IBRD and IDA lending commitments appear to reflect variations in borrowing countries' need for external financing to meet debt service commitments. This is true during financial crises and more tranquil times, suggesting that aid may be more fungible than previously believed

This paper analyzes influences on the credit standing of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), specifically the quality, diversification and single name concentration of their portfolios, and on the market practice known as Preferred Creditor Status (PCS), whereby sovereigns that default on...