Understanding the Role of Bank of Papua New Guinea

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The Bank of Papua New Guinea plays a vital role in the country's economy, serving as the central bank and monetary authority. It was established in 1973 to regulate the country's financial system.

The Bank of Papua New Guinea is responsible for maintaining the stability of the country's currency, the Kina. It does this by setting monetary policy and regulating commercial banks to ensure they maintain adequate liquidity and solvency.

The bank also oversees the country's financial system, ensuring that it remains stable and secure. This includes regulating non-bank financial institutions like insurance companies and pension funds.

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has a mandate to promote economic growth and development in Papua New Guinea.

History of Central Banking

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has a rich history, and it all began with the Central Banking Act 1973. This act established the Bank of Papua New Guinea as the central bank, defining its powers and functions.

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Before Papua New Guinea's independence, the central bank was a branch of the Reserve Bank of Australia, the colonial power. This is a significant fact, highlighting the country's transition from colonial rule to independence.

The Central Banking Act 2000 amended the laws establishing the Bank of Papua New Guinea, defining its objectives and functions. These functions include formulating and implementing monetary policies, regulating the financial system, and making provisions for the Papua New Guinean currency and foreign exchange.

Here are the key objectives and functions defined by the Central Banking Act 2000:

  1. Formulation and implementation of monetary policies and regulation of the financial system
  2. Make provision for and regulate the Papua New Guinean currency
  3. Make provisions in respect of foreign exchange and international reserves

The first review of the Bank of Papua New Guinea since 2000 was commissioned in June 2021 by the Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey. The aim was to bring the Bank's systems and structure in line with current conditions, including better oversight of financial services conducted online.

Regulatory Measures

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has a robust regulatory framework in place.

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The bank is responsible for ensuring that all financial institutions in the country comply with the Financial Institutions Supervisory Act of 1993.

The Financial Institutions Supervisory Act of 1993 requires financial institutions to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 8%.

The bank also regulates the country's foreign exchange market, ensuring that it operates in a fair and orderly manner.

The bank's regulatory measures are designed to maintain financial stability and prevent the misuse of financial institutions.

Central Banking

The Central Banking Act 1973 established the Bank of Papua New Guinea as the central bank, defining its powers and functions. Before Papua New Guinea's independence, the central bank was a branch of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The Central Banking Act 2000 amended the laws establishing the Bank of Papua New Guinea, defining its objectives and functions. The Bank's objectives and functions now include the formulation and implementation of monetary policies and regulation of the financial system.

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The Central Banking Act 2000 also made provision for and regulated the Papua New Guinean currency, and made provisions in respect of foreign exchange and international reserves. This act aimed to bring the Bank's systems and structure in line with the needs of current conditions.

Here are the key objectives and functions of the Bank of Papua New Guinea as defined by the Central Banking Act 2000:

  1. Formulation and implementation of monetary policies and regulation of the financial system
  2. Make provision for and regulate the Papua New Guinean currency
  3. Make provisions in respect of foreign exchange and international reserves

In June 2021, the Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey, commissioned a review of the Bank of Papua New Guinea to bring its systems and structure in line with current conditions, including better oversight of financial services increasingly conducted online.

Controversies

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has not been immune to controversies.

In 2010, a former deputy governor was arrested for allegedly misappropriating K16,000 in travel allowance from the bank.

The officer had a 20-year career at the bank before leaving suddenly in 2003.

The bank's Governor Sir Wilson Kamit took the unusual step of placing an advertisement in a newspaper to explain the officer's departure.

The advertisement revealed that the officer was fired due to misappropriation of money belonging to the bank.

Economic Reforms and Funding

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The Bank of Papua New Guinea has been working hard to implement economic reforms and secure funding for the country. The IMF has disbursed $125 million to support these efforts.

The central bank is taking steps to address the country's economic challenges, including rising inflation and an overvalued currency. The kina is heavily overvalued, according to the IMF.

To combat inflation, the central bank will stop processing cheques from larger businesses from the end of 2023. This move aims to reduce the money supply and ease inflationary pressures.

The central bank will also look to disclose more information around risk exposures, making it easier for the public to understand the institution's financial situation.

Here are some key points about the Bank of Papua New Guinea's economic reforms and funding:

  • The central bank will review its board and policy framework to ensure it is aligned with the country's economic needs.
  • The central bank will allow itself to be financed, giving it more flexibility to implement economic reforms.
  • The governor has called for the country to diversify its industries and create a culture of savings.
  • The central bank has been criticized for being too closely tied to the government, with some claiming it has become an "inanimate puppet" in the government's game of fiscal policy.

Background and Overview

The Bank of Papua New Guinea is the central bank of Papua New Guinea, established in 1973 to regulate the country's financial system.

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It is headquartered in Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea.

The bank's main objective is to promote monetary stability and maintain the value of the Papua New Guinea Kina, the country's currency.

The bank's operations are governed by the Bank of Papua New Guinea Act of 1973, which sets out its powers and responsibilities.

The bank has a range of functions, including setting interest rates, regulating banks, and managing the country's foreign exchange reserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is Bank of Papua New Guinea?

The Bank of Papua New Guinea is the central bank of Papua New Guinea, a country located in the Pacific Islands region. It serves as the country's monetary authority, responsible for maintaining financial stability and promoting economic growth.

What banks are in Papua New Guinea?

In Papua New Guinea, you can bank with several reputable institutions, including Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (PNG) Limited, BSP Financial Group Limited, and Westpac Bank (PNG) Limited, among others. These banks offer a range of financial services to individuals and businesses.

Carole Veum

Junior Writer

Carole Veum is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for financial journalism. Her work has appeared in several notable publications, covering a range of topics including banking and mergers and acquisitions. Veum's articles on the Banks of Kenya provide a comprehensive understanding of the local financial landscape, while her pieces on 2013 Mergers and Acquisitions offer insightful analysis of significant corporate transactions.

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