There a funny bunch, those central bankers. Word reaches me that Ben Welsh, head of fixed income, commodities and currencies at UniCredit Markets & Investment Banking, who has just got a new boss (see UniCredit Group and NewSmith get betrothed), has joined the Bank of England’s Joint Standing Committee (JSC). This was established in 1973 as a forum to discuss broad market issues and most FX players still regard it as an honour to serve. Despite a commitment to transparency, the BoE declined to confirm the news, telling me I’d have to wait for publication of the minutes of the latest meeting, which took place on Wednesday, although Welsh wasn’t there as he is travelling. I wonder if they start the meetings off by rolling up their trouser legs and giving each other a funny hand shake?