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.
28/07/2016: Bank of Japan announces stimulus package
The Bank of Japan announced an aggressive stimulus package and negative interest rates, causing the Yen to depreciate against major currencies.
11/03/2011: Great East Japan Earthquake
The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, leading to a decline in the Yen as reconstruction efforts strained the economy.
15/09/2008: Lehman Brothers bankruptcy
The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers triggered a global financial crisis, resulting in a surge in the value of the Yen as investors sought safe-haven assets.
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.
20/03/1995: Kobe earthquake
The Great Hanshin earthquake struck Kobe, causing significant damage to the Japanese economy and leading to a decline in the value of the Yen.
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.
22/09/1985: Plaza Accord
Japan, along with major economies, agreed to depreciate the value of the US dollar, leading to the appreciation of the Yen.
01/03/1973: Yen becomes a floating currency
The Yen lost its fixed exchange rate and started floating against major currencies following the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.
15/12/1953: Yen is introduced
The Japanese Yen was first introduced as the official currency of Japan with the enactment of the Bank of Japan Act.
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.