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.
27/04/2010: Adoption of new currency symbol
Sierra Leone adopts a new currency symbol for the leone (Le), representing its cultural heritage and national identity.
20/12/2003: Launch of Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE)
SAMA launched SARIE, a real-time gross settlement system, improving interbank transactions and money transfers.
29/07/2003: Introduction of new leone notes
Sierra Leone introduces a new series of leone banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
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.
22/02/1996: Civil war ends
The Sierra Leonean Civil War comes to an end, providing an opportunity for economic stabilization and currency reform.
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.
29/04/1980: Coup d'etat
A military coup takes place in Sierra Leone, leading to economic instability and a decline in the value of the leone.
15/07/1974: Redenomination of the leone
Sierra Leone redenominates its currency, replacing the old leone with a new leone at a ratio of 1:4.
04/11/1971: Introduction of decimal currency
Sierra Leone adopts a decimal currency system, replacing the pound with the leone as its new official currency.
27/04/1961: Independence of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom, introducing the Sierra Leonean leone as its official currency.
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.