SEACEN Podcast

In our new podcast titled “Monetary Policy, Financial Stability, and Independence: Central Bank Mandates Unplugged”, a distinguished panel comprising Ole Rummel, Sir Paul Tucker, Meltem Chadwick, Mark McKenzie, Ayse Sungur, and Chander Rawaswamy examines the evolving role of central banks in addressing complex global challenges. Ole Rummel opens the discussion by exploring the theoretical foundations of assigning new responsibilities to central banks, referencing key frameworks such as the Tinbergen Rule and Poole’s Principle of Comparative Efficiency. His analysis highlights the growing tension between traditional mandates—price and financial stability—and emerging objectives like climate change and income inequality. Sir Paul Tucker provides a critical perspective on the risks of delegating politically sensitive issues to unelected central banks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining legitimacy and focus. Meltem Chadwick analyses the intersection of climate risks and monetary policy, while Mark McKenzie discusses the role of financial innovation in fostering sustainable development in emerging economies. Ayse Sungur and Srichander Rawaswamy round out the conversation with a comprehensive examination of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), addressing their implications for financial stability, monetary sovereignty, and trust in the monetary system. This in-depth discussion offers nuanced insights into the issues and challenges central banks face in navigating their expanding mandates.