Operational Issues Related to the Functioning of Interbank Foreign Exchange Markets in Selected African Countries

Author/Editor:

Yin-Fun Lum ; Calvin A McDonald

Publication Date:

April 1, 1994

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper discusses the main operational issues involved in the implementation of interbank foreign exchange systems in selected African countries. The countries considered are The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The paper finds that exchange rates in these markets tend to be determined through transactions between dealers and clients at the retail level, for the most part, rather than through wholesale interdealer transactions. Additionally, many factors continue to limit the full development of these markets. In particular, informational problems limiting “real time” quotes, inadequate competition in the market, and insufficient regulations to reduce exchange rate risk and encourage “true” interdealer transactions. Despite these limitations, the markets studied have improved the efficiency of foreign exchange allocation and substantially narrowed exchange rate differentials between the official and parallel markets.

Series:

Working Paper No. 94/48

Subject:

Exchange markets Exchange systems Gambia, The Ghana Kenya Mozambique Nigeria Sierra Leone

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 1994

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451972290/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0481994

Price:

$15.00 (Academic Rate:$15.00)

Format:

Paper

Pages:

38

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