The Bank of Greece started operations purely as an issuing bank, its primary duties being to regulate monetary circulation and maintain the internal and external value of the currency.
After commencing operations, the Bank of Greece established branches in the principal cities of the country so as to intervene and manage the allocation of savings and to support Greece's vital exports (mainly currants and tobacco).
At first, the Bank's primary responsibility was to collect receipts and execute payments on behalf of the State and other legal persons in public law.