The Staatsbank der DDR (State bank of DDR) is the central bank of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik. Among its major purposes are: maintenance of the value of the national currency, balance of payments as well as facilitating trade transactions and contributing to the economic advancement of the country. The Staatsbank issues the national currency, the Mark der DDR. Präsident der Staatsbank is the head of the bank and is a member of the Ministerrat (Council of Ministerss).