The March 2020 legislative decree gives the BCCR the mandate to regulate and monitor the card system, an essential part of the payment system in Costa Rica. In particular, the BCCR has the responsibility to determine the maximum fees for the card system while promoting the efficiency in processing of transactions by card companies. This paper expands the BCCR’s own cross-country analysis on the main drivers of domestic card payment fees, without taking a view on the appropriateness of the level of the regulatory limits. A comprehensive study of the country-specific determinants of card payment fees is beyond the scope of this paper.
Abstract
Governance and corruption issues have taken the center stage in international discussions, especially after the adoption by the IMF in 2018 of a new framework for engagement on governance and corruption. Sound institutions that guarantee integrity in the management of public affairs are critical on the path toward higher and more inclusive growth. Corruption undermines the quality of institutions, weakens the effectiveness of government programs, and compromises social trust in government policies. Indeed, countries around the world that improved their governance systems are reaping a “governance dividend,” and governance-enhancing reformist countries in sub-Saharan Africa include Botswana, Rwanda, and Seychelles. In addition, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Angola demonstrate that important reforms are possible, including in fragile environments. The importance of good governance has acquired even more importance as countries try to introduce policies to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention to governance in an emergency context, including situations associated with conflict, other health crises and natural disasters, is therefore essential. Innovation and new technologies are critical instruments that policymakers can use in their efforts to improve governance and transparency.