The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2024)

What is the difference between the World Bank Group and the IMF?

Founded at the Bretton Woods conference in 1944, the two institutions have complementary missions.TheWorld Bank Groupworks with developing countries to reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity, while theInternational Monetary Fundserves to stabilize the international monetary system and acts as a monitor of the world’s currencies. TheWorld Bank Groupprovides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments, and also focuses on strengthening the private sector in developing countries. TheIMFkeeps track of the economy globally and in member countries, lends to countries with balance of payments difficulties, and gives practical help to members. Countries must first join the IMF to be eligible to join the World Bank Group; today, each institution has 189 member countries.

The World Bank Group

TheWorld Bank Groupis one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development.

Together,IBRDandIDAformtheWorld Bank, which provides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments of developing countries. IDA focuses on the world’s poorest countries, while IBRD assists middle-income and creditworthy poorer countries.

IFC, MIGA,andICSIDfocus on strengthening the private sector in developing countries. Through these institutions, the World Bank Group provides financing, technical assistance, political risk insurance, and settlement of disputes to private enterprises, including financial institutions.

The International Monetary Fund

TheIMFworks to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

TheIMF'sprimary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries and their citizens to transact with each other. It does so by keeping track of the global economy and the economies of member countries, lending to countries with balance of payments difficulties, and giving practical help to members.

Last Updated:Jan 18, 2019

The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (2024)

FAQs

What is the International Monetary Fund IMF and the World Bank? ›

The IMF oversees the stability of the world's monetary system, while the World Bank's goal is to reduce poverty by offering assistance to middle-income and low-income countries. Both organizations are based in Washington, D.C., and were established as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1945.

What is the purpose of the IMF? ›

The IMF is a global organization that works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 190 member countries. It does so by supporting economic policies that promote financial stability and monetary cooperation, which are essential to increase productivity, job creation, and economic well-being.

Which 7 countries are not part of the IMF? ›

The countries that are not a part of the IMF are Cuba, North Korea, Monaco, Taiwan, Vatican City, and East Timor Liechtenstein.

Are the IMF and World Bank part of the UN? ›

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is part of the United Nations system and has a formal relationship agreement with the U.N., but retains its independence.

Does the IMF lend money? ›

What kind of financial assistance does the IMF offer? Unlike development banks, the IMF does not lend for specific projects. Instead, the IMF provides financial support to countries hit by crises to create breathing room as they implement policies that restore economic stability and growth.

Where does IMF get its money? ›

IMF funds come from three sources: member quotas, multilateral and bilateral borrowing agreements. Member quotas are the primary source of IMF funding. A member country's quota reflects its size and position in the world economy. Read more on how the IMF regularly reviews quotas.

Who runs the IMF? ›

International Monetary Fund
AbbreviationIMF
Official languageEnglish
Managing DirectorKristalina Georgieva
First Deputy Managing DirectorGita Gopinath
Chief EconomistPierre-Olivier Gourinchas
13 more rows

Who owns IMF World Bank? ›

The organizations that make up the World Bank Group are owned by the governments of member nations, which have the ultimate decision-making power within the organizations on all matters, including policy, financial or membership issues.

Who controls the World Bank? ›

The organizations that make up the World Bank Group are owned by the governments of member nations. They make decisions on all matters, including policy, financial or membership issues.

Who runs the World Bank? ›

Ajay Banga

Is China a member of IMF? ›

China as a current member of the IMF, is bounded by the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund.

Who funds the United Nations? ›

Every member of the United Nations is required to contribute to the organization's budget. The United States is its largest donor. Mandatory contributions fund administrative costs and peacekeeping operations. Many member countries also make voluntary contributions to specific UN programs.

Which country has taken highest loan from IMF? ›

Argentina is the biggest debtor to the IMF, with a total outstanding debt of $42.9bn. The country has had a long and troubled relationship with the IMF, with a history of equally spectacular fall-outs and bail-outs.

Does the UN control the IMF? ›

The IMF is governed by and accountable to its member countries. The IMF has three critical missions: furthering international monetary cooperation, encouraging the expansion of trade and economic growth, and discouraging policies that would harm prosperity.

What is the main difference between the IMF and the World Bank quizlet? ›

- IMF primarily is in existence to deal with economic crises from occurring. Monitor exchange rates to prevent complete economic meltdowns. - World bank is aimed towards development. Many developing states often have have trouble getting $$$ for development so it provides them with loans.

What is the purpose of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank quizlet? ›

The purpose of the International Monetary Fund is to: promote exchange stability, to maintain orderly exchange arrangements among members, and to avoid competitive exchange depreciation.

Where is the International Monetary Fund and World Bank? ›

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a major financial agency of the United Nations, and an international financial institution funded by 190 member countries, with headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Is IFC part of World Bank? ›

The International Finance Corporation or IFC, is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group and shares its mission to reduce global poverty.

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