This paper describes the compilation of the first truly comprehensive database on gross government debt-to-GDP ratios, covering nearly the entire IMF membership (174 countries) and spanning an exceptionally long time period. The database was constructed by bringing together a number of other...

The objective of this paper is to review the Fund's thinking about signaling since its inception, with a view to drawing lessons for the design of possible signaling mechanisms. Over the years, the Fund has both reflected on the ways in which its main activities - especially surveillance and use...

This report contains the assessments of BAHTNET and TSD based on the PFMI. The assessment was undertaken in the context of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) of Thailand in November 2018. The assessors were Gynedi Srinivas and Dorothee...

The joint World Bank- International Monetary Fund (IMF) Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) to the countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) was carried out in September and October of 2003. The assessment covered the following: (i) stability issues, including banking...

Securities settlement systems should have a well-founded, clear and transparent legal basis in the relevant jurisdiction. The laws, regulations, rules and procedures governing the operations and activities of Thailand Securities Depositories (TSD) are public and accessible to participants. In...

The capital markets in Salvador are small and relatively underdeveloped, and have played a very limited role in the economy. On average, institutional investors invest less than 10 percent of their total assets in capital market instruments. In 2009, there were only five new issuances of...

This assessment covers the transparency of monetary policy in the Republic of Indonesia, and in particular, BI's role in the formulation and implementation of this policy. It forms part of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) for Indonesia, which was conducted jointly by the IMF and...

By and large, EU financial integration has been a success story. Still, the reform agenda is far from finished. What are the remaining challenges going forward? What are the gains of closer financial market integration? This IMF book tracks the European Union's journey along the path to a single...

This paper examines the reasons for this, specifically focusing on regulations or market practices that can accentuate economic cycles. Although recognizing various practical limitations, new policy responses are identified that could help to mitigate procyclicality. Although economic cycles are...