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Argentina Central Bank Raises FCI Reserve Requirement to 30%

The board’s approval of the August hike aims to restrict excess liquidity, leading banks to pass reduced yields to virtual wallet users.

Overview

  • The BCRA board confirmed that reserve requirements on FCI sight deposits will increase from 20% to 30% starting in August.
  • The change aligns FCI deposit ratios with those for other bank depositors, correcting a long-standing asymmetry.
  • By tying up a larger share of deposits at zero interest, the measure is designed to drain excess pesos from the financial system.
  • Banks will respond by lowering the interest rates they pay virtual wallet providers, which will translate into reduced returns for end customers.
  • The move builds on a June plan under President Santiago Bausili to progressively tighten reserves on volatile funds and curb unsustainable credit growth.