Short note on international financial institutions
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The International Financial Institutions (IFIs) include the World Bank, the regional development banks, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They are the largest source of development finance in the world, typically lending between US$30-$40 billion to low and middle-income countries each year.
The IFIs, and in particular the World Bank, are a primary source of development knowledge, publishing research that frames the debate on development issues. Other donor institutions often take their lead from the World Bank and the IMF, thus amplifying the impact of those institutions’ lending approaches and decisions.
IFI loans to finance investment projects and policy reforms in developing countries are intended to reduce poverty and encourage economic development. However, ill-conceived IFI loans have often caused widespread environmental and social damage including irreversible impacts on natural habitats, displaced communities, and indigenous peoples.