Pearl Kgalegi

Pearl held various senior roles in both government departments and private companies before joining the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in 2018. As the Divisional Head responsible for Research, Policy and Strategy, she was responsible for conducting research on emerging developments in the currency landscape, developing innovative strategies and formulating forward-looking policies.

Currently, she is the Head of the Currency Management Department, responsible for the management and operations of the entire currency function, which includes both banknotes and coin. Her responsibilities span research, the development of both banknotes and coin, issuance, distribution and destruction. Pearl is also responsible for the three cash centres of the SARB, which handle the distribution and processing of banknotes.

Furthermore, she led the SARB’s feasibility study on Central Bank Digital Currency and works very closely with the South African Bank Note Company and the South African Mint.