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UkraineAlert

May 13, 2020

Ukraine approves crucial anti-oligarch banking law

By Anders Åslund

Ukrainian MPs have adopted legislation to prevent former owners regaining banks nationalized during recent reforms. The move is a blow to Ukrainian oligarch Ihor Kolomoiskiy and paves the way for a new IMF program.

Corruption Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

May 11, 2020

How to deal with the coming pandemic debt crisis?

By Hung Tran

Even if inflation and interest rates remain low, the burden of servicing a quickly growing volume of debt will crowd out other important public expenditures, escalating the political fight over budgetary priorities amidst heightened social tension. It is important to have a public debate about post-pandemic fiscal strategy which is effective and equitable to deal with the aftermath of the crisis.

Coronavirus International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

May 5, 2020

Can we compare the COVID-19 and 2008 crises?

By Marc-Olivier Strauss-Kahn

There are more differences than similarities in comparing both crises, and others may still emerge as time goes. History doesn’t repeat itself; it stutters. And, of course, what will matter afterwards is to really draw the appropriate lessons to revisit our development models and better prevent and/or limit future crises.

International Financial Institutions International Markets

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2020

US commercial policy in Africa: A new normal?

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, April 29, the Africa Center hosted a virtual roundtable on the impacts of COVID-19 on US commercial policy toward Africa. The private discussion featured Ms. Victoria Whitney, the Chief Operating Officer of Prosper Africa, and Mr. Andrew Herscowitz, the Chief Development Officer at the US International Development Finance Corporation.

Africa Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Apr 27, 2020

Financial markets pressure likely to force additional European action soon

By Bart Oosterveld

Markets are likely to test the resolve of policymakers to preserve the monetary union in the upcoming months, and the risk of a series of funding shocks remains elevated.

Coronavirus European Union

New Atlanticist

Apr 27, 2020

IMF managing director urges more global action to soften coronavirus’ economic toll

By David A. Wemer

As the global economy continues to absorb the shock of the coronavirus pandemic, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged policymakers to commit more money to recovery efforts. “Do as much as you can,” she said on April 27, “then do a little bit more.”

Coronavirus Inclusive Growth
gtc photo of the dollar as a puzzle piece

Digital currencies

Apr 23, 2020

Design choices of Central Bank Digital Currencies will transform digital payments and geopolitics

By Nikhil Raghuveera

In this analysis, the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center examines the geopolitical implications of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and calls for the United States to lead on setting standards for CBDC and financial technology.

Civil Society Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Apr 22, 2020

The pandemic’s next stop: The financial system

By Bart Oosterveld

The peak of bank failures closures during the Global Financial Crisis happened two years after the collapse of real estate prices—there is an argument that there may be some time before the financial sector’s reserves are depleted. The wider picture however shows gyrating equity and commodity markets, very high unemployment, and a fragmented ‘reopening’ picture. All in all, the moment of the need for a meaningful injection of capital, whether from private markets or from the taxpayers, is approaching.

Coronavirus International Financial Institutions

In the News

Apr 15, 2020

Director Josh Lipsky Interviewed by Yahoo Finance on IMF Meeting

By Josh Lipsky

Read the full article here.

International Financial Institutions

New Atlanticist

Apr 13, 2020

The IMF and World Bank need to protect smaller countries during the Spring Meetings

By Hung Tran

While many larger economies have passed significant coronavirus relief packages, many middle- and low-income countries are in dire straits—suffering the full impact of the pandemic and global economic crises. World leaders in their meetings need to make decisions to significantly increase the lending capacity of the IMF to meet the urgent needs of these countries.

Coronavirus International Financial Institutions

Experts