Central Bank of Suriname: Governing Monetary and Economic Affairs

Central Bank of Suriname: Governing Monetary and Economic Affairs

The Central Bank of Suriname (Dutch: Centrale Bank van Suriname, or CBvS) serves as the highest monetary authority in the nation. Based in Paramaribo, this institution is the primary governing body responsible for managing the country's monetary and economic affairs, ensuring the financial system remains functional and stable.

Key Facts

  • Established: April 1, 1957
  • Ownership: 100% state-owned
  • Governor: Maurice Roemer
  • Currency: Surinamese dollar (SRD)
  • Reserves: 670 million USD (as of 2022)
  • Headquarters: Waterkant, Paramaribo, Suriname

Legislative Foundation and Core Mandate

The operational framework of the CBvS was formally legislated under the Bank Act of 1956. As the principal monetary authority, the bank is tasked with several critical responsibilities designed to maintain national economic health.

Primary objectives include the promotion of the value and stability of the national currency, the management of money circulation, and the safeguarding of activities within private banking and credit unions. Furthermore, the bank works toward achieving balanced socio-economic development across the country.

20 Surinamese dollars
20 Surinamese dollars

Organizational Structure

The Central Bank is led by a Governor and is organized into three specialized directorates to ensure comprehensive oversight of the financial sector:

  • Banking Operations: Manages the technical and operational aspects of the banking system.
  • Monetary and Economic Affairs: Focuses on policy, currency stability, and economic analysis.
  • Supervision: Oversees the regulation of financial institutions to ensure safety and compliance.

Institutional Overview

Attribute Detail
Official Name Centrale Bank van Suriname
ISO 4217 Currency Code SRD
Legal Basis Bank Act of 1956
Official Website www.cbvs.sr

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Central Bank of Suriname established?

The CBvS was established on April 1, 1957.

Who is the current Governor of the CBvS?

The Governor of the Central Bank of Suriname is Maurice Roemer.

What is the official currency of Suriname?

The official currency is the Surinamese dollar, identified by the ISO 4217 code SRD.

What are the primary responsibilities of the CBvS?

The bank is responsible for promoting currency stability, managing money circulation, supervising private banking and credit unions, and supporting balanced socio-economic development.

How is the Central Bank of Suriname structured?

The bank is headed by a Governor and divided into three directorates: Banking Operations, Monetary and Economic Affairs, and Supervision.

References

  1. Weidner, Jan (2017). "The Organisation and Structure of Central Banks" (PDF). Katalog der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek.
  2. "Belgian court orders company to repay millions to the Central Bank of Suriname". CNW Network. 23 Oct 2022. Retrieved 18 Aug 2023.
  3. Baptiste, Dionne (1 Feb 2022). "Suriname: 8-year jail term for former Central Bank Governor". Loop News. Retrieved 18 Aug 2023.
  4. "The History of Money in Suriname". Centrale Bank van Suriname – Numismatic Museum. Archived from the original on 24 April 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  5. Chiefs of State and Cabinet members of foreign governments / National Foreign Assessment Center. Sept 1991. 2003 – via HathiTrust.