Country Reports

September 22, 2016

Russian Federation: Financial Sector Assessment Program: Technical Note-Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism

Description: This Technical Note discusses the findings and recommendations made in the Financial Sector Assessment Program for the Russian Federation in the areas of anti–money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. Some authorities have gained a better understanding of money laundering and terrorism financing risks. Swift finalization of the national risk assessment will further advance that understanding and the use of a risk-based approach by all concerned agencies and reporting entities. Preventive measures related to politically exposed persons and reporting of suspicious transactions were updated and are largely in line with the Financial Action Task Force standards. However, the definition of politically exposed persons must be further amended, and the effectiveness of the measures should be enhanced.

September 22, 2016

Russian Federation: Financial Assessment Program: Detailed Assessment of Implementation: IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation

Description: This paper assesses the level of implementation of the International Organization of Securities Commissions objectives and principles of securities regulation in the Russian Federation. The findings reveal that there is much that the Central Bank of Russia needs to accomplish if it is to approach good international practice as a securities regulator. Some of the most recent regulatory changes, such as those on credit rating agencies, are clearly based on international standards. In other areas, further initiatives will be required. These include identification of conflict of interest and improving management standards of professional market participants.

September 22, 2016

Portugal: 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Portugal

Description: This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economic recovery in Portugal is losing momentum. The slowdown in economic activity that began in the second half of 2015 has persisted, despite still-favorable cyclical tailwinds and supportive macroeconomic policy. The fiscal loosening in place since 2015 and the European Central Bank’s appropriately supportive monetary policy stance have translated into robust consumption growth. However, overall GDP growth is being held back by weaker export growth and sluggish investment, with the latter being weighed down by uncertainty, high levels of corporate debt, and still-pronounced structural bottlenecks. Output is expected to increase by only 1.0 percent in 2016.

September 22, 2016

Portugal: Ex Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access Under the 2011 Extended Arrangement-Press Release; Staff Report; and Authorities Views

Description: This paper discusses Portugal’s Ex-post Evaluation of Exceptional Access Under the 2011 Extended Arrangement. Portugal faced a sudden stop in financing in 2011. The authorities’ IMF-supported program aimed to address the problems that had made Portugal vulnerable to changes in market confidence. The evaluation concurs that the program’s “big decisions” were justified. The main lesson to be drawn from Portugal’s experience is that adjustment in the context of currency union membership is difficult. Further work is needed to flesh out the measures required to support internal devaluation and private sector deleveraging. Options for union-level conditionality would benefit from clarification.

September 21, 2016

Republic of Belarus: Financial System Stability Assessment

Description: This paper presents an assessment of financial system stability in Belarus. The findings reveal that the state-dominated financial sector of Belarus confronts several critical challenges. Deep and long-standing structural problems and negative external spillovers are distorting the credit channel and overall financial stability. Financial sector contingent liabilities are on the rise, accentuating an already weak fiscal situation. The government is directing a large proportion of loans from state-owned banks to unhedged state-owned companies. Foreign currency liquidity risk is high, and transition to independent and risk-based oversight of the financial sector is urgently required.

September 21, 2016

Republic of Belarus: Staff Report for the 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Belarus

Description: This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of Belarus contracted by 3.9 percent in 2015, with a similar performance in the first half of 2016. The exchange rate depreciated sharply during 2015 and part of 2016. Real wages are down substantially relative to 2014, and corporate losses are up. Unemployment has risen somewhat, though it remains relatively low. The economy is expected to contract further in 2016 and in 2017, reflecting still-weak balance sheets and structural impediments. A subdued recovery is expected in 2018, but over the medium term, potential growth is expected to increase only to about 1.75 percent, limited by negative demographic developments and low productivity growth.

Notes: Also Available in Russian

September 19, 2016

Jamaica: Thirteenth Review under the Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility-Press Release and Staff Report

Description: This paper discusses Jamaica’s Thirteenth Review Under the Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility. Program implementation is on track. The authorities’ continued commitment to the demanding reform program even in the fourth year of the IMF-supported program is commendable. All quantitative performance criteria to be completed by the end of June 2016, as well as the continuous quantitative program targets and structural benchmarks, have been met. Domestic confidence indicators are at an all-time high, and there are signs of improving economic activity, including agricultural recovery, strong performance in tourism and manufacturing, and stronger private sector credit growth. Higher growth dividends, more job creation, and improved living standards will be essential to continued social support for the reform agenda.

September 15, 2016

Canada: Detailed Assessment Report on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism

Description: This report summarizes the anti–money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism measures in place in Canada. The Canadian authorities have a good understanding of most of Canada’s money laundering and terrorism financing risks. Some financial intelligence and other relevant information are accessible by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC); law enforcement agencies have greater access. FINTRAC receives a wide range of information, which it uses adequately, but some factors limit the scope and depth of the analysis it is authorized to conduct.

September 15, 2016

Canada: Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes-FATF Recommendations for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)

Description: This report evaluates the observance of standards and codes on Financial Action Task Force recommendations for anti–money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) in Canada. The findings reveal that the Canadian authorities have a good understanding of most of Canada’s money laundering and terrorism financing risks. AML/CFT cooperation and coordination are generally good at the policy and operational levels. All high-risk areas are covered by AML/CFT measures, except legal counsel, legal firms, and Quebec notaries. This constitutes a significant loophole in Canada’s AML/CFT framework. Law enforcement results are not commensurate with the money-laundering risk, and asset recovery is low.

September 14, 2016

Jordan: Request for an Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Jordan

Description: This paper discusses Jordan’s Request for an extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The economic growth of Jordan remains below potential. Unemployment is high, particularly for youth and women, and the refugee crisis is weighing on the economy and public finances. Real GDP growth is projected to increase to 2.8 percent in 2016, supported by lower oil prices relative to their 2014 peak, an accommodative monetary stance, and some recovery in private investment. In view of Jordan’s balance of payment needs, the policy actions already taken, and the comprehensive package of adjustment measures proposed by the authorities, the IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for an extended arrangement under the EFF.