Mobilizing more revenue is a priority for sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Countries have to finance their development agendas, and weak revenue mobilization is the root cause of fiscal imbalances in several countries. This paper reviews the experience of low-income SSA countries in...

This Technical Note reviews the International Organization of Securities Commissions’s (IOSCO) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation for Monaco. It reveals that overall, there has been progress in implementing the Offshore Financial Center assessment recommendations in most areas...

Lebanon recovered from the financial shock triggered by Prime Minister Hariri’s assassination. Executive Directors supported the strategy of debt reduction through sustained fiscal adjustment. They welcomed the proactive stance of banking sector supervision and encouraged adoption of a...

Economic activity is on the upswing in Tajikistan, bolstered by higher hydroelectric power production. The government is working to address the structural energy deficit and achieve energy independence, raise social expenditures, maintain a flexible exchange rate regime, and continue structural...

This Selected Issues Paper examines the main channels of transmission of the global financial crisis on Togo’s economy. This paper assesses its impact, focusing on 2009 and considering country-specific factors that may aggravate, mitigate, or offset its effects. The decrease in global...

This technical note provides an overview of Mexico’s derivatives markets, and describes concisely the derivatives regulatory framework and risk management practices in financial institutions active in these markets. The most important derivatives market in Mexico is the over-the-counter...

This Selected Issues paper examines the reasons for the poor initial performance of the Compact Trust Fund (CTF) of Micronesia and the issues related to the governance framework. The design and recent implementation of the CTF raise concerns that Micronesia will still face a difficult transition...

Over the past two years, economic activity in Palau has been slowed. Executive Directors welcomed the authorities’ disciplined policies, strong financial sector legislation, and prudent management of foreign grants. They encouraged the authorities to build a strong fiscal consolidation...

OTC derivatives markets were an increasing source of vulnerability heading into the crisis. OTC derivatives markets contributed to the financial crisis. Credit derivatives facilitated the development and growth of the structured securities markets; and the purchasing, packaging, and distribution...