IEG Review of World Bank Assistance for Financial Sector Reform

This evaluation presents an independent assessment of the Bank's support for financial sector reforms over the period FY93-03. It is the second part of a two-part evaluation; the first part of the assessment covered lines of credit. This volume focuses on Bank lending for financial sector reforms, including both lending categorized under the financial sector and financial sector components of multi-sector loans. The assessment examines trends in lending, the quality at entry of Bank assistance; and the outcomes of individual loans and components addressing financial sector reforms. It also assesses the extent to which the objectives of Bank assistance were achieved, including reducing government ownership of financial intermediaries, decreased market concentration, increased competition and efficiency, healthier and more stable financial intermediaries, and deeper, more developed financial systems. Finally, the assessment examines Bank support for financial sector reforms in countries under crisis.