Challenges in Correspondent Banking in the Small States of the Pacific

Challenges in Correspondent Banking in the Small States of the Pacific PDF Author: Jihad Alwazir
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1475594763
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 29

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Book Description
Access to financial services in the small states of the Pacific is being eroded. Weaknesses in Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism compliance in the context of high levels of remittances are contributing to banks’ decisions to withdraw corresponding banking relationships and close bank accounts of money transfer operators. In this paper, we gather evidence on these developments in the small states of the Pacific, discuss the main drivers, and the potentially negative impact on the financial sector and macroeconomy. We then identify the collective efforts needed to address the consequences of withdrawal of corresponding banking relationships and outline policy measures to help the affected countries mitigate the impact.

Challenges in Correspondent Banking in the Small States of the Pacific

Challenges in Correspondent Banking in the Small States of the Pacific PDF Author: Jihad Alwazir
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1475594763
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 29

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Book Description
Access to financial services in the small states of the Pacific is being eroded. Weaknesses in Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism compliance in the context of high levels of remittances are contributing to banks’ decisions to withdraw corresponding banking relationships and close bank accounts of money transfer operators. In this paper, we gather evidence on these developments in the small states of the Pacific, discuss the main drivers, and the potentially negative impact on the financial sector and macroeconomy. We then identify the collective efforts needed to address the consequences of withdrawal of corresponding banking relationships and outline policy measures to help the affected countries mitigate the impact.

The Withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Relationships

The Withdrawal of Correspondent Banking Relationships PDF Author: Mrs.Michaela Erbenova
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1498336531
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 42

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Book Description
This paper focuses on the withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) in some jurisdictions post-global financial crisis. It describes existing evidence and consequences of the withdrawal of CBRs and explores drivers of this phenomenon drawing on recent surveys and select country information. While the withdrawal of CBRs has reached a critical level in some affected countries, which can have a systemic impact if unaddressed, macroeconomic consequences have not been identified so far at a global level. The paper presents responses from the international community to address this phenomenon, and explains the role that the IMF has been playing in this global effort, especially with regards to supporting member countries in the context of surveillance and technical assistance, facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, and encouraging data gathering efforts. The paper concludes by suggesting policy responses by public and private sector stakeholders needed to further mitigate potential negative impacts that could undermine financial stability, inclusion, growth and development goals.

Handbook of Small States

Handbook of Small States PDF Author: Lino Briguglio
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351181823
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 872

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Book Description
This handbook covers a wide spectrum of issues relating to small states. Chapters in the volume have been grouped under the three main themes of economic, social and environmental issues. The economics sections include chapters dealing with trade, finance and regulatory frameworks, while the social theme covers health, migration, population ageing, as well as overall social wellbeing. The environmental theme examines matters such as measuring environmental performance, natural disasters, the ocean economy, and the validity of the Sustainable Development Goals. One major issue is the definition of small states. As this volume demonstrates, generally speaking, population is used to measure country size in the literature. However, it clearly emerges that there is no real consensus as to the population cut-off point that distinguishes small states from large ones. While the approaches taken by the authors vary, in all cases the chapters draw practical policy implications for small states. The book can therefore be considered as a wide-ranging depositary of information on small states with the aim of deriving policy prescriptions, and thus as an excellent resource for academics, students and policymakers.

Vanuatu: 2021 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Vanuatu

Vanuatu: 2021 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Vanuatu PDF Author: International Monetary
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1513597175
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 95

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Book Description
Border closures and other pandemic containment measures have kept Vanuatu free from COVID-19. However, they have dealt a heavy blow to economic activity as tourism has come to a virtual halt. On top of the pandemic, Tropical Cyclone Harold and a volcanic eruption in Tanna Island caused extensive economic damage in 2020. In the context of a continued loss of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) in the Pacific, Vanuatu also lost a key CBR at end-June 2021. Air Vanuatu, one of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs), is in the process of being restructured.

The Financial Inclusion Landscape in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Dozen Key Findings

The Financial Inclusion Landscape in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Dozen Key Findings PDF Author: Mrs.Sarwat Jahan
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 149830544X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 31

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Book Description
Financial inclusion is a multidimensional concept and countries have chosen diverse methods of enhancing financial inclusion with varying degrees of results. The heterogeneity of financial inclusion is particularly striking in the Asia-Pacific region as member countries range from those that are at the cutting edge of financial technology to others that are aiming to provide access to basic financial services. The wide disparity is not only inter-country but also intra-country. The focus of this paper is to take stock of the current state of financial inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region by highlighting twelve stylized facts about the state of financial inclusion in these countries. The paper finds that the state of financial inclusion depends on several factors, but a holistic approach calibrated to specific country conditions may lead to greater financial inclusion.

Report on the Pacific Roundtables

Report on the Pacific Roundtables PDF Author: Ms.Alison Stuart
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1498306446
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
The paper looks at feasible concrete action that can be taken by correspondent and respondent banks, money transfer operators, the Pacific authorities, the Australian and New Zealand authorities, and international organizations.

The Bankers' Blacklist

The Bankers' Blacklist PDF Author: Julia C. Morse
Publisher: Cornell University Press
ISBN: 1501761528
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 258

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Book Description
In The Banker's Blacklist, Julia C. Morse demonstrates how the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has enlisted global banks in the effort to keep "bad money" out of the financial system, in the process drastically altering the domestic policy landscape and transforming banking worldwide. Trillions of dollars flow across borders through the banking system every day. While bank-to-bank transfers facilitate trade and investment, they also provide opportunities for criminals and terrorists to move money around the globe. To address this vulnerability, large economies work together through an international standard-setting body, the FATF, to shift laws and regulations on combating illicit financial flows. Morse examines how this international organization has achieved such impact, arguing that it relies on the power of unofficial market enforcement—a process whereby market actors punish countries that fail to meet international standards. The FATF produces a public noncomplier list, which banks around the world use to shift resources and services away from listed countries. As banks restrict cross-border lending, the domestic banking sector in listed countries advocates strongly for new laws and regulations, ultimately leading to deep and significant compliance improvements. The Bankers' Blacklist offers lessons about the peril and power of globalized finance, revealing new insights into how some of today's most pressing international cooperation challenges might be addressed.

Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde PDF Author: International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1484352335
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 15

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Book Description
This Selected Issues paper provides an overview of the nature and scope of corresponding banking relationships (CBRs) withdrawals in Cabo Verde and discusses policy options to address this challenge. The paper reports the results of a bank level survey and employs the minimum scope framework developed by Grolleman and Jutrsa (2017) on Cabo Verdean bank level data for 2014–2017. Banks in Cabo Verde have experienced a reduction in CBRs since 2013. Bank level survey shows that the terminations are broad based and involves both the central bank and commercial banks. The impact on the banking system has so far been minimal but banks reported facing increased cost of US dollar transactions. The results using the minimum scope framework shows that value of payment flows declined significantly between 2014 and 2016. There is a need for coordinated efforts by all relevant stakeholders at the institutional, national, and regional levels to contribute their knowledge and skills to the resolution of the problem.

Financial Inclusion in Asia-Pacific

Financial Inclusion in Asia-Pacific PDF Author: Ms.Elena Loukoianova
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1484371011
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 139

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Book Description
Asia has made significant progress in financial inclusion, but both its across-country and intra-country disparities are among the highest in the world. The gaps between the rich and the poor, rural and urban populations, and men and women remain deep. Income is the main determinant of the level of financial inclusion; but other factors, such as geography, financial sector structure, and policies, also play important roles. While some countries in the Asia-Pacific region are leaders in fintech, on average the region lags behind others in several important areas such as online (internet) purchases, electronic payments, mobile money, and mobile government transfers. This Departmental Paper aims to take stock of the development and current state of financial inclusion and shed light on policies to advance financial inclusion in the region. The research focuses on the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth, poverty reduction, and inequality, linkages between financial inclusion and macroeconomic policies, as well as structural policies that are important for improving financial inclusion. Given the increasing importance of financial technologies (fintech), the paper also provides a snapshot of the fintech landscape in the Asia-Pacific.

International Monetary Fund Annual Report 2017

International Monetary Fund Annual Report 2017 PDF Author: International Monetary Fund
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
ISBN: 1475563256
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 114

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Book Description
During the past financial year, the IMF’s 189 member countries faced a number of pressing challenges. IMF work on these challenges - slower trade, declining productivity, gender inequality, inclusive growth, and debt management - is a central focus of this 2017 Annual Report.