Central Bank Operations
Algeria
Calibrating Open Market Operations
At the urgent request of the Banque d’Algérie METAC reviewed the current practice of calibrating open market operations during 2-4 July. The mission supported the integration of the new liquidity forecasting framework that was delivered by the 2022 Technical Assistance mission, into the calibration of the weekly liquidity operations. The mission was hands-on in nature and improved and adjusted the existing procedures.
Operationalizing an In-House Credit Assessment System
This follow-up mission during 7-10 July is part of a project that assists the Banque d’Algérie in improving their calculation of credit rating and haircuts to support the BA in their objective to protect the central bank balance sheets when accepting collateral in liquidity-providing operations. The project reached a first major milestone with the implementation of an automated internal rating tool for non-financial corporations. The rating methodology will be implemented across the local branches of the Banque d’Algérie where the automated rating will be supplemented with the relevant expert judgement. Initially, the rating will be used internally to calculate haircuts applicable to credit claims when mobilized for central bank liquidity provision operations.
Djibouti
Improving Foreign Reserve Management
At the request of the Banque Centrale of Djibouti (BCD), METAC provided a technical assistance mission during 6-16 May aimed at improving BCD’s foreign reserve management. The BCD currently operates in a challenging environment with declining foreign reserves, resulting in currency board coverage ratio below 100 percent. The mission proposed that the BCD immediately adopt a comprehensive framework for the management of foreign exchange reserves, as it is currently subject to a high concentration of credit risk. The mission provided detailed documentation for an Investment Policy, Investment Strategy, and Investment Guidelines, calibrated to the BCD context. This includes limited investment in Shariah-compliant products to enable the remuneration of the required reserves of Islamic banks.
Libya
Improving Foreign Reserve Management
At the request of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), METAC provided an off-site mission in Tunis during 24-28 June on enhancing the CBL’s foreign reserve management and bringing it in line with international best practices. The mission team concentrated on structural features of a reserve management framework to incorporate economics and financial logic into the existing framework. Furthermore, the mission team stressed the importance of completing the CBL’s foreign exchange management documentation with a Foreign Reserve Strategy to strengthen the link between the CBL’s monetary policy objectives and foreign reserve management.
Morocco
Assist the transition to a more flexible exchange rate regime
A joint Monetary and Capital Markets Department and METAC team delivered a technical assistance mission to the Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) to provide guidance on the next phase in the gradual transition to a more flexible exchange rate regime. The mission had a virtual component (during 16-20 September) followed by an in-person part in Rabat, Morocco (14-18 October). First, the mission team evaluated the key components required for the development of foreign exchange (FX) hedging markets, highlighting legal, fiscal, economic, and certification challenges. Second, it proposed an alternative methodology for the reference rate and an FX intervention strategy for the next phase towards a more flexible exchange rate regime. Finally, the mission assessed banks’, large importers/exporters’, and SMEs’ preparedness for higher exchange rate flexibility.
