FAQ

The National Bank, our central bank

What is the purpose of the National Bank?
The central bank is the "bankers’ bank". How does that work?
Who directs and controls the National Bank?

The National Bank in the Eurosystem

What is the Eurosystem?
Who is in charge of the Eurosystem?
Why does the National Bank still exist in the European Monetary Union?
Has the National Bank lost its right of issue now that the Belgian franc has disappeared?

The National Bank, different from other public limited liability companies

What makes the National Bank different from other public limited liability companies?
Why is the National Bank listed on the Stock Exchange?
Why do the private shareholders of the National Bank not have the same rights as shareholders of other public limited liability companies?
Where does the National Bank obtain its income?
How is the income of the National Bank distributed?
What do the National Bank's gold and foreign exchange reserves represent and what purpose do they serve?
Who owns the foreign exchange reserves managed by the National Bank?