The monthly magazine “The Banker”, which belongs to the publications of the group of the most influential European financial newspapers “Financial Times”, awarded the governor of the Croatian National Bank, Dr. Željko Rohatinski, two recognitions for the past year – the recognition of the best governor in Europe and the best central banker of the year 2008 on a global scale.
The magazine "Banker", which has been tracking financial movements in the world since 1926, also publishes an annual selection of the best regional governor and "governor of the year" in the world in its January issue, based on the editorial ratings and research conducted among bankers and economic analysts. For the previous year, for example, identical recognitions were awarded to the head of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet. In the explanation sent to Governor Rohatinski, it is stated that the award reflects the market’s confidence in his actions during the past year and in the operations of the HNB during these difficult times.
"The financial crisis has particularly clearly shown that the measures taken by the HNB since 2006 to curb credit placements in Croatia, especially borrowing in foreign currencies, were prudent. Participants in our research emphasized that a number of countries severely affected by the crisis are now applying the same measures, but many months later than was done in Croatia," the explanation states. When asked what this recognition means to him, one of the many awarded to him by domestic and foreign professional public, HNB Governor Željko Rohatinski stated: "After numerous challenges, this is a great recognition for the HNB and me personally. I hope that our policy will at least contribute a little to help Croatia get through this crisis period more easily." (H)
