Question

Difficulty: EasyCentral Bank: Functions and Monetary Policy Instruments

Match each traditional function of the Central Bank listed in Column I with its correct operational description in Column II.

  • Banker to commercial banksMaintains statutory cash reserve deposits of commercial banks and operates the interbank clearing system.
  • Lender of last resortProvides emergency liquidity assistance to commercial banks facing temporary credit shortages.
  • Sole authority to issue currencyExercises exclusive legal power to print paper banknotes and mint metallic coins in an economy.

Answer

Banker to commercial banks matches with maintaining statutory cash reserves and operating the clearing house; Lender of last resort matches with providing emergency liquidity assistance to commercial banks; Sole authority to issue currency matches with exercising exclusive legal power to print notes and mint coins.
Each central bank role corresponds directly to its defined duty: acting as banker to commercial banks involves maintaining cash reserve balances and settling interbank payments; serving as lender of last resort involves making emergency credit available to banks experiencing short-term liquidity deficits; and possessing sole currency issuing authority involves exercising legal monopoly over printing notes and minting coins.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the operational role of the central bank regarding commercial bank reserve accounts.
Banker to commercial banks matches with maintaining cash reserves and operating interbank clearing.
Commercial banks maintain mandatory deposits at the central bank, which acts as their banking institution.
2
Determine the safety-net function that prevents banking panics during financial stress.
Lender of last resort matches with extending emergency credit facilities to distressed commercial banks.
The central bank acts as the ultimate guarantor of liquidity to prevent bank failures.
3
Relate currency creation powers to their operational definition.
Sole authority to issue currency matches with printing banknotes and minting coins.
Central banks exercise sole legal monopoly over legal tender issuing within the nation.

Key Concept

Traditional Functions of the Central Bank
Rate this question