International Monetary Fund

The IMF’s main mandate is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system, the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries to buy goods and services from each other.

The IMF:

provides a forum for cooperation on international monetary problems;

facilitates the growth of international trade and promotes employment, economic growth, and poverty reduction;

supports exchange rate stability and an open system of international payments; and lends foreign exchange to members when needed, on a temporary basis and under adequate safeguards, to help them address balance of payments problems.

After the global financial crisis of 2007–2009, the IMF has redefined and deepened its operations by:

enhancing its lending facilities and improving the monitoring of global  economies;

helping resolve global economic imbalances;

analyzing capital market developments; and assessing financial sector vulnerabilities.

(The Greek sovereign debt crisis, the East Asian Financial Crisis)