Since the 2003 Financial Stability Assessment Program (FSAP) update, Ghana’s financial system has undergone rapid growth and structural transformation. The authorities have been implementing reforms to enhance the financial system’s resilience to shocks and its contribution to...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Pakistan. Program implementation has been uneven but key reforms are moving forward. All end-September 2009 quantitative performance criteria were met, with the exception of the ceiling on the overall budget...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Paraguayan economy performed very well over the past five years, with real GDP growth averaging about 5 percent a year—the best in a generation. The fiscal position strengthened considerably, thereby reducing public debt sharply to...

This Selected Issues paper for the Philippines has been prepared by a staff team of the International Monetary Fund as background documentation for the periodic consultation with the member country. Spillovers have been particularly prominent for countries with financial systems with high...

This paper presents an update to the Financial System Stability Assessment on Sri Lanka. The paper discusses that despite a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by a high fiscal deficit, inflationary pressures, and a widening current account, near-term risks to the financial...

To help economic adjustment in the midst of the global economic crisis, an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) was supported by IMF resources. The cause of Mongolia’s crisis in 2008–09 and its resolution and design and outcomes of the program are also discussed. The trigger for...

Kazakhstani banks continue to suffer from a high and rising stock of nonperforming loans. A centralized approach to asset resolution is warranted, and could be based on a reinvigorated Distressed Asset Fund. A robust and transparent public financial management system should be an integral part...

This article is an analysis on the restructuring banking system of the European Union. The global financial crisis created the need to restructure by immensely reflecting weaknesses in the public, households, corporate, and other financial sectors. The restructuring includes the strengthening of...

This staff report for Cambodia’s 2008 Article IV Consultation describes economic developments and policies. Growth is slowing, liquidity is tightening, and, as a result, banks’ balance sheets are coming under strain. Competitiveness has eroded given the recent sharp real...

Even though the Russian authorities have maintained financial stability at the time of a major global shock, the financial system is still weak. The crisis has set back progress toward a strong, competitive banking system for the future. The recent unification of the supervision of nonbank...