Western Hemisphere > Belize

You are looking at 1 - 6 of 6 items for :

  • Type: Journal Issue x
  • International finance x
Clear All Modify Search
International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.
This Selected Issues paper analyzes Belize’s correspondent banking relationships (CBR). All affected banks have found some replacements CBRs and alternative ways of processing cross border transactions. The analysis uses a dataset based on a bank-level survey and the IMF staff’s minimum scope framework. Pressures from the loss of correspondent banking relationships appeared to be easing. The US dollar continued to dominate CBR transactions, but its share has been declining. CBR pressures appear to be easing but risks remain. Risks include CBR counterparty credit risk and withdrawal risk, in addition to remaining supervisory gaps which could potentially add to CBR pressures. The importance of CBR in supporting economic activity and financial stability is highlighted in several studies. The results of the study results are consistent with the view that the recovery in CBRs in Belize will support credit growth and economic activity. Ensuring the availability and timely access to beneficial ownership of legal persons and arrangements established in Belize would limit the opportunity for their misuse and improve the transparency and the reputation of the sector.
Mr. Trevor Serge Coleridge Alleyne
,
Mr. Jacques Bouhga-Hagbe
,
Mr. Thomas Dowling
,
Dmitriy Kovtun
,
Ms. Alla Myrvoda
,
Mr. Joel Chiedu Okwuokei
, and
Mr. Jarkko Turunen
Banks across the Caribbean have lost important Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBRs). The macroeconomic impact has so far been limited, in part because banks either have multiple relationships or have been successful in replacing lost CBRs. However, the cost of services has increased substantially, some services have been cut back, and some sectors have experienced reduced access. Policy options to address multiple drivers, including lower profitability and risk aversion by global banks, require tailored actions by several stakeholders.
International Monetary Fund
Correspondent banking relationships (CBRs), which facilitate global trade and economic activity, have been under pressure in several countries. So far, cross-border payments have remained stable and economic activity has been largely unaffected, despite a recent slight decrease in the number of CBRs. However, in a limited number of countries, financial fragilities have been accentuated as their cross-border flows are concentrated through fewer CBRs or maintained through alternative arrangements. These fragilities could undermine affected countries’ long-run growth and financial inclusion prospects by increasing costs of financial services and negatively affecting bank ratings.
International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.
This Selected Issues paper analyzes macro-financial linkages for Belize. The banking system in Belize is facing significant challenges that could have a negative impact on the wider economy. Under adverse scenarios, the loss of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) could have a sizeable impact on Belize’s economy and financial stability as fewer CBRs, different local banks’ business models, or stricter due diligence requirements could kick many economic agents out of formal trade and finance channels. Threats to the financial system, including those related to money laundering and terrorist financing, should be tackled on multiple fronts, including through closer coordination with regional and global public and private partners.
International Monetary Fund
This paper highlights key finding of the assessment of financial sector regulation and supervision in Belize. The assessment reveals that banking supervision in Belize complies with or is largely compliant with most of the Basel Core Principles. Under current arrangements, the Minister retains a good deal of discretionary authority with respect to banking supervision, but this situation is likely to be modified if a draft bill, now under discussion, becomes law. Retention of qualified staff is a continuous problem with the result that the intensity of banking supervision varies.
International Monetary Fund. Secretary's Department

Abstract

The speeches made by officials attending the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings are published in this volume, along with the press communiqués issued by the International Monetary and Financial Committee and the Development Committee at the conclusion of the meetings.