Which institution is Georgia’s central bank and issuer of the Georgian lari?

The National Bank of Georgia is Georgia’s central bank and issuer of the Georgian lari.

The modern National Bank of Georgia was established after the country regained independence from the Soviet Union. Its headquarters are in Tbilisi. The bank conducts monetary policy, supervises financial institutions, manages international reserves, and supports the stability of the financial system.

Georgia introduced the lari in 1995, replacing the temporary coupon currency used during the early independence period. The word “lari” comes from an old Georgian term associated with property or wealth. The lari is divided into 100 tetri, a name connected with an older Georgian monetary term.

The National Bank of Georgia is distinct from Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, which manages government finances and public borrowing. The central bank’s main focus is monetary and financial stability. Its independence and responsibilities are defined by Georgian law, while the lari’s design incorporates Georgian scripts and national historical imagery.