Bretton Woods Project response to IFC executive vice president Cai’s Bank blog challenges the IFC’s commitment to address systemic problems.
IFI Lending
Infrastructure
Analysis
The rise of the infrastructure giants
World Bank faces increased competition over large scale infrastructure in Asia, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS Bank.
Conditionality
Analysis
IMF: Ukraine's "tough programme"; Egypt next?
The IMF’s provision of an exceptional access loan to Ukraine was presented as vital economic support, but many commentators fear that this loan is driven as much by political as economic necessity. Despite emphasising increased sensitivity to country circumstances, Fund policy recommendations in Egypt are very similar to its prescriptions for Ukraine.
Finance
News
Final IDA 17 numbers shrink under scrutiny
The release of the final IDA paper in April confirmed that IDA 17 represents a 7.7 per cent decline in IDA resources. The replenishment saw a loan of $1 billion from China and less generous lending terms for IDA borrowers.
Finance
News
Ballroom dancing in Bolivia: IFC investments remain questionable
IFC invests in another five-star hotel, raising further questions whether its investments lead to positive development outcomes.
Private Sector
Commentary
Can development really be delivered by investing in private banks?
In a new blog the Bretton Woods Project highlights the Bank's increasing investment in financial intermediaries at the expense of education and health
Finance
Background
Financial tremors in developing countries: is another earthquake on the way?
Aldo Caliari Monetary policy changes in rich world are now starting – the reversal of…
Finance
Background
The IMF's work on tax spillovers and developing countries
Sponsors: Action Aid/UK, IMF, TJN Africa, New Rules Coalition, International Centre for Tax Development Panellists: Anna…
Private Sector
Analysis
Follow the money
New Bretton Woods Project report reveals World Bank Group channelling crucial development resources to banks instead of directly investing in pro-poor projects.
IFI governance
News
“Declining performance” at World Bank as strategy moves forward
A leaked draft IEG report reveals declining performance trends at the World Bank, including the IFC’s financial sector lending, while the implementation of the Bank’s strategy continues with the launch of a public consultation on the new country engagement model.
Featured briefings
5 October 2023
World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings 2023
4 October 2023
The Bretton Woods Observer: Autumn 2023
4 October 2023
The IMF and World Bank talk good governance, but walk with state- capturers
From South Africa to Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, the Bank and Fund have demonstrated they are not appropriate allies to address the scale of the crisis the world is facing, especially, given their record.