Central Banks and Monetary Authorities

National and regional monetary authorities that issue currency, set policy interest rates, and act as lender of last resort within their own jurisdiction, including the European Central Bank, whose currency union spans member states but which functions as a monetary authority rather than a general intergovernmental organization. Belongs here: any institution whose primary role is conducting monetary policy or supervising a national or regional currency and banking system. Does not belong here: multilateral lenders that fund development projects across many countries, grouped under Multilateral Development Banks and Institutions, or bodies that set cross-border banking standards without themselves issuing currency or setting a national policy rate, grouped under Regulatory and Standard-Setting Bodies.