Apr 30

Apr 30 Iran’s Currency Crisis Spurs Action in Financial Reform Efforts

◢ Forced to respond by Iran’s recent currency crisis, the Central Bank of Iran is approaching regulatory reform in the financial sector with new energy. A critical deadline to meet standards set by the Financial Action Task Force is forthcoming in June. Iran needs to demonstrate progress in tackling financial crime estimated to include at least USD 27 billion in transactions annually.

Apr 10

Apr 10 Rouhani Government Unifies Iran’s Exchange Rates in Decisive Move to Stabilize Currency

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Economy

◢ In a decisive move intended to stop the further devaluation of the rial, the Rouhani government announced it would unify the official and free market dollar exchange rates, settling on an official rate of IRR 42,000. First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri made the announcement last night, declaring that trading dollars above the new rate would be a serious crime.

Apr 4

Apr 4 Governor of Sweden’s Central Bank Visits Iran for Technical Dialogue

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Economy

◢ The governor of the Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, is visiting Iran on April 5th on the invitation of Iran’s central bank governor Valiollah Seif. With an agenda focused on technical exchanges, a spokesperson for the Riksbank confirmed to Bourse & Bazaar that Ingves will give a presentation entitled “Central Banking and Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned.”