Central Bank of Bahrain launches its new website

17.Apr.2007

Microsoft Internet explorer compatible version of the website is launched..

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has launched a new, improved website, which also reflects the creation of the CBB as the successor organization to the Bahrain Monetary Agency.

The improved website, which can be accessed on www.cbb.gov.bh, is more user-friendly and includes a brand new design. It also includes more comprehensive information and functionality. These include a new section aimed at consumers, an online subscription facility for CBB publications and access to all relevant laws and CBB rules. The website will be continuously developed and enriched with further information of relevance to licensees and the public. Immediate plans include the addition of an e-mail alert service for registered users. “The CBB is pleased to offer its upgraded official website, which is aimed at enhancing the dissemination of information related to the CBB and Bahrain’s financial services industry,” said Mrs. Huda Al Maskati, Executive Director, Corporate Services, at the CBB. “The website is also designed to better reflect the new identity of the CBB, which replaced the Bahrain Monetary Agency last year.”

• The redesign emphasizes a layout that is more efficient for all visitors to the website.


• A section on ‘About CBB’ provides detailed information related to CBB’s mandate, organizational structure, management and the CBB Law, which governs the activities of the CBB and Bahrain’s financial sector.

Other major section heads include those related to:

• Monetary Policy, which details the monetary policy framework, exchange rate policy, standing facilities and reserve requirements, besides providing the official interest rates, updated on daily basis.


• Banking Operations, which includes information related to the payment and settlement systems, issuance of Government securities, forex reserve management and currency issue.


• Regulatory Functions, which contains all relevant CBB laws and CBB rules (including the CBB Rulebook), consultation papers, licensing and registration information, as well as anti-money laundering requirements.


• Publications & Data, which provides access to all CBB publications, such as the CBB Annual Report, Quarterly and Monthly statistical bulletins, Consumer Guides, Press Releases and a schedule of financial services events supported by the CBB.


• Consumer Information, which provides guidance on what constitutes a financial crime and how to report it, the Deposit Protection Scheme, as well as CBB Consumer Guides and an online form for lodging complaints against financial institutions.


• The Financial Sector, which provides information on the various components of the financial sector, such as a listing of all financial institutions licensed by the CBB and authorized mutual funds. This section also includes information on CBB’s work in the area of financial stability, as well as useful links to related sites.

“We hope the new website will further enhance accessibility to the CBB and provide a useful source of information to the public,” said Mrs. Al Maskati. “We view the website to be an important means of communication and will be aiming to continuously improve it.”