The insurance sector is underdeveloped and has been inadequately supervised to date, as the regulator lacks the requisite independence, skills, and resources. The three public pension systems, which cover less than 10 percent of the active population, appear to be fiscally unsustainable. The...

This Financial System Stability Assessment on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) examines macroeconomic and financial sector developments. The banking sector as a whole shows comfortable levels of capitalization and profits, having benefited from the rapid expansion of the economy and a steady...

This paper presents Mongolia’s Financial System Stability Assessment, including reports on the Observance of Standards and Code. The Mongolian financial system is developing and performing well, in line with the economy as a whole, but faces a number of challenges. There are signs that...

The Slovenian financial system has been hard hit by the crisis. Banks remained highly vulnerable to continued credit deterioration and refinancing risks. Strengthening of financial condition of banks should be the short-term priority. The financial restructuring should be followed by...

This paper discusses key findings of the detailed assessment of observance of financial sector standards and codes in Switzerland. Switzerland has a relatively unique banking sector, with a high market concentration by the two largest domestic banks. The overall assessment of the peer-review...

This article is a report of Spain’s progress in financial sector reforms. The key reforms in the financial sector have been either adopted or designed. The economy has risks at times as it takes up the challenges of correcting pre-crisis imbalances. The economy may face decline, but...

Loan review is a process routinely used by banks to assess the current value of loan portfolios. Provisioning is a technique to translate loan review results into the balance sheet. It allows for ongoing valuation of loans. Both are core elements of credit risk management and important to...

The main vulnerabilities in the financial sector can be found in the banking system and the social security fund (SSNIT). The Ghanaian financial sector is also confronted by a large number of development challenges. The factual updates of Ghana’s observance of the three international...

This paper examines Mozambique’s Request for a New Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. Mozambique’s performance under the authorities’ program continues to be generally satisfactory. Real GDP growth remained strong in 2003, real interest...

This paper presents key findings of the Financial System Stability Assessment for New Zealand, including Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Monetary and Financial Policy Transparency, Banking Supervision, and Securities Regulation. The assessment reveals that New Zealand has a...