National Bank of Belgium

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National Bank of Belgium
Nationale Bank van België (Dutch)
Banque nationale de Belgique (French)
Belgische Nationalbank (German)
NBB Headquarters
NBB Headquarters
Headquarters Brussels
Established 5 May 1850
Governor nl (Jan Smets)
Central bank of Belgium
Succeeded by European Central Bank (1999)1
Website www.nbb.be
1NBB still exists but many functions have been taken over by the ECB.

The National Bank of Belgium (NBB; Dutch: Nationale Bank van België, French: Banque nationale de Belgique, German: Belgische Nationalbank) has been the central bank of Belgium since 1850. The National Bank of Belgium was established with 100% private capital by a law of 5 May 1850 as a Société Anonyme (SA). It is a member of the European System of Central Banks.

The Governor of the National Bank is a member of the Governing Council, the main decision-making body of the Eurosystem, particularly as regards monetary policy; the National Bank of Belgium participates in the preparation and execution of its decisions.

Apart from monetary policy, the National Bank of Belgium takes on other tasks which can be classified as follows:

  • the issuing of euro banknotes
  • the printing of euro banknotes and the placing in circulation of euro coins
  • the management of foreign currency reserves
  • the collection, circulation and analysis of economic and financial information
  • the stability of the Belgian financial sector - see also CBFA
  • the role of financial ambassador to international economic institutions
  • services for the Belgian State
  • services for the Belgian financial sector
  • services for the general public

50% of the NBB stock is freely traded on Euronext Brussels, the other 50% of the shares are owned by the Belgian government. (400.000 shares in total)

Governors of the NBB

Meeting of the Administrative Council of the National Bank (1918) by Herman Richir

Vice-Governors of the NBB

(List to be expanded)

Library

The National Bank's library is one of the most important economic libraries in Belgium. The building that currently houses the library, was constructed between 1872 and 1874 for the Union du Crédit and designed by architect Désiré De Keyser (1823-1897). De Keyser opted for a typical late-19th century bank style of architecture, which reflects both authority and prestige. The abundant light and imposing spaces were intended to mirror the institution's power and instil confidence among its clients. The building, fully restored to its former glory, is open to the public.

See also

References

External links