The
State Law and Order Restoration
Council
The
Central Bank of Myanmar
Law
(The State Law and Order
Restoration Council Law
No. 15/90)
The 11th Waxing Day of
Waso, 1352 M.E.
(2nd July, 1990)
The State
Law and Order restoration
Council hereby enacts
the following Law:-
Chapter
I
Title and Definition
This
Law shall be called the
Central Bank of Myanmar
Law.
2. The
following expressions
contained in this Law
shall have the meanings
given hereunder:-
(a) State means the Union
of Myanmar;
(b) Ministry means the
Ministry of Planning and
Finance;
(c) Central Bank means
the Central Bank of Myanmar
established under this
Law;
(d) Board means the Board
of Directors of the Central
Bank;
(e) Governor means the
Chairman of the Board
of Directors;
(f) Member means the member
of the Board of Directors;
(g) Financial Institution
means an enterprise established
in the State, whose corporate
purpose is intermediation
on the money or capital
markets through the collection
of financial resources
from third parties for
investment on their own
account in credit operations,
credit and public debt
instruments, securities,
or other authorized financial
activities;
(h) Bank means a financial
institution which inter-alia
accepts deposits from
the public and extends
credit.
(i) Currency Notes means
the currency notes issued
by the Central Bank under
the provisions of this
Law or legal tender currency
notes previously issued;
(j) Coin means the kyat
coin and its lower denominations
issued by the Central
Bank under the provisions
of this Law of legal tender
kyat coin and its lower
denominations previously
issued;
(k) Gold means gold bars
and bullion of certified
fineness acceptable in
international transactions:
(1) Currency in Circulation
means the currency in
circulation with the exception
of currency notes and
coins held by the Central
Bank;
(m) Year means the financial
year of the State;
(n) Person includes any
individual, corporation,
statutory body, institution,
cooperative society, partnership
and any other body, organization,
association or group of
persons, incorporated
or unincorporated;
(o) Foreign Exchange includes
the following:
(i) foreign hank notes
and coins:
(ii) deposits in intergovernmental
financial institutions,
central banks, treasuries
and commercial banks abroad;
(iii) foreign currency
denominated securities
of, and instruments issued
or guaranteed by foreign
governments, foreign financial
institutions and intergovernmental
financial institutions;
(iv) instruments used
for the international
transfer of funds.
Chapter
II
Establishment and Aim
3. The
Central Bank of Myanmar
is established under this
Law as a legal entity
having perpetual succession,
capable of suing and being
sued in its own name.
4. The
Head Office of the Central
Bank shall be in Yangon.
The Central Bank may open
branches and agencies
inside or outside the
State.
5. The
aim of the Central Bank
shall be to preserve the
internal and external
value of the Myanmar currency.
6. The
Central Bank shall, in
accordance with its aim
also endeavour to attain
the following objectives:
(a) to promote efficient
payments mechanisms, and
the liquidity, solvency,
and proper functioning
of a soundly based financial
system;
(b) to foster monetary,
credit and financial conditions
conducive to the orderly,
balanced, and sustained
economic development.
7. In
endeavouring for the successful
achievement of its objectives
in
accordance with its aim,
the Central Bank shall
have, and may exercise
all the
powers generally conferred
upon a central bank.
Chapter
III
Functions, Duties and
Powers of the Central
Bank
8. The
functions and duties of
the Central Bank include:-
(a) acting as the sole
issuer of domestic currency,
either bank notes or coins;
(b) acting as a banker
to the Government by maintaining
the accounts of the Government:
(c) acting as advisor
to the Government in respect
of such economic matters
as the Government may
require including economic
development policies and
plans and the state budget;
(d) acting as advisor
and agent of the Government
for the issuance of government
securities;
(e) formulating and implementing
monetary policy in order
to achieve its objectives
in accordance with its
aim;
(I) inspecting, supervising
and regulating the financial
system so as to ensure
its sound and safe operation
and development;
(g) acting as a banker
for the financial institutions
and to foreign governments
and international agencies;
(h) implementing the exchange
rate policy of the State
and as agent of the Government,
controlling foreign exchange
transactions;
(i) managing the international
reserves of the State
and undertaking the responsibility
of carrying out necessary
measures to ensure a stable
and viable balance of
payments position which
will permit the normal
settlement of international
transactions by residents;
(j) performing the transactions
resulting from the participation
of the State in intergovernmental
organizations in the banking,
credit and monetary sphere
and undertaking all the
responsibilities in the
name of the Government
dealing with the aforesaid
organizations on behalf
of the Government.
9. The
Central Bank is also authorized
to carry out the following
functions and duties:
(a) issuing securities
in its own name and for
its own account and buying
from, selling to and dealing
in such securities with
the public;
(b) undertaking remittances;
(c) providing custody
for securities and collecting
interest or dividends
receivable thereon;
(d) selling and realizing
the value of movable or
immovable property which
may come into its possession
in satisfaction of its
claims;
(e) establishing credits
and giving guarantees
in any currency inside
or outside the State on
such terms and conditions
as it may deem fit;
(f) giving decisions in
matters where sanction
to take legal action under
this Law is requested.
10.
The Central Bank may acquire,
lease, maintain or sell
in accordance with law
such business premises
and equipment as it deems
necessary for carrying
out its operations.
11.,
The Central Bank shall
also carry out such operations
as may be consequential
or incidental to the exercise
of its powers. and the
discharge of its duties
under this Law.
12. The
Central Bank shall dispose
of any equity interests
it may acquire in the
satisfaction of its claims
from the debtor as soon
as feasible.
13. The
Central Bank shall not
engage in the following:-
(a) organizing companies
or enterprises or activities
whose sole objective is
profit-making, which is
not consistent with the
functions of the Central
Bank under this Law and
acquiring equity interests
in such companies and
enterprises;
(b) granting different
types of loans and advances
except as authorized under
this Law;
(c) granting loans and
advances to the staff
of the Central Bank including
members, except with the
approval of the Government.
Chapter
IV
Capital and Profit Allocation
14.
The State shall be the
sole shareholder of the
Central Bank. The authorized
capital of the Central
Bank shall be five hundred
million kyats, of which
two hundred million kyats
shall be fully paid up
by the State. The balance
of the authorized capital
may be subscribed as may
be necessary by the State.
15. The
authorized and paid-up
capitals of the Central
Bank may be increased
with the approval of the
Government. No reduction
of these capitals shall
he made.
16. When
the value of the Central
Banks assets falls below
the sum of the value of
its liabilities and its
paid-up capital, the Minister
of the Ministry of Planning
and Finance shall transfer
government securities
to the Central Bank in
the amount necessary to
remedy this situation,
as proposed by the Central
Bank and appproved by
the Government.
17. The
net profits of the Central
Bank for each year shall
be calculated after deducting
the operating expenditure
for the year and after
making provision for bad
and doubtful debts, depreciation
of assets and funds for
welfare and retirement
of the staff. The Central
Bank may make provision
for such other purposes
which it considers necessary,
with the approval of the
Government.
18. The
Central Bank shall establish
a General Reserve with
an initial contribution
of fifty million kyats
from the State. At the
end of each year, an amount
equal to twenty five per
cent of the net profits
shall be allocated in
multiples of one million
kyats to the General Reserve
until it amounts to 100
per cent of the paid-up
capital of the Central
Bank. By authorization
of the Government, the
amount to be transferred
to the General Reserve
may be increased to exceed
the prescribed annual
. percentage or the total
amount of the General
Reserve may be increased
beyond the paid-up capital
of the Central Bank.
19. After
transfers to the General
Reserve have been made
under Section 18, the
remainder of the net profits
shall be used to redeem
the government securities
which have been issued
under Section 16 held
by the Central Bank.
20. The
balance of the net profits
remaining after all deductions
under Section 18 and Section
19 shall be paid in multiples
of one million Kyats to
the Government as soon
as practicable after the
end of the year.
21. No
deduction permitted under
Section 18 and Section
19 shall be made nor shall
any payment under Section
20 be made if, in the
opinion of the Central
Bank, the assets of the
Central Bank after the
deduction or payment will
be less than the sum of
its liabilities and paid-up
capital.
22. The
Central Bank shall be
exempt from taxes on income,
stamp duties or like dues
and from assessment of
tax related to banking
operations.
23. (a)
The accounts of the Central
Bank shall be audited
by the Auditor General;
(b) The Central Bank shall
prepare financial statements
at the end of each year.
The Central Bank shall
submit it annual report
to the Government through
the Ministry together
with its balance sheet
and profit and loss statement
certified by the Auditor
General within 6 months
after the end of the year;
(c) After submitting the
annual report under sub-section
(b), the Central Bank
shall publish it in the
manner prescribed by the
Ministry, for public information.
Chapter
V
Organization and Management
24. The
Central Bank shall be
administered by a Board
of Directors.
25. (a)
The members of the Board
of Directors of the Central
Bank shall be appointed
by the Government. Such
Board shall be constituted
with seven members;
(b) The Board shall consist
of the following persons:
(i) the Governor, the
Deputy Governor and four
members appointed by the
Government;
(ii) a Director appointed
ex-officio by the Ministry;
(c) The term of office
of the Governor and the
Deputy Governor of the
Board of Directors shall
be 5 years. The term of
office of the other members
shall be 4 years. Such
persons shall be eligible
for re-appointment for
more than one term;
(d) The Governor and the
Deputy Governor shall
devote their whole time
to the functions and duties
of the Central Bank and
shall not engage in any
other remunerated employment;
(e) The Board shall assign
an officer of the Central
Bank as Secretary of the
Board.
26. The
Governor shall serve as
chief executive officer
of the Central Bank and
be responsible to the
Board for the day-to-day
management of the Central
Bank and the implementation
of the policy.
27. The
Governor shall have the
powers to take action,
enter into contracts and
sign instruments and documents
on behalf of the Central
Bank. He may, in accordance
with the resolution of
the Board delegate such
powers to the officers
of the Central Bank.
28. In
the initial Board of Directors,
half of the members nominated
by the Government shall
be replaced or re-appointed
after two years by the
decision of the Government.
29. The
following persons shall
not be appointed as a
member:
(a) Pyithu Hluttaw representative;
(b) a salaried personnel
of the Government and
any organization subordinate
to the Government;
(c) a person who is not
a citizen;
(d) the spouse, parents,
son, daughter, brother
and sister of a member;
(e) directors, principal
shareholders or partner
of a company or a partnership
if a member is an officer,
director, principal shareholder
or partner in such company
or partnership;
(f) personnel or principal
shareholders of a bank
or financial institution.
Provided
that the Government may
exempt any person mentioned
in the provisions of sub-sections
(a) and (b) for special
reasons.
Explanation.
"Principal
Shareholder’ contained
in this section means
the beneficial owner of
more than 10 per cent
equity interest of a company,
partnership or financial
institution.
30. A
member shall cease to
be a member if he or she:-
(a) infringes the restrictions
mentioned in Section 29;
(h) is convicted of any
offence prescribed by
the Ministry;
(c) has obtained permission
after submitting the resignation
to the Government;
(d) is adjudged incapable
of performing his or her
duties by the authority
concerned;
(e) has failed to attend
the Board meetings for
three consecutive months
without leave from the
Board.
3 1.
Any vacancy occurring
by reason of the resignation
or termination or death
of any member of the Board
shall be filled with any
suitable person by the
Government for the unexpired
period of the term of
office of the member concerned.
Such vacancy shall be
filled within 6 months
from the date of occurrence
of the vacancy.
32. The
Board may establish committees
with suitable persons
for the effective performance
of the functions and duties
of the Central Bank. In
so establishing, the duties
and powers of such committees
shall be determined appropriately.
33. (a)
The meeting of the Board
shall be convened at least
once a month. Provided
that a meeting may be
convened at any time by
the Governor or in his
absence by the Deputy
Governor or by the wishes
of the majority of the
members;
(b) Half or more than
half of the appointed
members attending the
meeting shall constitute
a quorum;
(c) The Governor or the
Deputy Governor in the
absence of the Governor,
or in the absence of both,
one of the members elected
by the Board, shall preside
at the Boarc~ meeting.
(d) At the meetings of
the Board, decisions shall
be adopted by the majority
of the votes of the members.
present. In the event
of an
132 equality of votes,
the decision shall be
adopted by the casting
vote of the Chairman of
the meeting.
34. (a)
The Governor and the Deputy
Governor shall be entitled
to receive salary and
allowances in accordance
with the terms and conditions
proposed by the Board
and determined by the
Government. Such salary
and allowances shall be
borne by the Central Bank.
(b) The members shall
be entitled to receive
remuneration proposed
by the Board and determined
by the Government. Such
remuneration shall be
borne by the Central Bank.
35. The
Board members shall disclose
fully to the Board their
pecuniary or business
interest and those of
the members of their families.
The members shall refrain
from voting on any matters
related thereto which
become the subject of
Board action. Provided
that such interests shall
not disqualify the interested
party for the purpose
of constitution of a quorum.
36. The
Governor and the Deputy
Governor shall be deemed’
to be public servants
under Section 21 of the
Penal Code.
37. The
Board shall prepare and
maintain an organizational
set-up for the performance
of the functions and duties
of the Central Bank. Officers
and staff within such
organizational set-up
shall be appointed. Such
personnel are public servants.
38. The
Board shall prescribe
with the approval of the
Government the Central
Bank Service Regulations
relating to the appointment
of personnel, promotion
maintenance of discipline,
determination of salary
and allowances.
Chapter
VI
Issuance of Currency
39. The
monetary unit of local
currency shall be the
"Kyat". The
Kyat shall be divided
into one hundred units
which shall be called
a "Pya". The
symbols in the English
language for such currency
shall be "K"
and "P’. respectively.
40. (a)
The Central Bank shall
have the sole right to
issue currency notes and
coins. Currency notes
and coins issued by the
Central Bank shall be
legal tender throughout
the State;
(h) In cash transactions:
(i) in the case of currency
notes, payment of any
amount may be made;
(ii) in the case of coins,
payment of an amount exceeding
two hundred times the
denomination of the smallest
currency note in circulation
may be refused to accept.
41. Any
instrument or transaction
or liability relating
to money or involving
the payment of money in
accordance with law shall,
in the absence of any
expressed agreement to
the effect that was made
in terms of foreign exchange
be deemed to have been
made in terms of the kyat
within the State.
42. Whoever,
other than the Central
Bank issues or uses currency
notes, coins, or any type
of instrument or tokens
payable to bearer on demand,
having the appearance
of legal tender, shall
be deemed to be guilty
of an offence punishable
under this Law. Cheques
and drafts payable in
cash to bearer on demand
shall not be deemed to
be instruments having
the functions of a currency
note for the purpose of
this section.
43. The
Central Bank shall arrange
for the printing of notes
and the minting of coins,
for the security and safe
custody of un issued currency
notes and coins, and for
the custody and destruction
as may be necessary of
plates, dies and retired
currency notes and coins.
44. The
denominations of currency
notes and coins and their
design, composition and
other distinguishable
characteristics shall
be as determined by the
Central Bank with the
approval of the Ministry.
45. If
it is necessary to withdraw
any currency notes or
coins in circulation the
Central Bank may, with
the approval of the Government
issue a declaration informing
the public in advance
and call in such currency
notes or coins on payment
of the face value thereof.
On the expiry of the date
mentioned in the declaration,
currency notes or coins
which are to be withdrawn
by such declaration, shall
cease to he legal tender.
Provided that a period
not exceeding
5 years from the date
of declaration by the
Central Bank shall be
prescribed,
and within such period
there shall be the right
to exchange by presenting
the
value of such currency
notes or coins.
46. (a)
The Central Bank shall
redeem currency at face
value on demand of holders
thereof;
(b) Banks shall exchange
legal tender currency
notes or coins, with other
denominations on demand
without charges;
(c) Notwithstanding anything
contained in any existing
law, no person shall as
of right be entitled to
demand from the Central
Bank, the value of any
lost, stolen, defective
or defaced currency note
and coin. Provided that
the Central Bank may refund
the value of any defective
or defaced currency note
and coin after examination
in accordance with the
procedures, regulations
and bye-laws.
47. The
monetary liabilities of
the Central Bank, comprising
currency in circulation
and other sight liabilities
denominated in domestic
currency shall be subject
to an annual financial
programme. The Central
Bank shall prepare such
programme in consultation
with the Ministry. In
order that the Central
Bank may co-ordinate the
management of the foreign
exchange reserves and
the credit to be granted
by the Central Bank in
accordance with its aim
and objectives, such programme
shall be reviewed quarterly
by the Board.
Chapter
VII
Relations with the Government
48.
The Central Bank shall
accept deposits of the
Government and make payments
on behalf of the Government
against such accounts.
The Central Bank may assign
another bank to receive
these deposits and make
such payments in accordance
with the conditions prescribed
by the Central Bank.
49. The
Central Bank may provide
various types of loans
and advances to the Government
in accordance with the
following conditions:-
(a) The Central Bank may
make temporary advances
to the Government. The
terms and conditions for
each type of advance shall
he prescribed
from time to time by consultation
between the Ministry and
the Central Bank:
(b) Such loans and advances
shall be guaranteed by
interest-bearing government
securities delivered by
the Minister of the Ministry
of Planning and Finance
to the Central Bank. Such
securities, with a maximum
term of 184 days shall
be negotiable instruments;
(c) The total of the loans
and advances extended
within any given year
shall not exceed 20 per
cent of the Government
receipt of the previous
year;
(d) Notwithstanding anything
contained in sub-sections
(a), (b) and (c), the
Central Bank may advance
additional loans to the
Government on such terms
and conditions as may
be agreed in respect of
subscriptions and other
payments resulting from,
or incidental to, the
State’s membership
in any intergovernmental
organization, the State’s
participation in any account
thereof and any transactions
and operations in connection
therewith;
(e) Notwithstanding anything
contained in sub-section
(h) the Central Bank may
agree to purchase, hold
or sell Government securities
with a maturity of not
more than 365 days.
50. The
Central Bank may agree
to purchase government
securities from financial
institutions and the public
and may sell these securities
to financial institutions
and to the public in general.
51. The
total of outstanding advances
of the various types of
loans and credit facilities
granted by the Central
Bank under Section 49
and the Central Bank’s
holdings of securities
purchased under Section
50 shall, at no time exceed
the amount agreed in the
context of consultations
regarding the State Budget.
If the Central Bank considers
that there is a risk that
the limit may be exceeded,
it shall submit to the
Government a report on
the Central Bank’s
outstanding advances of
the various types of loans
and advances, credit facilities
and holdings of securities,
and the causes which could
lead to an overrun of
this kind, together with
appropriate proposals
to remedy the situation.
The Central Bank shall
continue to make reports
and proposals at intervals
not exceeding 6 months
until such time as, in
its opinion the situation
is normal.
52.
The Central Bank shall
be entitled to receive
essential financial and
economic information and
documents which the Central
Bank shall analyze. The
Central Bank shall present
its views to~ the Government
at the request of the
Government or at its discretion.
53. The
Central Bank shall assist
the Government in preparing
the State Budget, in order
to determine a limit on
the total credit which
the Central Bank may extend
to the Government during
the following year.
54. The
Central Bank shall be
responsible for monitoring
monetary and credit developments
and aggregates, and for
recommending to the Government
the policies needed in
order to attain the objectives
in accordance with its
aim.
55. The
Ministry may assign to
the Central Bank, the
issuance of different
types of securities under
the Government Securities
Act and the management
of public debt under the
State Budget Law enacted
annually. Such assignment
shall be in accordance
with the terms and conditions
agreed between the Ministry
and the Central Bank.
56. The
Central Bank shall advise
the Government on the
placement of its debt
instruments with financial
institutions and the public.
Chapter
VIII
Relations with Financial
Institutions
57. The
Central Bank shall be
responsible for licensing,
inspecting, supervising
and regulating financial
institutions, and may
give such directions as
may be necessary to ensure
the solvency and soundness
of such institutions.
58. The
Central Bank may, from
time to time require banks
and financial institutions
to maintain required reserves
and specified liquid assets,
against such deposits
and similar liabilities
in the following manner:
(a) required reserves
shall be maintained by
way of cash holdings,
or by way of deposits
with the Central Bank,
or by both, in such proportion
as the Central Bank may
from time to time determine;
(b) liquid assets shall
consist of freely transferable
assets, free from any
charge or lien, and of
the kind and amount specified
by the Central Bank.
59. The
Central Bank may set different
liquidity and reserve
ratios for different types
of deposits and similar
liabilities and may also
determine the method of
their computation. Provided
that the required ratios
and the method of computation
shall be uniform for all
institutions within the
same class.
60. The
Central Bank may impose
on and collect from any
bank or financial institution
which fails to maintain
required reserves or specified
liquid assets in the appropriate
ratio determined in accordance
with Section 58 and Section
59, a levy, not exceeding
one-fifth of one per centum
per day on the shortfall
of liquid assets or required
reserves in such bank
or financial institution,
as the case may be, until
the shortfall is corrected.
61. The
Central Bank may prescribe
the following in respect
of a class of financial
institutions or all financial
institutions:-
(a) minimum interest rates
payable in respect of
any category of deposits
or similar liabilities
and the computation methods:
(b) the permitted uses,
applicable ratios, maximum
aggregate limits, maximum
amounts to be exceeded
only with the Central
Bank’s approval,
the required guarantees,
maximum maturities, and
maximum rates of interest
chargeable in respect
of the following operations:
(i) making different categories
of advances in the form
of loans or overdrafts,
and different categories
of investments;
(ii) discounting any type
of bill of exchange, promissory
note or other commercial,
industrial, agricultural
or financial bills of
exchange and promissory
notes;
(iii) accepting liabilities
and granting any other
type of loans and advances;
(c) determination of applicable
ratios in the following
manner:
(i) in general, the composition
of and ratios between
asset and liability items,
namely of own capital
and deposits to other
liabilities on account
of acceptances and guarantees
given;
(ii) in particular, the
composition of and ratios
between the items
under clause (1), namely
of own capital to certain
types of permitted operations,
such as the underwriting
of shares, bonds, or public
debt bonds, the acquisition
of shares or bonds issued
by commercial institutions,
and the granting of credit
to a single entity or
enterprise;
(d) the minimum and maximum
commissions, service charges
and other fees which may
be levied on any type
of transactions which
financial institutions
may enter into with the
public or with other financial
institutions;
(e) the minimum cash margins
for the opening of letters
of credit by banks.
62. Any action taken by
the Central Bank under
Section 61 shall be applicable
uniformly to all financial
institutions of a particular
type without discrimination,
and no action taken under
Section 61 shall have
retrospective effect.
63. If
the Central Bank considers
that in the operation
of any person there is
an excessive extension
of credit or acceptance
of deposits from the public,
it may with the approval
of the Government inform
such person by written
notice to comply with
any provision of Section
61.
64. If
the Central Bank considers
that it is necessary to
take action under the
provision of Section 61
due to the occurrence
of circumstances mentioned
in Section 63 or if there
are reasons to believe
that any person is extending
or has extended credit
or is accepting or has
accepted deposits, the
Central Bank may call
for and examine the accounts,
books and records of such
person.
65. Any
person or financial institution
which fails to comply
with the stipulations
of a notice issued by
the Central Bank shall
be subject to penalty
under the provisions of
this Law or under any
other laws relating to
financial institutions.
66. Required
reserves for a bank shall
not exceed 35 per cent
of the total
liabilities of the bank.
Provided that if the Board
considers that there are
serious
inflationary pressures,
it may increase required
reserves above the maximum
35 per cent limit. In
such a case, the Central
Bank shall ,pay interest
on the
required reserves exceeding
the 35 per cent limit.
Provided that such rate
of interest shall not
exceed the minimum discount
rate prevailing in the
Central Bank.
67. Changes
in minimum reserve requirements
shall become effective
from the date determined
by the Central Bank. Provided
that such date shall not
be earlier than 14 days
from the publication of
a declaration by the Central
Bank.
68. (a)
Financial institutions
shall furnish to the Central
Bank at such intervals
and in such manner as
may be prescribed, such
information as the Central
Bank may determine it
requires for the effective
discharge of its functions
and responsibilities;
(b) The Central Bank may
publish in consolidated
form and at such intervals
as it considers appropriate
all or part of the information
furnished under sub-section
(a). Provided that information
concerning any individual
and not relating to the
public shall not be published.
69. The
Central Bank may open
accounts for, and accept
deposits from financial
institutions in accordance
with such terms and conditions
as it may from time to
time determine.
70. The
Central Bank may, on such
terms and conditions as
the Board may from time
to time determine purchase
from, sell to, discount
and rediscount the following
for the account holders
referred in Section 69:-
(a) bills of exchange
and promissory notes drawn
or made for commercial,
industrial or agricultural
purposes, bearing two
or more endorsements of
which at least one shall
be that of a bank, and
maturing within 184 days
from the date of their
acquisition by the Central
Bank;
(b) treasury bills issued
to the public or other
securities issued or guaranteed
by the Government;
(c) financial instruments
issued by the Central
Bank.
71. The
Central Bank may, on such
terms and conditions as
it may from time to time
determine persons who
have opened accounts at
the Central Bank advances
for periods not exceeding
92 days in the following
manner:
(a) advances secured by
the following:
(i) instruments mentioned
in Section 70 sub-section
(a), (h), or (c);
(ii) warehouse receipts
and other documents of
title issued in respect
of goods duly insured;
(iii) holdings of any
assets which the Central
Bank is permitted to buy,
sell, or deal in under
this Law;
(b) unsecured or secured
by such other assets,
on such terms and conditions
as it shall determine
when it considers that
such an advance is needed
in exceptional circumstances,
in order to meet the liquidity
requirements of the borrower
and to serve the public
interest.
72. The
Central Bank shall extend
credit only to head offices
of financial institutions
incorporated in the State
and to the main office
in the State of branches
of foreign financial institutions.
73. The
Central Bank shall determine
and declare from time
to time its rates for
discounts, rediscounts,
and rates of interest
on advances, and may determine
differential rates and
ceilings for various types
of transactions or maturities,
or for any class of financial
institutions.
74. The
Central Bank may, in co-operation
with financial institutions,
make arrangements for
the clearing of cheques
and other instruments
used as means of payment.
Chapter
IX
Foreign Exchange and
International Reserves
Management
75. The
Central Bank shall be
responsible for the following
functions with the approval
of the Government:-
(a) formulating policies
and prescribing regulations
relating to gold and foreign
exchange transactions
conducted in the State;
(h) determining the exchange
rates at which the Central
Bank is to conduct its
foreign exchange transactions;
(c) publishing daily the
exchange rates of the
Central Bank.
76. The
Central Bank may, subject
to such terms and conditions
as prescribed from time
to time, carry out the
following:-
(a) buying, holding, selling
and dealing in gold or
other precious metals;
(b) buying, holding, selling
and dealing in foreign
currencies, using any
instrument which is generally
used in foreign exchange
transactions;
(c) buying, holding, selling
and dealing in treasury
bills and other securities
issued or guaranteed by
foreign governments or
intergovernmental financial
institutions;
(d) opening and maintaining
accounts with intergovernmental
financial institutions,
central banks, monetary
authorities, and financial
institutions outside the
State;
(e) opening and maintaining
accounts and acting as
agent or correspondent
or intergovernmental financial
institutions, central
banks, monetary authorities
and financial institutions
outside the State, and
foreign governments and
their agencies;
(f) borrowing, with the
approval of the Government,
in any foreign currency
on such terms and conditions
as it considers appropriate,
and also giving security
for such loans.
77. The
Central Bank may, with
the approval of the Government
purchase, hold or sell
shares or securities of
intergovernmental financial
institutions and of international
associations of financial
institutions.
78. (a)
Any net gains in any year
of the Central Bank arising
changes in the valuation
of the Central Bank’s
assets or liabilities
in, or denominated in
gold, special drawing
rights, or foreign currencies
as a result or any change
in the values or exchange
rates of gold, special
drawing rights, internationally
recognized units of account,
or foreign currencies
in terms of the domestic
currency shall be credited
to a special reserve account;
(b) Any net losses in
any year of the Central
Bank arising from any
change mentioned in sub-section
(a) shall be set off against
any credit balance in
the special reserve account.
If such balance is