Seðlabanki

Central Bank of Iceland to hold foreign currency auction

The Central Bank of Iceland is offering to purchase euros in exchange for Icelandic krónur for long-term investment in the Icelandic economy, or in exchange for payment in Treasury bond series RIKS 33 0321. Furthermore, the Central Bank of Iceland advertises herewith for bids on the sale of Icelandic krónur for cash payment in foreign currency. The three auctions, which are scheduled for Tuesday 4 February 2014, are an element in the removal of restrictions on movement of capital as set forth in the Bank’s capital account liberalisation strategy of 25 March 2011, and in the Bank’s Terms of foreign exchange transactions according to the Investment Programme for capital account liberalisation, dated 18 November 2011, with subsequent amendments.

As is stated in the Central Bank’s capital account liberalisation strategy, financial stability will be considered at every stage in the process. In view of this, the Central Bank reserves the right to restrict the total transaction volume in consideration of the impact of the auctions on financial institutions’ liquidity. The final auction amount will be determined by participation. The auction is structured with a single-price format; i.e., all accepted offers will be offered to investors at the same price. Settlement of transactions in all three auctions will take place three days after the conclusion of the auction.

Commercial banks are invited to act as intermediaries for the purchase of Icelandic krónur in exchange for foreign currency. Specified primary dealers in the bond market will act as intermediaries in the auction involving payment in Treasury bonds. A list of these parties can be found on the Central Bank of Iceland website. Minimum amount for participation in the Treasury bond auction will be EUR 10,000. Financial institutions that have concluded a collaboration agreement with the Central Bank of Iceland may act as intermediaries (see information below) and will handle investors’ applications for proposed participation in the auction according to the Investment Programme. That auction is open to investors whose applications for participation in the Investment Programme have been approved. Minimum amount for participation in the Investment Programme auction will be EUR 25,000. The deadline for submittal of applications is 15 January 2014.

Bids shall be submitted no later than 4 February 2014. Further information on the three auctions can be found in the Terms of Auction.

The objective of these measures is to sell Icelandic krónur for foreign currency to parties that have decided to invest in the Icelandic economy or in Icelandic Treasury bonds for at least five (5) years. As such, they contribute to the acquisition of economical long-term Treasury financing and thereby reduce the Treasury’s refinancing need, as well as attracting foreign capital to the country for long-term investment, thus facilitating the removal of the capital controls.

The auction for the purchase of krónur is intended to enable investors to sell their ISK assets in a structured manner if they so choose. The banks’ liquidity is strong enough to tolerate the movement of the krónur that the Central Bank intends to offer to purchase.

Changes to the Terms
Two amendments have been made to the Terms for the Investment Programme as regards investments in bonds. The amendments will apply to the 4 February 2014 auction. According to Article 6 of the Terms, the issuer is required to have an operational history of two years, which is demonstrated with the submittal of annual accounts. According to the other amendment, which has been added to Article 12, it is permissible to request that the issuer provide information on the planned use of the capital deriving from the bond issue. This provision is parallel to the provision in the Terms pertaining to the allocation of capital contributions.

Article 4(f) of the Terms of the Investment Programme and Article 10(c) of the Terms of the Treasury Bond Programme have been amended to prohibit investors in which domestic commercial banks, savings banks, or credit institutions own a qualifying holding from participating in auctions under the Investment Programme and/or the Treasury Bond Programme.

The next auction is scheduled for 18 March 2014. The Central Bank reserves the right to conduct transactions between auctions at a price based on the auction price in the immediately preceding auction.

Further information can be obtained from Már Guðmundsson, Governor of the Central Bank of Iceland, at tel: +354 569-9600.

Appendices:
Terms of Auction for the purchase of foreign currency by the Central Bank of Iceland in exchange for Treasury bonds. Transaction date: 4 February 2014 (PDF document)

Terms of Auction for the purchase of foreign currency by the Central Bank of Iceland according to the Investment Programme. Transaction date: 4 February 2014 (PDF document)

Terms of Auction for the purchase of Icelandic krónur by the Central Bank of Iceland in exchange for foreign currency. Transaction date: 4 February 2014 (PDF document)

Central Bank of Iceland capital account liberalisation strategy, dated 25 March 2011

Central Bank of Iceland Terms of foreign exchange transactions according to the Investment Programme for capital account liberalisation (with subsequent amendments; first published 18 November 2011)

Intermediaries, custodians, and primary dealers
See also:

Press release on the Investment Programme, dated 18 November 2011