Our Functions
In carrying out its mandate under the Central Bank Act 2012, CBSI performs the following core functions across the Solomon Islands economy.
Determining and implementing monetary policy to achieve and maintain domestic price stability, including the setting of the Cash Reserve Ratio and conducting open market operations through instruments such as Bokolo Bills.
Contributing to the determination of the exchange rate regime, implementing exchange rate policy, regulating the international exchange of money, and holding and managing the country's international reserves.
Issuing, regulating and managing the currency of Solomon Islands, including the design, production, distribution and withdrawal of banknotes and coins.
Collecting and producing economic and financial statistics, and informing Parliament, the Government and the public about CBSI policies, functions and operations.
Promoting a safe, sound and efficient national payment system that supports the smooth functioning of the Solomon Islands economy.
Regulating, licensing, registering and supervising financial institutions operating in Solomon Islands, and ensuring those institutions establish consumer complaints units within their organisations.
Acting as banker, financial adviser and fiscal agent to the Government and other public bodies, and cooperating with international organisations on matters within the Bank's fields of competence.
The buying and selling of government securities in the open market in order to expand or contract the amount of money in the banking system. Purchases inject money into the banking system and stimulate growth, while sales of securities do the opposite.
Promoting financial inclusion and related activities to ensure all Solomon Islanders have access to appropriate and affordable financial services.
Forty years in the making
CBSI's foundations trace back to 1976, when the Solomon Islands Monetary Authority (SIMA) was established to manage the country's currency and exchange control regulations. It was SIMA that introduced the Solomon Islands dollar in October 1977. In 1983, an Act of Parliament converted SIMA into the Central Bank, expanding its powers to include monetary policy, interest rate determination and regulatory functions. Over more than four decades, CBSI has grown into one of the most important institutions in the Solomon Islands economy.