01/04/2020: 50th Anniversary of the Paʻanga
Tonga celebrated the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the paʻanga as its national currency.
20/05/2018: SAMA grants licenses for full-fledged digital banks
SAMA issued licenses to two banks for providing digital banking services, reflecting a shift towards digitalization in the financial sector.
21/12/2016: Saudi Arabia introduces the SAR 200 note
A new 200 riyal banknote was introduced, featuring a portrait of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
29/07/2014: Second Devaluation of the Paʻanga
Another devaluation occurred, this time by 20%, as part of Tonga's economic reform program.
14/03/2008: Currency Redenomination
Tonga redenominated its currency, removing three zeros from the paʻanga to simplify monetary transactions.
16/11/2006: Riot and Currency Crisis
Civil unrest and riots erupted in Tonga, leading to a currency crisis and a temporary suspension of trading the paʻanga.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
27/05/1997: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency new design series
SAMA introduced a new series of banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
01/04/1991: First Devaluation of the Paʻanga
The paʻanga was devalued by 25% in an attempt to boost Tonga's economy and improve trade competitiveness.
30/06/1986: Saudi riyal pegged to the US dollar at 3.75 SAR per USD
Saudi Arabia pegged its currency to the USD, ensuring stability and ease of trade with international partners.
04/06/1975: Independence of Tonga
Tonga gained full independence from the United Kingdom, further solidifying the status of the paʻanga as its national currency.
01/04/1967: Introduction of the Paʻanga
The Tongan paʻanga was introduced as the official currency, replacing the pound at a rate of 1 pound = 2 paʻanga.
01/03/1952: Introduction of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
SAMA was established as the central bank of Saudi Arabia, responsible for issuing and managing the Saudi riyal.
23/09/1932: Establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Saudi riyal currency was introduced following the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz Al Saud.