This paper contributes to the literature on Multilateral Development Banks' (MDBs) balance sheet optimization in two ways. First, it looks at solutions to alleviate the ‘trilemma' faced by MDBs – stemming from G20 shareholders' calls for increasing development lending while, simultaneously,...

We assess the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the financing capacity of the four major multilateral development banks (MDBs) specialized in sovereign lending (IBRD, ADB, IADB, AfDB), based on available capital buffers and while maintaining triple-A ratings. The capacity of MDBs to expand...