Reducing malnutrition is a cornerstone of poverty reduction. General malnutrition and specific micronutrient deficiencies contribute to infant, child, and maternal morbidity; decreased learning capacity; lower productivity and higher mortality. Because malnutrition is often due to a combination...

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an established part of the global landscape, with companies throughout the world abiding by the United Nations global compact and many governments starting CSR initiatives. Michel Doucin explains the history behind the phenomenon, identifying the...

This Note identifies four main theoretical options for securities markets self-regulation in India, based on precedents from international markets. There is no single 'right' approach - the note outlines three options that employ Self Regulatory Organizations (SROs), which could be viable...

Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) is making effort to integrate itself into the regional and international economy. It is seeking membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO); participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); the ASEAN free trade agreement (AFTA), and...

This note provides: (1) an overview of new manifestations of consumer risks that are significant and cross-cutting across four key fintech products: digital microcredit, P2PL, investment-based crowdfunding, and e-money; and (2) examples of emerging regulatory approaches to target such risks....

Financial consumer protection sets clear rules of conduct for financial firms regarding their retail customers. It aims to ensure that consumers: 1) receive information to allow them to make informed decisions, 2) are not subject to unfair or deceptive practices, and 3) have access to recourse...

The Mongolian economy has grown very rapidly following the discovery of significant mineral deposits. Large investments in the mining sector have led to increased capital inflows, resulting in cheap external funding for banks and rapid credit expansion. Loans to households increased at the...

The consumer financial services sector in South Africa is among the most sophisticated in the world, yet nearly 40 percent of the population, especially blacks, use no formal financial services. The now ubiquitous mobile phones are dramatically changing the landscape of digital financial...

From 2004 to 2007, lending to households in Kazakhstan expanded rapidly at 116 percent average annual growth rate and reached 22 percent of GDP, with loans in foreign currency reaching 7 percent of GDP. The share of real estate lending doubled between 2004 and 2007, amounting to 30 percent of...

From 2004 to 2007, lending to households in Kazakhstan expanded rapidly at 116 percent average annual growth rate and reached 22 percent of GDP, with loans in foreign currency reaching 7 percent of GDP. The share of real estate lending doubled between 2004 and 2007, amounting to 30 percent of...