BACKGROUND

Official foreign exchange reserves of countries, including MEFMI member countries, require prudent management. This is challenging in the current global investment environment which is plagued by the uncertainties surrounding the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the current environment is characterised by low yields, shifting global economic outlook and new digital assets. In an environment where there is increased pressure to improve returns from the investment of sovereign reserves, managers of sovereign reserves need to pay greater attention to the investment risks that arise from their portfolio management practices and devise ways to manage the risks.

The course will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on reserves portfolio and risk management processes. The course will also articulate the necessary interventions that reserves managers may take to mitigate risk while taking steps to improve returns. It will also provide a platform for participants to share and learn the best practices in the management of official foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the changing global investment environment.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the course is to equip participants with the requisite knowledge on managing foreign exchange reserves and the attendant risks in the current COVID-19 environment. Participants who have participated in the earlier course on fundamentals of reserves management will be well placed to take part in this advanced course.