Our Functions

In carrying out its mandate under the Central Bank Act 2012, CBSI performs the following core functions across the Solomon Islands economy.

Monetary Policy

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.

Foreign Exchange & International Reserves

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.

Currency & Legal Tender

Issuing, regulating and managing the currency of Solomon Islands, including the design, production, distribution and withdrawal of banknotes and coins.

Statistics & Public Information

Collecting and producing economic and financial statistics, and informing Parliament, the Government and the public about CBSI policies, functions and operations.

Payment Systems

Promoting a safe, sound and efficient national payment system that supports the smooth functioning of the Solomon Islands economy.

Supervision of Financial Institutions

Regulating, licensing, registering and supervising financial institutions operating in Solomon Islands, and ensuring those institutions establish consumer complaints units within their organisations.

Government Banking & Advisory

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.

What is the target inflation rate?

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.

Financial Inclusion

Promoting financial inclusion and related activities to ensure all Solomon Islanders have access to appropriate and affordable financial services.

Maintain price stability

The primary objective. Sustaining the value of the Solomon Dollar by avoiding high inflation and deflation, essential for sustainable economic growth.

Foster a stable financial system

A secondary objective, subordinated to price stability. Ensuring critical financial services remain accessible to businesses and households even under adverse conditions.

Support government economic policies

Without compromising the first two objectives, CBSI supports the general economic policies of the Government, ensuring monetary and fiscal policy work in tandem.

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.