The capacity of the Saudi Arabian banking sector to respond to macroeconomic shocks has been considerably strengthened over the past decade. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA ) has been actively monitoring some emerging portfolio trends. Comprehensive reforms are under way to deepen...

This paper discusses key findings of the Financial System Stability Assessment on the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision, the Committee for Payment and Settlement Systems (CPSS) Core Principles for Systemically Important Payment Systems, and IMF Monetary and Financial Policy...

The assessment report on the observance of China’s compliance with the Committee for Payment and Settlement System's core principles for systemically important payment systems is examined. Domestic foreign exchange transactions are mostly executed at the China Foreign Exchange Trade...

This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Observance of the Fedwire Securities Service’s (FSS) Observance of the Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems/International Organization of Securities Commissions (CPSS–IOSCO) Recommendations for Securities...

Over the last few decades, the economy of Saudi Arabia has strengthened, as oil prices increased with the rebound in global economic activity. Despite this, vulnerabilities to a sustained decline in the oil price have increased. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their...

This study focused on the medium-term objectives, the 2004 government budget, and other policies and measures for the program period. The preparation of a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) will play a crucial role in the process, as this would provide a road map for the government's...

Central bank collateral policies came under pressure with the 2007-08 financial market crisis. This paper addresses the rationale for and constraints in taking collateral, and recent practices in different collateral frameworks. It then considers the risks of adverse selection. The paper...

The paper discusses the interrelationships between payments system reform and monetary policy implementation in selected countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The reforms in the payments system are viewed as closely interrelated with the development of money and foreign exchange markets and...

This report reviews developments during 2004 in the context of the Sixth and Final Program Review Under Sierra Leone’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement with the IMF. The authorities have implemented an economic reform program supported by a PRGF arrangement since...

The German financial system is complex and highly diversified. The second most important class of financial institutions is insurance and pension companies. Germany has taken steps to enhance accounting and auditing practices and to align corporate governance with best international practices....