Top 12 Functions of the Central Bank | Banking

The following points highlight the top twelve functions of the central bank. The functions are: 1. Control of bank credit 2. Monopoly of note-issue 3. The banker to the government 4. The banker to other banks 5. The lender of the last resort 6. Control and supervision of other banks 7. The custodian of the nation’s gold and foreign exchange reserve 8. Maintenance of the foreign exchange rates and Other functions too.

Function # 1. Control of bank credit:

The central bank of a country controls the bank advances or bank credit through its various methods of control such as the bank rate policy, open market operations, variable reserve ravelled, credit controls, etc., for maintaining both internal and external stability. This is considered to be a very important and perhaps the most essential function of the central bank.

Function # 2. Monopoly of note-issue:

In order to regulate the supply of currency the central bank in every country has been given the monopoly power to issue paper-notes in accordance with the existing legal provisions.

Function # 3. The banker to the government:

The central bank acts as the banker to the government of the country. It keeps the cash balances of the government and maintains its accounts. It gives advances to the government and also takes the responsibility of the sale of government securities. It also manages public debt and gives advice to the government on various financial matters.

Function # 4. The banker to other banks:

As the banker to other banks the central bank gives direct advances against the government securities or bill rediscounting facilities to other banks. The latter is required to maintain a portion of their total deposits (from 3% to -15% of total deposits as in India) as reserve at the central bank. By varying this reserve ratio, the central bank can control the advances of other banks.

Function # 5. The lender of the last resort:

The central bank is the ultimate source of funds in the money market of a country. During any crisis or panic it gives all sorts of funds to other banks to enable them to tide over the crisis.

Function # 6. Control and supervision of other banks:

The central bank controls and supervises the operations of other banks through licensing, inspection of bank accounts, bank mergers, etc. 

Function # 7. The custodian of the nation’s gold and foreign exchange reserve:

The central bank keeps the nation’s gold and foreign exchange reserve under its direct supervision.

Function # 8. Maintenance of the foreign exchange rates:

The central bank is required to maintain the rate of exchange, i.e., the external value of the currency It has to conduct foreign exchange operations at some specified exchange rates. It also exercises the exchange control, i.e., control of foreign exchange.

Function # 9. Stability of the value of money:

The central bank has the duty of keeping both internal and external value of the country’s currency through various monetary and exchange control measures.

Function # 10. Strengthening the banking structure:

The central bank is required to take various steps such as deposits insurance, extension of banking facilities in the unbanked areas, etc. for strengthening the country’s banking structure.

Function # 11. Special role in a developing country:

The central bank has a special role to play in a developing economy like that of India in promoting growth with stability, providing special credit for agriculture and industry, etc.

Function 12. Other functions:

The central bank also acts as the clearing house publishes valuable reports and data, and performs various other functions relating to the management and development of the economy.

Conclusion:

The functions of the central bank have a great importance in the economy of a country. The soundness of the monetary and banking system of a country depends in a large measure on the efficient discharge of these functions by the central bank.