External Sector Report 2026: Amid Rising Imbalances, the Case for Rebalancing
An analysis of the further widening of global current account balances in 2025, as well as a discussion of policy options to reduce excess balances, a review of the 30 largest economies, and an outline of the refined assessment methodology.
Toward a 28th European Enterprise Regime: A Single Rulebook to Enable Cross-Border Scale-Up in Europe
The paper proposes an optional EU-wide "28th regime" to complement national legal systems to reduce cross-border business barriers, improve capital access, and help firms better scale across the EU single market.
Unlocking the Potential: AI in Sub-Saharan Africa
An examination of AI's potential impact on economic development in sub-Saharan Africa and whether the region's countries are prepared to take advantage of this transformation.
Global Economy in Crosscurrents of War and Technology
World Economic Outlook Update, July 2026
Global growth is steady but uneven across countries amid headwinds from the war and tailwinds from the technology upcycle.
Gold in Central Bank Reserves: Strategic Considerations, Market Risks, and Practical Guidance
An examination of gold’s renewed role in central bank reserves, with guidance on treating gold as a high-risk reserve asset within risk-based frameworks.
Geoeconomics and the Return of Economic Statecraft
Finance & Development, June 2026
The latest issue explores how economic statecraft is reshaping global trade and what it means for policy in a more fragmented world.
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in the Financial Sector
AI is reshaping cyber risk in the financial sector, increasing the speed and scale of threats. This Note examines implications for financial stability and highlights the need for stronger resilience, governance, and coordination.
The Rise of Tokenization: Deciphering New Trends in Payments and Asset Tokenization
The use of blockchain to issue and transfer assets is reshaping finance, with implications for market structure, risk, and stability. This Note reviews key trends and highlights policy trade-offs in infrastructure, interoperability, and monetary design.
Strengthening GCC-CCA Economic Cooperation
GCC and CCA countries can deepen trade and investment by strengthening cross-cutting macroeconomic and structural policies. The right mix of reforms would support economic diversification and resilience.
