
The Central Bank of Liberia is the country's monetary authority, responsible for maintaining price stability and ensuring the stability of the Liberian dollar. It was established in 1949.
The bank's headquarters is located in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. The bank's main objective is to promote economic growth and development in Liberia.
The Central Bank of Liberia has a total of 13 branches across the country, making it accessible to the public.
History of the Central Bank
The Central Bank of Liberia has a rich history that dates back to 1999. It was founded on October 18 of that year by an act of the Liberian legislature.
The Central Bank of Liberia, also known as "CBL", began operations in the year 2000, replacing the National Bank of Liberia, or "NBL", which was dissolved at the same time.
Prior to the CBL's establishment, Liberia's central bank was the National Bank of Liberia, which served from 1974 to 2000.
Establishment and Early Years
The Central Bank of Liberia, also known as the CBL, was founded on October 18, 1999.
The Central Bank of Liberia began operations in the year 2000, marking a significant change from the National Bank of Liberia, which was dissolved at the same time.
Prior to the establishment of the CBL, the National Bank of Liberia served as the country's central bank from 1974 to 2000.
The CBL's founding was a result of an act of the Liberian legislature, which paved the way for its operations to commence in the new millennium.
Notable Events and Milestones
The Central Bank has a rich history, marked by significant events and milestones that have shaped its role in the economy.
The first Central Bank was established in 1693 by William III in England, marking the beginning of modern central banking.
The Bank of England, established in 1694, was granted a monopoly on issuing banknotes, a privilege that would later be replicated by other Central Banks.

The establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913 revolutionized the US financial system, introducing a more decentralized approach to monetary policy.
The Bank of Japan was established in 1882, initially as a private bank, but later became a Central Bank in 1942, playing a crucial role in Japan's economic recovery after World War II.
The European Central Bank was established in 1998, with the goal of promoting economic stability and integration among European countries.
The introduction of electronic banking in the 1960s significantly reduced the need for physical banknotes and coins, transforming the way people conducted financial transactions.
Governance and Leadership
The Central Bank of Liberia has had its fair share of leaders over the years. The first executive governor was Elie E. Saleeby, who served from 2000 to May 2004.
Charles A. Greene took over as governor in May 2004 and held the position until 2006. Joseph Mills Jones was the next governor, serving from 2006 to February 2016. He was succeeded by Charles Sirleaf, who held the position for a brief period from February to April 2016. Milton Alvin Weeks then took the reins from April 2016 to 2018. Nathaniel R. Patray was the governor from 2018 to November 2019, and Jolue Aloysius Tarlue has been serving as governor since November 2019.
List of Governors
The Central Bank of Liberia has had its fair share of governors over the years. Elie E. Saleeby was the first executive governor, serving from 2000 to May 2004.
Charles A. Greene took over as governor in May 2004 and held the position until 2006. Joseph Mills Jones served as governor from 2006 to February 2016, a significant tenure of nearly a decade. Charles Sirleaf briefly took over as governor in February 2016, but his stint was short-lived, lasting only until April 2016. Milton Alvin Weeks succeeded him, serving from April 2016 to 2018. Nathaniel R. Patray was the governor from 2018 until November 2019. Currently, Jolue Aloysius Tarlue holds the position.
Here's a list of the governors of the Central Bank of Liberia:
- Elie E. Saleeby (2000 - May 2004)
- Charles A. Greene (May 2004 - 2006)
- Joseph Mills Jones (2006 - February 2016)
- Charles Sirleaf (February 2016 - April 2016)
- Milton Alvin Weeks (April 2016 - 2018)
- Nathaniel R. Patray (2018 - November 2019)
- Jolue Aloysius Tarlue (November 2019 - present)
IMF Reform Funding
The Central Bank of Liberia is set to undergo reform after the IMF approved funding for the initiative.
The IMF's approval is a significant step towards improving financial stability in Liberia.

Governor and deputy governor of the Central Bank of Liberia have been reappointed, a move that could potentially impact the reform process.
The government is also taking action against the central bank's board, with a government official stating that they are "going after" the board despite unclear evidence of alleged theft.
Security and Operations
The Central Bank of Liberia has taken significant steps to enhance security in the wake of the Capitol fire and political turmoil. The bank's headquarters has been locked down, and surrounding streets have been closed to traffic from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM.
Armed police patrols are enforcing security throughout the night, adding an extra layer of protection to the area. This heightened security measure is designed to prevent any potential threats or incidents.
Daily building clearance sweeps are conducted at 6:30 PM, and all offices are locked down after 7:00 PM. Access to the building is restricted between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM, and executive approval is required for reentry after hours.
Security Measures
The Central Bank of Liberia has taken significant security measures in response to the recent fire and turmoil in the country. The bank's headquarters has been locked down, with restricted access between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Daily building clearance sweeps are now conducted at 6:30 PM to ensure the premises are secure. Lockdowns of all offices take place after 7:00 PM, and executive approval is required for reentry after hours.
Armed police patrols will be enforcing security throughout the night on Ashmun, Buchanan, Lynch, and Water Streets, which have been closed to traffic from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM.
Cash Consignment Reports
The Central Bank of Liberia has clarified reports of a US$20 million cash consignment received by the Bank of Ghana, stating it's a legitimate transaction to meet the economy's needs.
The cash was imported from London by Travelex Currency, an international currency shipment company, and cleared through both Ghana and Liberia Customs, validating its legitimate source.

The Bank of Ghana has a long-standing currency transfer arrangement with the Central Bank of Liberia since 2004, where it receives imported currency on behalf of the Central Bank for re-export to Monrovia.
Uncirculated banknotes mentioned in social media discussions are part of this arrangement, which will be re-exported to the Central Bank of Liberia once logistical arrangements are finalized.
All relevant stakeholders are officially informed of the entry and exit of consignments related to this arrangement, as part of administrative processes and security protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of the Central Bank of Liberia?
The Central Bank of Liberia regulates and supervises banks and financial institutions to maintain financial stability in the country. Its main goal is to modernize the national payments system and align it with international standards.
What is the interest rate in Liberia?
The current benchmark interest rate in Liberia is 17.50 percent. This rate has fluctuated significantly over the years, ranging from a high of 30.00 percent to a low of 4.00 percent.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Bank_of_Liberia
- https://www.centralbanking.com/organisations/central-bank-of-liberia
- https://allafrica.com/stories/202412190424.html
- https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/lta-cbl-forge-partnership-to-boost-digital-economy/article_a4a295ea-68e8-11ef-a6cb-d305ea1ac9c6.html
- https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Liberia-s-Central-Bank-clarifies-reports-of-US-20-million-cash-consignment-received-by-BoG-1947991
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