IMFverdensbank

IMFverdensbank is a hypothetical international financial institution proposed in policy debates as a merger of the functions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The concept envisions a single entity dedicated to safeguarding global financial stability while also financing development projects, with the goal of reducing fragmentation in international financial governance.

Scope and functions: It would combine macroeconomic surveillance and crisis lending with development financing and poverty reduction programs. The institution would provide policy advice, emergency liquidity, long-term project funding, and technical assistance under a unified framework, aligning macro-stability measures with development outcomes.

Governance and funding: Governance would be based on a board of governors representing member states and a central executive leadership, with voting shares tied to a country’s quota and lending commitments. The institution could borrow on international markets to fund lending and rely on paid-in capital, reserves, and borrower repayments to sustain operations. It would operate under a single set of conditionality and policy prerequisites aimed at coherence across stabilization and development goals.

Criticism and status: The idea has been discussed in academic and policy circles but faces substantial obstacles, including questions about mandate clarity, governance reform, debt sustainability, and political feasibility. Critics warn that merging institutions could blur specialization and complicate decision-making, while supporters argue that consolidation could improve efficiency and policy coherence. As of today, IMFverdensbank does not exist as a real organization.