Skip to main content

BoG sets Oct. 1 for Repo trading between banks


The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has set October 1, 2020 as the date when the trading of repurchasing agreements (Repos) between banks based on Global Master Repurchasing Agreement (GMRA) will go live in Ghana.

This comes after the launch of the Guidelines for Repos in Ghana, based on which trading will be carried out in accordance with the GMRA legal documents.

In a statement, the Central Bank is therefore urging all banks in the country to executive a GMRA with each other by September 15, 2020 in readiness for the opening of GMRA-based Repos trading on October 1.

It reminded the banks that “With effect from October 1, 2020, all Repo trading in Ghana shall be governed by the GMRA legal documentation,” adding, “All eligible Repo counterparties are to fully comply with the Guidelines for Repos in Ghana document, which is available on the BoG website.”

Read also: World Bank Group and IMF mobilize partners in the fight against COVID-19 in Africa

The Central Bank said Repo counterparties may use the appropriate systems to facilitate their conduct of GMRA-based Repos.

It also said the buyer of a Repo Security shall mark-to-market using Bloomberg as a pricing source, adding that, where Bloomberg does not price a Repo Security, the buyer and seller shall agree a price for the purpose.

The buyer shall apply a haircut at the initiation of the Repo transaction,” it said, warning that full close-out netting shall apply in the event of default.

GMRA is a model legal agreement designed for parties transacting Repos and is published by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), which is the body representing the cross-border bond and repo markets in Europe.

The GMRA is the principal master agreement for cross-border repos globally, as well as for many domestic repo markets like the one to be done in Ghana on October 1.

Repo, on the other hand, is a form of short-term borrowing for dealers in government securities. A dealer sells government securities to investors, usually on an overnight basis, and buys them back the following day at a slightly higher price.

For the party selling the security and agreeing to repurchase it in the future, it is a repo; for the party on the other end of the transaction, buying the security and agreeing to sell in the future, it is a reverse repurchase agreement.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UK-Ghana Trade & Investment Summit: Trade Resource Centre to help businesses maximise UK-Ghana trade opportunities

 In a significant boost to UK-Ghana trade and investment relations, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), in partnership with the UK-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme, has launched the UK-Ghana Trade Resource Centre, a practical market-access platform designed to help businesses identify opportunities, navigate export requirements and build commercial partnerships between Ghana and the United Kingdom. The UK and Ghana enjoy strong trade relations, with total bilateral trade reaching approximately £1.6 billion in the year to Q1 2026. Yet, despite this progress, significant untapped opportunities remain for businesses in both countries. The Trade Resource Centre has been established to help bridge information gaps, connect businesses with the right partners, and support firms to take greater advantage of opportunities under the UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement. The launch formed one of the major outcomes of the UK-Ghana Trade & Investment Summit 2026,...

NESCAFÉ Launches Real Vibes Text & Win Promo to Reward Coffee Consumers Across Ghana

 NESCAFÉ has launched the Real Vibes Text & Win Promo, an exciting consumer promotion designed to reward loyal coffee lovers and bring the brand’s My Coffee, My Vibe experience even closer to consumers across the country. Running from September to December, the promotion gives consumers the opportunity to enjoy their favourite NESCAFÉ coffee while standing a chance to win exciting prizes, including phones, motorcycles, airtime and the ultimate grand prize—an electric SUV. Speaking at the launch, Lily Ntim, Category Development Manager for NESCAFÉ, said the promotion reflects NESCAFÉ’s commitment to creating, rewarding and memorable experiences for consumers. “Today, we are excited to introduce the NESCAFÉ Real Vibes Text & Win Promo, a campaign designed to bring the My Coffee, My Vibe experience even closer to our consumers,” she said. She added that the campaign is not only about prizes, but also about celebrating the everyday moments consumers enjoy with their coffee. “T...

Ghana Home Loans

With interest rates declining, a more liquid environment and a macroeconomic stability, mortgage financing is expected to see an ease of credit. And Ghana Home Loans being a leader in this industry is expected to lead the way. Ghana Home Loans (GHL), a leader in home mortgage, continues to be the frontier in fulfilling dreams of many Ghanaians in homeownership. Since starting business in 2006, it has also provided many existing homeowners with Equity Release mortgages to support their businesses, pay educational fees, improve their properties, or simply pursue other personal hobbies and interests. Ghana Home Loans is a mortgage finance institution which operates under Bank of Ghana’s supervision as a non-bank financial institution. At present, the Company remains the only such institution that focuses exclusively on the provision of mortgage product. Through the Home Completion mortgage and Home Construction mortgage products, Ghana Home Loans has enabled many qualified applican...