserve Bank is responsible for New Zealand's currency and operating monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand does not offer financial services to the public nor does it offer deposit insurance, and its website refers people to other financial institutions.

The Central Bank of Kenya is responsible for formulating monetary policy to achieve and maintain price stability. The Central Bank also promotes financial stability; an effective and efficient payment, clearing and settlement system; formulates and implements foreign exchange policies; holds and manages foreign exchange reserves; issuing of currency; and is the banker for, adviser to and fiscal agent of the Government.

The National Bank of Angola (Portuguese: Banco Nacional de Angola) is the central bank of Angola. It is state-owned and the Government of Angola is the sole shareholder. The bank is based in Luanda, was created in 1926, but traces its ancestry back to 1865. The National Bank of Angola is active in developing financial inclusion policy and is a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion.

The Central Bank of Aruba (Dutch: Centrale Bank van Aruba) is the central bank in Aruba responsible for implementation of monetary policy of the Aruban florin.

Da Afghanistan Bank (Pashto: دافغانستان بانک‎; Persian: بانک مرکزی افغانستان ) is the central bank of Afghanistan. It regulates all banking and money handling operations in Afghanistan. The bank currently has 47 branches throughout the country, with five of these situated in Kabul, where the headquarters is also based.

Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) is one of the leading & government recognized bank of Afghanistan which was established in 1939.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is the central bank of Switzerland, and is therefore responsible for the monetary policy of the nation of Switzerland and also for the issuing of Swiss franc banknotes. The bank is otherwise known as: German: Schweizerische Nationalbank; French: Banque nationale suisse; Italian: Banca nazionale svizzera; Romansh: Banca naziunala svizra, which are the four official languages of the country.

The SNB is an aktiengesellschaft under special regulations, and has two head offices, one is in Bern and the other one in Zurich.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (Greek: Kεντρική Τράπεζα της Κύπρου Turkish: Kıbrıs Merkez Bankası), is the central bank of the Republic of Cyprus, located in Nicosia. It was established in 1963. The bank issued Cypriot pound banknotes and coins prior to 2008, when Cyprus adopted the euro.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) (Swahili: Banki Kuu ya Kenya) is the monetary authority of Kenya. The Bank's Head Office is located in Nairobi. CBK was founded in 1966 after the dissolution of East African Currency Board (EACB).

The Bank of Italy is the central bank of the Republic of Italy. It is a public-law institution regulated by national and European legislation. It is an integral part of the Eurosystem, which is made up of the national central banks of the euro area and the European Central Bank. The Eurosystem and the central banks of the member states of the European Union that have not adopted the euro make up the European System of Central Banks.

The Banco de Portugal (English: Bank of Portugal) is the central bank of the Portuguese Republic. Established by a royal charter on 19 November 1846 to act as a commercial bank and issuing bank, it came about as the result of a merger of the Banco de Lisboa and the Companhia de Confiança Nacional, an investment company specialised in the financing of the public debt. The bank issues legal tender that is designated as the national currency – the real until 1911, the escudo from 1911 until 1998, and the euro since 1999.

The Bank of Mexico (Spanish: Banco de México), abbreviated BdeM or Banxico, is Mexico's central bank, monetary authority and lender of last resort. The Bank of Mexico is autonomous in exercising its functions, and its main objective is to achieve stability in the purchasing power of the national currency.

Latvijas Banka is the central bank of Latvia – an independent institution and a member of the Eurosystem. The primary objective of Latvijas Banka is the same as that of the central banks of other euro area countries and the European Central Bank: price stability (inflation rates below, but close to, 2% over the medium term). This is an essential precondition for a strong and growth-oriented economy. To achieve that, Latvijas Banka participates in the formulation and implementation of the Eurosystem's monetary policy.

The Central Bank of Bolivia (Spanish: Banco Central de Bolivia) is the central bank of Bolivia, responsible for monetary policy and the issuance of banknotes.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA, Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Mərkəzi Bankı) is the central bank of Azerbaijan Republic. The headquarters of the bank are located in the capital city Baku. Is established on the basis of the State Bank, the former USSR Promstroybank, the Agroprombank of the USSR pursuant to the Decree of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Launch of the National Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dated 11 February 1992.

Eesti Pank (Bank of Estonia) is the central bank of the Republic of Estonia and a member of the European System of Central Banks, and it abides by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia Amendment Act, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and European Central Bank, the legal acts of the European Central Bank, the Eesti Pank Act, other laws and this Statute.

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in accordance with the Law adopted at the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 20 June 1997. The Central Bank started its operation on 11 August 1997.

Vanuatu achieved its political independence from Great Britain and France on July 30,1980. Five months after the birth of the new nation, Parliament approved the Central Bank Act, which marked the formal establishment of the Central Bank of Vanuatu. "There is hereby established a bank to be known as the Central Bank of Vanuatu which shall be a body corporate under that name." (Central Bank of Vanuatu Act)

The Central Bank of Vanuatu was created as public institution, with the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu controlling 100% of the shares.

Danmarks Nationalbank is the central bank of Denmark and is a self-governing, independent institution. The independence of Danmarks Nationalbank is incorporated into the Danmarks Nationalbank Act from 1936, in that the bank's Board of Governors is solely responsible for determining monetary-policy interest rates.

Danmarks Nationalbank's three main objectives are to contribute to ensuring stable prices, safe payments and a stable financial system.

Bangladesh Bank (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ ব্যাংক) is the central bank of Bangladesh and is a member of the Asian Clearing Union.

The bank is active in developing green banking and financial inclusion policy and is an important member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), a department of Bangladesh Bank, has got the membership of Egmont Group.

Bangladesh Bank is the first central bank in the world to introduce a dedicated hotline (16236) for the general populace to complain any banking related problem. Moreover, the organisation is the first central bank in the world to issue a "Green Banking Policy". To acknowledge this contribution, then-governor Dr. Atiur Rahman was given the title 'Green Governor' at the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference, held at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha .

The Bank of Guyana is the central bank of Guyana. It was established in 1965 in advance of the country's independence in 1966.

The Central Bank of Bahrain was established in 1973 as the Bahrain Monetary Agency, shortly after Bahrain gained its independence from the United Kingdom. As per Decree No. 64 of 2006 with respect to promulgating the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law, the Bahrain Monetary Agency is now the Central Bank of Bahrain.

The National Bank of Moldova (Romanian: Banca Naţională a Moldovei) is the central bank of the Republic of Moldova.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (Abbreviation: MAS; Chinese: 新加坡金融管理局; Malay: Penguasa Kewangan Singapura) is Singapore's central bank and financial regulatory authority. It administers the various statutes pertaining to money, banking, insurance, securities and the financial sector in general, as well as currency issuance. The acronym is a play on words, as "mas" means "gold" in Malay.

The Bank of Jamaica is the central bank of Jamaica located in Kingston. It was established by the Bank of Jamaica Act 1960 and was opened on May 1, 1961. It is responsible for the monetary policy of Jamaica on the instruction of the Minister of Finance.

The National Bank of Belgium (NBB; Dutch: Nationale Bank van België, French: Banque nationale de Belgique, German: Belgische Nationalbank) has been the central bank of Belgium since 1850. The National Bank of Belgium was established with 100% private capital by a law of 5 May 1850 as a Société Anonyme (SA). It is a member of the European System of Central Banks.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) was established on 1 April 1993 by merging the Office of the Exchange Fund with the Office of the Commissioner of Banking. Its main functions and responsibilities are governed by the Exchange Fund Ordinance and the Banking Ordinance and it reports to the Financial Secretary.

The Bank of Guyana was established by virtue of the Bank of Guyana Ordinance No. 23 of 1965. Actual operation commenced on October 16. 1965 – seven months before the country gained political independence. The early establishment of the Bank was promoted by an agreement of the U.K. Government (acting for the still colonial members of the British Caribbean Currency Board (BCCB) and the Trinidad & Tobago Government), for the dissolution of the BCCB by mid-1967 and the cessation of issuance of currency after 1965.

The Central Bank of Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստանի Հանրապետության Կենտրոնական Բանկ) is the central bank of Armenia with its headquarters in Yerevan. The CBA is an independent institution responsible for issuing all banknotes and coins in the country, overseeing and regulating the banking sector and keeping the government's currency reserves. The CBA is also the sole owner of the Armenian Mint.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP; Urdu: بینک دولت پاکستان‎) is the central bank of Pakistan. While its constitution, as originally laid down in the State Bank of Pakistan Order 1948, remained basically unchanged until January 1, 1974, when the bank was nationalized, the scope of its functions was considerably enlarged. The State Bank of Pakistan Act 1956, with subsequent amendments, forms the basis of its operations today. The headquarters are located in the financial capital of Pakistan, Karachi with branch offices in 15 cities across Pakistan, including the capital city, Islamabad and the four provincial capitals.

On October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan restored its state independence. It is interesting that the legal basis for establishment of a banking system of the independent Azerbaijan Republic, including the National Bank was formed a short while before. Thus Article 14 of the Constitution Act on the Basis for Economic Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dated May 25, 1991, called “Banking System and Money Turnover” covered these issues as a whole. This article alongside with stipulation of legal basis of independent banking system and turnover of national monetary unit of Azerbaijan, as well established the status and authorities of the National Bank of Azerbaijan. Thus, the National Bank was declared a supreme emission agency that pursues the state policy in the sphere of credit, money turnover, settlements and foreign exchange relations, regulates overall activity of the banking system as a whole and fulfills duties of reserve bank functions.

The Bank of Albania (Albanian: Banka e Shqipërisë) is the central bank of Albania based in Tirana. The bank of Albania has considerably evolved since being established, together with economic, political, and social developments. The main headquarters of the bank is in Tirana. The bank also has five other branches located in Shkodër, Elbasan, Gjirokastër, Korçë, and Lushnjë.

Banco de Portugal was established on 19 November 1846 and is the central bank of the Portuguese Republic.

The Bank is part of the Eurosystem - comprising the ECB and the national central banks of the Member States whose currency is the euro - since its creation on 1 January 1999.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) is responsible for safeguarding financial stability. More particularly, DNB contributes to defining and implementing the single monetary policy of the countries which have introduced the euro promotes the smooth operation of the payment system, and supervises financial institutions and the financial sector.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB, The Dutch Bank) is the central bank of the Netherlands. It is part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).

The Central Bank of Montenegro is the central bank of Montenegro. The mission of the central bank is to establish and maintain a sound banking system and monetary policy.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT, Thai: ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย) is the central bank of Thailand.

Founded in 1946, BNI is the first bank formed and owned by the Government of Indonesia. During the struggle for Indonesia's independence, BNI had once served as both the central bank and commercial bank.

Bank Negara Indonesia is the Indonesian State Bank. It has branches primarily in Indonesia, but it can also found in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London and New York.

The Swiss National Bank conducts the country’s monetary policy as an independent central bank. It is obliged by the Constitution and by statute to act in accordance with the interests of the country as a whole. Its primary goal is to ensure price stability, while taking due account of economic developments. In so doing, it creates an appropriate environment for economic growth.

The primary objective of the Bank is to promote domestic price stability. The other objectives of the Bank are - a) to advise the Government on banking, monetary and financial matters, including the monetary implications of proposed fiscal, credit policies or operations of the Government; and b) to promote a sound financial system.

National Bank of Georgia (Georgian: საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი) is the central bank of Georgia. Its status is defined by the Constitution of Georgia.

Georgia's first central bank was established in 1919. In its current form the bank has existed since 1991. According to the Constitution of Georgia, it is independent of state control, and is tasked with ensuring price stability.

The Bank of Algeria (Arabic: بنك الجزائر ‎, French: Banque d'Algérie) is the central bank of Algeria. The bank is located in Algiers.

The Bank of Algeria sets the conditions under which banks and financial institutions in Algeria and abroad can be allowed to be in Algeria and to operate there. It establishes, moreover, the conditions under which such authority may be amended or withdrawn.

The organization of the bank includes the Conseil de la Monnaie et du Crédit, the Commission Bancaire (Banking Commission) and the Bank of Algeria itself.

The Central Bank fills the traditional roles as issuer of legal tender, banker to both domestic banks and the government, and regulator and supervisor of the banking sector. As supervisor of banks, the Central Bank promotes the soundness of banks through the effective application of international regulatory and supervisory standards. These standards were completely revamped during 2000 and 2001 - in response to global multi-lateral initiatives - to heighten the fight against money laundering and other criminal abuses within the international financial system.

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is the central bank of Georgia. Its status is defined by the Constitution of Georgia. The main objective of the National Bank is to ensure price stability.

Georgia's first central bank was established in 1919. In its current form the National Bank of Georgia has existed since 1991.

According to the Constitution of Georgia, the National Bank is independent in its activities. The members of Georgia’s legislative and executive bodies do not have the right to intervene in the NBG’s activities. The rights and obligations of the National Bank of Georgia as the central bank of the country, the principles of its activity and the guarantee of its independence are defined in the Organic Law of Georgia on the National Bank of Georgia.

The Deutsche Bundesbank is the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany and as such part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). Due to its strength and former size, the Bundesbank is the most influential member of the ESCB. Both the Bundesbank and the European Central Bank (ECB) are located in Frankfurt, Germany. It is sometimes referred to as "Buba" for Bundesbank, while its official abbreviation is BBk.

Národná banka Slovenska is the central bank of the Slovak Republic.

Since 1 January 2009, National Bank of Slovakia has been part of the Eurosystem. In cooperation with the European Central Bank and central banks of the euro area countries, it maintains the price stability. Within the Eurosystem, National Bank of Slovakia fulfills tasks related to: monetary policy, foreign exchange operations and reserves, issuing euro banknotes and coins, payment systems, statistics
international cooperation, mutual cooperation and support among central banks, financial stability in the euro area.

Another important role of Národná banka Slovenska is supervision of the financial market.

National Bank of Ukraine (Ukrainian: Національний банк України) or NBU (Ukrainian: НБУ) is the central bank of Ukraine - a government body responsible for unified state policy in the field of country's monetary circulation, including strengthening of national currency unit - hryvnia. It regulates and supervises activities, functions and legal status of government and commercial banks based on principles of the Constitution of Ukraine and the law of Ukraine "About the National Bank of Ukraine".

The State Bank of the GDR (German: Staatsbank der DDR) was the central bank of East Germany. It was established on 1 January 1968 from the Deutsche Notenbank and took over the majority of the same tasks.

The State Bank of the GDR was responsible for the administration of the internal account settlement and banking system, the issue of money and control of money circulation within the GDR, administration of the exchange control regulations and settlement of foreign currency accounts with overseas companies and governments (Zahlungsverkehr by transfer). In addition, the bank bought and sold financial securities and administered the purchase, sale and holding of precious metals for foreign exchange purposes.

The Bank of Israel (Hebrew: בנק ישראל‎, Arabic: بنك إسرائيل‎) is the central bank of Israel. It is located in Kiryat HaMemshala in Jerusalem, with a branch office in Tel Aviv.

The Bank of Italy, known in Italian as [La] Banca d'Italia, also known as Bankitalia, is the central bank of Italy and part of the European System of Central Banks. It is located in Palazzo Koch, via Nazionale, Rome.

Bangladesh Bank, the central bank and apex regulatory body for the country's monetary and financial system, was established in Dhaka as a body corporate vide the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 127 of 1972) with effect from 16th December, 1971. At present it has ten offices located at Motijheel, Sadarghat, Chittagong, Khulna, Bogra, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, Rangpur and Mymensingh in Bangladesh.

The Bank’s most important objectives are to maintain the external stability of the Netherlands Antillean guilder (NAf.) and to promote the efficient functioning of the financial system in the Countries Curacao and St. Maarten. To realize these objectives, the Bank, as supervisory authority, has frequently recurred to credit control measures and/or to changing the discount rate.

The Central Bank of Venezuela (Spanish: Banco Central de Venezuela, BCV) is the central bank of Venezuela. It maintains a fixed exchange rate for the Venezuelan bolívar.

The Banque centrale du Luxembourg (BCL) is the monetary authority of Luxembourg and a member of the Eurosystem and the European System of Central Banks.

The Central Bank of Venezuela (Spanish: Banco Central de Venezuela, BCV) is the central bank of Venezuela. It maintains a fixed exchange rate for the Venezuelan bolívar.

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian: Centralna banka Bosne i Hercegovine / Централна банка Босне и Херцеговине) is the central bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the capital city, Sarajevo.

The National Bank of Serbia is independent and autonomous in carrying out its tasks laid down by the NBS Law and other laws, and is accountable for its work to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

The primary objective of the NBS is to achieve and maintain price stability. Without prejudice to its primary objective, the NBS also contributes to maintaining and strengthening of the stability of the financial system.

The Central Bank of Bahrain ('CBB') is a public corporate entity established by the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law 2006. It was created on 6th September 2006. The CBB is responsible for maintaining monetary and financial stability in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is also the single integrated regulator of Bahrain's financial industry.

The Centrale Bank van Aruba (the CBA) is a legal entity in itself within the public sector. Its main purpose is to maintain the internal and external value of the Aruban florin, and to promote the soundness and integrity of the financial system. The CBA is not a commercial banking institution.

The National Bank of Belgium has been Belgium's central bank since 1850. It performs tasks in the general interest at both national and international level.

The Deutsche Bundesbank was established as the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957. The Central Office is located in Frankfurt am Main. There are Regional Offices in nine German cities. They in turn have 35 branches.

The Central Bank of Bolivia (Spanish: Banco Central de Bolivia) is the central bank of Bolivia, responsible for monetary policy and the issuance of banknotes.

The Central Bank of Madagascar (Malagasy: Banky Foiben'i Madagasikara; French: Banque Centrale de Madagascar, BCM) is the central bank of Madagascar.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT, Thai: ธนาคารแห่งประเทศไทย) is the central bank of Thailand.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA, Chinese: 香港金融管理局 or 金管局) is Hong Kong's currency board and de facto central bank. It is a government authority founded on 1 April 1993 when the Office of the Exchange Fund and the Office of the Commissioner of Banking merged. The organisation reports directly to the Financial Secretary.

Narodowy Bank Polski is the central bank of the Republic of Poland. Its tasks are stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, the Act on Narodowy Bank Polski and the Banking Act. The fundamental objective of the NBP's activity is to maintain price stability. As an issuer of currency, the NBP maintains the liquidity of cash payments. An important objective of the NBP is guarding the stability of the financial system. As part of its supervisory and regulatory functions, the NBP oversees the liquidity, efficiency and security of the payment system.

Two banks have borne the name Bank of Crete (Τράπεζα Κρήτης). The first functioned between 1898 and 1918, and the second functioned from 1980 to 1999.

Following the departure of the Ottoman forces in December 1898, the government of the autonomous Cretan State, under Eleftherios Venizelos, established the Bank of Crete (Banque du Crète) with the assistance of the National Bank of Greece and Hambros Brothers. In addition to the functions of commercial and mortgage banking, the bank received the exclusive privilege, for thirty years, of issuing banknotes in the island of Crete. The National Bank of Greece wholly acquired, and subsumed the Bank of Crete in 1919.

The Central Bank of Luxembourg (French: Banque Centrale du Luxembourg, BCL) was founded in 1998, at the same time the European Central Bank was created, by laws dated 22 April and 23 December. It is part of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).

Gosbank (Russian: Госбанк, Государственный банк СССР, Gosudarstvenny bank SSSR - the State Bank of the USSR) was the central bank of the Soviet Union and the only bank whatsoever in the entire Union from the 1930s to 1987. Gosbank was one of the three Soviet economic authorities, the other two being "Gosplan" (the State Planning Committee) and "Gossnab" (the State Committee for Material Technical Supply). The Gosbank closely collaborated with the Ministry of Finance of the USSR to prepare the national state budget.

Banco Nacional Ultramarino (Chinese: 大西洋銀行; English: National Overseas Bank) was a Portuguese bank with operations throughout the world, especially in Portugal's former overseas provinces. It ceased existence as an independent legal entity in Portugal following its merger in 2001 with Caixa Geral de Depósitos, the government-owned savings bank. The Chinese name's meaning is literally Great West Ocean Bank or Atlantic Bank.

The bank continues operations today under the Banco Nacional Ultramarino brand in Macau, a Chinese Special Administrative Region and former Portuguese colony, where it is also licensed to issue Macanese pataca banknotes.

The Swiss National Bank conducts the country’s monetary policy as an independent central bank. It is obliged by the Constitution and by statute to act in accordance with the interests of the country as a whole. Its primary goal is to ensure price stability, while taking due account of economic developments. In so doing, it creates an appropriate environment for economic growth.

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (Reserve Bank) was established on 1 July 1989 as the central bank of Tonga. The principal objectives of the Reserve Bank shall be to maintain internal and external monetary stability, promote financial stability and promote a sound and efficient financial system. The Reserve Bank shall conduct its activities in a manner that supports macroeconomic stability and economic growth.

The Central Bank of Armenia is the central bank of Armenia with its headquarters in Yerevan. The CBA is an independent institution responsible for issuing all banknotes and coins in the country, overseeing and regulating the banking sector and keeping the government's currency reserves. The CBA is also the sole owner of the Armenian Mint.

The Bank of Estonia (Estonian: Eesti Pank) is the central bank of Estonia as well as a member of the Eurosystem organisation of euro area central banks.

Under the State Bank of Pakistan Order 1948, the Bank was charged with the duty to "regulate the issue of Bank notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in Pakistan and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage". The scope of the Bank’s operations was considerably widened in the State Bank of Pakistan Act 1956, which required the Bank to "regulate the monetary and credit system of Pakistan and to foster its growth in the best national interest with a view to securing monetary stability and fuller utilisation of the country’s productive resources". Under financial sector reforms, the State Bank of Pakistan was granted autonomy in February 1994. On 21st January, 1997, this autonomy was further strengthened by issuing three Amendment Ordinances (which were approved by the Parliament in May, 1997) namely, State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956, Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962 and Banks Nationalisation Act, 1974. The changes in the State Bank Act gave full and exclusive authority to the State Bank to regulate the banking sector, to conduct an independent monetary policy and to set limit on government borrowings from the State Bank of Pakistan. The amendments in Banks Nationalisation Act abolished the Pakistan Banking Council (an institution established to look after the affairs of NCBs) and institutionalised the process of appointment of the Chief Executives and Boards of the nationalised commercial banks (NCBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs), with the Sate Bank having a role in their appointment and removal. The amendments also increased the autonomy and accountability of the Chief Executives and the Boards of Directors of banks and DFIs.

The vision of Da Afghanistan Bank is that of a monetary institution which upholds international best practice in fostering price stability and a sound financial system conducive to macro-economic stability, favorable investment climate, private sector development and broad-based economic growth.

The mission of Da Afghanistan Bank is to foster price stability and build a robust financial system.

The Bank of Latvia (Latvian: Latvijas Banka) is the central bank of Latvia. It is one of the key public institutions and carries out economic functions as prescribed by law. It was established in 1922.

The Bank of Algeria (Arabic: بنك الجزائر ‎, French: Banque d'Algérie) is the central bank of Algeria. The bank is located in Algiers.

The Bank of Algeria sets the conditions under which banks and financial institutions in Algeria and abroad can be allowed to be in Algeria and to operate there. It establishes, moreover, the conditions under which such authority may be amended or withdrawn.

The organization of the bank includes the Conseil de la Monnaie et du Crédit, the Commission Bancaire (Banking Commission) and the Bank of Algeria itself.

The Ionian Bank (IB) was a British overseas bank that investors established in 1839 to operate in the Ionian Isles, which was then a British Protectorate. It served also as the central bank of the United States of the Ionian Islands. IB later expanded in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. After losing its branches in Egypt to nationalization, IB retreated from the Mediterranean, selling all its operations there. Michael Behrens and John Trusted then acquired Ionian Bank, converting it into a merchant bank in London. This London operation was never very successful and in 1977 it voluntarily gave up its banking licence. The Greek operation, renamed Ionian Popular Bank, was absorbed into Alpha Bank in 2000.

The Reserve Bank manages monetary policy to maintain price stability, promotes the maintenance of a sound and efficient financial system, and supplies New Zealand banknotes and coins.

The Bank of Albania is the central bank of the Republic of Albania. The Constitution of Albania defines the status of the Bank of Albania and the Law "On the Bank of Albania" lays down its objectives, duties, relationships with the banking system and state institutions in Albania, organisation and management, financial statements, capital and profit allocation.

The primary objective of the Bank of Albania is to achieve and maintain price stability. The Bank of Albania is autonomous and independent from any other authority in the pursuit of its objectives and the performance of its duties.

Samoa did not always have a Central Bank. Before independence in 1962, Samoa used the currency (British pounds, shilling and pence) issued by the Bank of New Zealand, which was owned by the New Zealand Government.

After independence, the currency was initially issued by the Bank of Western Samoa. Like the Bank of New Zealand, this was a commercial bank, but it was partially owned by the Samoan Government, and carried out currency operations and foreign exchange policy on behalf of the Government.

In the early 1970's, the Government decided that it needed to take more formal control of the currency issue. However, at that time the Government saw little need for a central bank, believing that the other duties we now take for granted could be handled in other ways. So the issue of the new currency was put under the control of the new organization, the Monetary Board of Western Samoa. This was established by the Monetary Board of Western Samoa Act of 1974, and came into being in early 1975.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM; literally National Bank of Malaysia, officially Central Bank of Malaysia) is the Malaysian central bank. Established on 26 January 1959 as the Bank Negara Malaya, its main purpose is to issue currency, act as banker and adviser to the Government of Malaysia and regulate the country's financial institutions, credit system and monetary policy. Its headquarters is located in Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia.

Banco de México is the central bank of Mexico. By constitutional mandate, it is autonomous in both its operations and management. Its main function is to provide domestic currency to the Mexican economy and its main priority is to ensure the stability of the domestic currency's purchasing power. Its other functions are to promote both the sound development of the financial system and the optimal functioning of the payment systems.

The Bank of Lithuania is the central bank of the Republic of Lithuania. Its principal objective is to maintain price stability. In seeking its principal objective, the Bank of Lithuania is independent from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania or other institutions of the state.

With Lithuania entering the euro area, the Bank of Lithuania became part of the Eurosystem and together with the European Central Bank (ECB) and the central banks of the other euro area countries will participate in the establishing and implementation of the euro area’s monetary policy.

The central bank takes the means with which it ensures the realization of its objectives and the discharge of its functions. This includes supervising the units of the banking sector, setting the regulatory and supervisory standards to guarantee the sound financial positions of banks, and their efficient performance; as well as issuing the necessary decisions for their implementation, and evaluating the efforts exerted regarding guaranteeing the soundness of bank credit and ensuring the application of standards of credit quality and financial soundness with due regard to international banking norms.

The Bank of Poland (Bank Polski) is the name of two former banks in Poland, each of which acted as a central bank. The first was founded by Prince Francis Xavier Drucki-Lubecki in 1828 in the Congress Kingdom of Poland and functioned until 1885, when it was absorbed by the State Bank of the Russian Empire. The second was founded in 1924 in the Second Polish Republic by Prime Minister Władysław Grabski and was liquidated in 1952.

One year after the independence of Angola, and through the Law No. 69/76 published in the Official Gazette No. 266 - 1st Series of 10 of November of 1976, the National Bank of Angola was created and its Organic Law was approved.

In addition to ensuring the preservation of the value of the national currency, the BNA is essentially responsible for: acting as sole banker of the State, advising the State on monetary, financial and exchange matters, collaborating in the definition and execution of exchange policy, as well as the respective market, manage the external resources of the country or those affected, act as an intermediary in the international monetary relations of the State, ensure the stability of the national financial system, thereby ensuring the role of financier of last recourse.

The Bank of Jamaica, established by the Bank of Jamaica Law (1960), began operations in May 1961, terminating the Currency Board System which had been in existence from 1939.

The Deutschen Rentenbank was a bank established in Germany by a regulation of 15 October 1923 as a state-owned monetary authority authorised to issue Rentenmark currency notes following the collapse of the private Reichsbank's Papiermark currency. The Rentenbank reserves consisted of mortgages against leading industrial properties and the German public accepted these reserves as being sound. This meant that the monetary crisis caused by the public's lack of confidence in the currency of the Reichsbank waned and the hyperinflation ceased. The Rentenmarks continued to be accepted as currency in Germany until 1947.

The National Bank of Ukraine is the central bank of Ukraine, a special central body of the state administration, whose legal status, objectives, functions, powers and principles for organization are determined by the Constitution of Ukraine, Law of Ukraine "On the National Bank of Ukraine" and other laws of Ukraine.

According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the main function of the National Bank is to ensure stability of the monetary unit of Ukraine. When exercising its main function the National Bank shall proceed from the priority of achievement and retention of the price stability in the country. The National Bank shall within its terms of reference promote the banking system stability and sustainability of the economic growth and second the economic policy of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The National Reserve Bank of Tonga (NRBT) is the central bank of Tonga. The Reserve Bank is responsible for regulating the issue and supply of domestic and international currency, as well as promoting monetary stability and economic development. It also advises the Ministry of Finance on banking and monetary matters, acts as the principal banker and fiscal agent of the Government of Tonga, and is responsible for the licensing and supervision of financial institutions. The bank was established on July 1, 1989.

The Central Bank of Seychelles is the central bank of Seychelles. The offices of the bank are located in Victoria, the nation's capital.

The Central Bank is the natural successor to the Monetary Authority of Belize, established from 1976 to 1981, and the Board of Commissioners of Currency running from 1894. The latter is responsible for the devaluation crisis that led to the nationalist movement of the 1950s.

The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is the monetary authority in Egypt. The bank's paid-up capital is 1000 million Egyptian pounds. According to its website, the CBE regulates banks and the banking system of Egypt, formulates and implements Egypt's banking policy, monetary policy and credit policy, including interbank rates; issues banknotes; manages gold and the foreign exchange reserves of the Arab Republic of Egypt; regulates and manages Egypt's presence in the foreign exchange market; supervises the national payments system; manages Egypt's public and private external debt.

The Central Bank of Samoa (Samoan: Faletupe Tutotonu o Samoa) is the central bank of Samoa. Situated in the capital Apia beside the main government buildings, the bank issues the Samoan currency, the Samoan tālā as well as regulating and managing the exchange rate with foreign currencies. In its role as the central bank for the government and the country, it is also responsible for the registration and supervision of commercial banks.

The National Bank of Moldova (Romanian: Banca Naţională a Moldovei) is the central bank of the Republic of Moldova.

The Bank of Lithuania (Lithuanian: Lietuvos Bankas) is the central bank of the Republic of Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania is a member of the European System of Central Banks. Until 2015, the Bank of Lithuania was responsible for issuing the former Lithuanian currency, the litas.

The National Bank of the Republic of Abkhazia (Abkhaz: Аҧсны Аҳәынҭқарра Амилаҭтә Банк, Russian: Национальный банк Республики Абхазия), also known by the short form of Bank of Abkhazia (Russian: Банк Абхазии) is the central bank of the disputed region and partly recognized state of Abkhazia on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It was established on February 28, 1991 since the adoption of the laws "On the National Bank of the Abkhaz SSR" and "On Banks and Banking of the Abkhaz SSR" passed by the Supreme Soviet of the Abkhaz SSR on February 28, 1991.

The Bank of Israel is the central bank of the State of Israel. The Bank was established in 1954. It is situated in Kiryat Ben Gurion in Jerusalem, close to the Knesset (Israel's parliament), the Supreme Court, and government ministries.