The Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU) (Spanish: Banco Central del Uruguay) is the central bank of Uruguay.

The BCU was created in 1967. It has technical autonomy in administrative and financial terms of the Constitution and the Charter. Its main objectives are price stability and the regulation and supervision of the Financial and Payment System. To give full effect to those purposes, applies the necessary monetary instruments, and regulates and supervises the execution of rules pertaining to the financial system.

On the other hand is responsible for the exclusive ticketing and coinage throughout Uruguay. In turn, acts as an economic adviser, banker and financial representative of the Government and manages state reserves.

History

The Central Bank of Uruguay was established on July 6, 1967 as an autonomous state entity (Spanish: Ente Autónomo), with the passing of the 196th article of the República Oriental del Uruguay's Constitution. Prior to the creation of the BCU, the issuing of currency and managing and supervising of the banking system was handled by the department of the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay.

On March 30, 1995 a bank charter was passed (Law 16696), which expanded the BCUs responsibilities and set out the management structure as well as the functions and responsibilities of the bank.

Functions

• According to the 7th article of the BCUs Charter, its responsibilities are;
• Issuer of money notes and coins, as well as their withdrawal throughout the republic;
• Manage monetary, credit and currency exchanging as set out by law;
• Act as economic advisor, banker and financial agent of the Government;
• Administer the international reserves of the State;
• Be the banker of all government institutions;
• Represent the Uruguay government at international financial organisations;
• Regulate and supervise all financial institutions.

Monetary Policy

One of the fundamental purposes of the Uruguay Central Bank is price stability, which involves creating the conditions for inflation to remain within the target range set by the Government. To achieve this, our institution must preserve the value of the currency, which is measured by the purchasing power of the Uruguayan peso.

Overall, monetary policy involves decisions that refer to the amount of money and interest rates in an economy. In the current monetary arrangement in Uruguay, the primary endpoint from the operational point of view is the benchmark interest rate or monetary policy rate (MPR). But other instruments also affect the transmission channels of monetary policy, which allow decisive action effectively affect the evolution of prices and the value of the currency.

As an example, if the policy rate is high, is restricted in various ways private spending in the markets for goods and services, which should mitigate pressures on the general price rise.

Financial System

One of the fundamental purposes of the BCU is to ensure stability, solvency and proper functioning of the institutions of the financial system.

For this, the Superintendent of Financial Services is responsible for the supervision and regulation of the financial system and the burden of disclosing financial information of controlled entities.

Payment Systems

The Central Bank is devoting itself to the promotion of a number of substantial improvements in the payment system.

It promotes the introduction of flexible and efficient automated procedures. At the same time, set the security parameters of the system and guarantees.

Payment systems and securities settlement systems are a fundamental part of the financial infrastructure of a country, and to channel all money flows in the economy between the different participants.

Payment systems include the set of instruments, banking procedures and, typically, interbank transfer systems that ensure funds money circulation.

Economic Statistics

One of the institutional strategic objectives of the Central Bank is to generate and disseminate information and knowledge in economic and financial matters. The BCU is committed to the production of accurate, timely and tailored to international best practices, and studies and research useful for understanding the economic and decision making.

In this section you will find information for a wide range of indicators, data and statistics compiled and published by the Central Bank: "Money and credit", the "Financial System", the "National Accounts", the "External Sector". Additionally embodying the results of the two "Expectations Survey", one above the other on inflation and the economy in general, which is in charge of the Central Bank.

Useful links

Currency of Uruguay:

Uruguayan peso

List of Central Banks:

Central Banks

Official website of Central Bank of Uruguay:

www.bcu.gub.uy

Ministry of Economics and Finance of Uruguay:

www.mef.gub.uy