The Reserve Bank is seeking views from interested parties by 21 January 2022 in response to its Issues Paper for the Review of Banknote Distribution Arrangements on what changes might be required to ensure that banknote distribution is effective, efficient, sustainable and resilient.

The Reserve Bank today announced the introduction of new quarterly statistical disclosures on the reliability of payment services provided to households and businesses. These statistics are being published on the websites of a range of individual service providers, including large and smaller banks and more specialised payments providers. This initiative has been endorsed by the Payments System Board to support transparency about retail payment service reliability.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the cash rate target at 10 basis points and the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances at zero per cent, continue to purchase government securities at the rate of $4 billion a week until at least mid February 2022, and discontinue the target of 10 basis points for the April 2024 Australian Government bond.

The Payments System Board’s Review of Retail Payments Regulation has concluded with the release of a Conclusions Paper. The Payments System Board has also announced an exemption from aspects of the Access Regime for the ATM System.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the cash rate target at 10 basis points and the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances at zero per cent, maintain the target of 10 basis points for the April 2024 Australian Government bond, and continue to purchase government securities at the rate of $4 billion a week until at least mid February 2022.

Media release number 2021-21: The Reserve Bank today released the 2021 Assessment of the ASX Clearing and Settlement Facilities. The Bank concluded that ASX’s clearing and settlement (CS) facilities have conducted their affairs in a way that promotes overall stability in the Australian financial system. However, ASX will need to place a high priority on addressing recommendations related to operational risk and margin standards.

Media release number 2021-21: The Reserve Bank today released the 2021 Assessment of the ASX Clearing and Settlement Facilities. The Bank concluded that ASX’s clearing and settlement (CS) facilities have conducted their affairs in a way that promotes overall stability in the Australian financial system. However, ASX will need to place a high priority on addressing recommendations related to operational risk and margin standards.

From 1 December 2022, robust fallbacks will be required for securities that reference BBSW to be eligible as collateral in the Reserve Bank’s market operations.

Media Release Number 2021-19: At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the cash rate target at 10 basis points and the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances of zero per cent, maintain the target of 10 basis points for the April 2024 Australian Government bond, and purchase government securities at the rate of $4 billion a week and to continue the purchases at this rate until at least mid February 2022.

BIS Innovation Hub and central banks of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa will test CBDCs for international settlements.