Country Reports
2015
March 3, 2015
South Africa: Financial Sector Assessment Program-Detailed Assessment of Implementation on the IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation
Description: This paper discusses findings of the Detailed Assessment of Implementation on the IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation in South Africa. Although South Africa’s level of implementation of the IOSCO principles is complete in several areas, there is room for enhancement. The legal framework is robust and provides the authorities with broad supervisory, investigative, and enforcement powers. There are arrangements for on-site and off-site monitoring of regulated entities. The powers to cooperate with domestic and foreign counterparts are extensive. Accounting and auditing standards are high, as is the disclosure regime that applies to listed companies in practice.
March 3, 2015
South Africa: Financial Sector Assessment Program-Detailed Assessment of Compliance on the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision
Description: This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Compliance on the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision in South Africa. The South African banking system is highly concentrated with more than 90 percent of banking assets being controlled by the five largest banks. A suitable legal framework for banking supervision is in place to provide each responsible authority with the necessary legal powers to authorize banks, conduct ongoing supervision, address compliance with laws, and undertake timely corrective actions to address safety and soundness concerns. The responsibilities and objectives of each of the authorities involved in banking supervision are clearly defined in legislation and publicly disclosed.
March 3, 2015
South Africa: Financial Sector Assessment Program-Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)-Technical Note
Description: This Technical Note discusses findings and recommendations made in the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) for South Africa in the areas of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). The AML/CFT supervisory framework for the financial sector, in particular the banking sector, has been strengthened by the amended Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) Act that took effect in 2010 and the creation of the AML/CFT supervision team within Banking Supervision Department (BSD) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Significant technical deficiencies remain, such as the absence of requirements to identify and verify the identity of beneficial owners of customers and to apply enhanced diligence to high-risk situations.
March 3, 2015
Malaysia: Staff Report for the 2014 Article IV Consultation
Description: This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Malaysia’s well-diversified economy continued to perform well in 2014. Growth accelerated to 5.9 percent, aided by robust domestic private demand and a recovery in exports. Lower energy costs helped contain inflation to 3.1 percent despite the removal of fuel subsidies and increase in electricity tariffs. Growth is expected to moderate to 4.8 percent in 2015. Strong investment momentum should help offset headwinds from continued fiscal consolidation. Lower energy prices will be a drag on oil and gas production but should provide a boost to the large non-oil sector.
February 27, 2015
Liberia: Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility and Debt Relief Under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust
Description: This paper discusses Liberia’s Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility (RCF) and Debt Relief Under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief (CCR) Trust. Economic activity has declined significantly, and fiscal and external financing needs are more pronounced than envisaged at the time of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) augmentation. The authorities remain committed to the broad objectives of the ECF program. The IMF staff recommends approval of the authorities’ requests for a disbursement under the RCF and debt relief under the CCR Trust given the extensive economic damage caused by the Ebola outbreak and based on the authorities’ updated policy intentions and commitments.
February 26, 2015
Albania: Second and Third Reviews Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waiver for the Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, Waiver of Applicability of Performance Criteria, and Rephasing of Future Disbursements
Description: This paper discusses Albania’s Second and Third Reviews Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waiver for the Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, Waiver of Applicability of PCs, and Rephasing of Future Disbursements. The program is on track. All end-June, end-September, and available end-December quantitative PCs were met. However, the continuous PC on the accumulation of external arrears was not observed because of technical delay with one interest payment. The IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for the completion of the second and third reviews under the Extended Arrangement, waiver of applicability of PCs, and rephasing of future disbursements.
February 26, 2015
Republic of Serbia: Staff Report for the 2014 Article IV Consultation and Request for Stand-By Arrangement
Description: This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Serbian economy is facing serious challenges. GDP contracted by an estimated 2 percent in 2014 on account of continued falling domestic demand aggravated by floods, and weak economic activity in trading partners. This, together with the low imported inflation, pushed Serbia’s inflation rate below the National Bank of Serbia’s inflation tolerance band, allowing some easing of monetary policy. To support their economic policies over 2015–17, the authorities have requested the IMF’s assistance. The program aims to restore public debt sustainability, strengthen competitiveness and growth, and boost financial sector resilience.
February 26, 2015
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Staff Report for the 2014 Article IV Consultation
Description: This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that the real GDP growth of Lao People’s Democratic Republic is expected to moderate from 8 percent in 2013 to 7.5 percent in 2014. Domestic activity has slowed, and credit growth has declined from excessive levels. Inflation has declined to 3 percent from 6.5 percent at end-2013, largely owing to weaker food and fuel price momentum. To address vulnerabilities, Executive Directors have emphasized the need for continued fiscal consolidation, greater exchange rate flexibility, tighter monetary conditions, strengthened financial supervision, and improved bank resolution and crisis prevention frameworks.
February 26, 2015
Malta: Staff Report for the 2014 Article IV Consultation
Description: This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Malta’s economy continues to weather the global crisis well. Real GDP growth has been one of the highest in the euro area since the beginning of the crisis, supported by relatively diversified exports, a recent recovery in domestic demand, and a stable banking sector. Unemployment is close to historical lows and among the lowest in the euro area. The external position is strong, and progress has been achieved in reducing the budget deficit. The macroeconomic outlook is favorable. Growth is expected to remain robust in 2015–16, supported by domestic demand. Inflation is projected to remain subdued. The current account surplus will likely persist.
February 25, 2015
Gabon: Staff Report for the 2014 Article IV Consultation
Description: This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Gabon’s growth performance has recently been strong, but fiscal pressures have increased significantly. Real GDP growth has averaged about 6 percent in the last four years on the back of substantial scaling-up of capital spending as the authorities implement their strategy Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent to promote economic diversification and growth inclusiveness. The medium-term growth outlook has weakened as a result of the sharp decline in oil prices, but is expected to remain relatively strong. Growth is expected to be driven by a number of projects under way in agro-industry, mining, and wood processing.
Notes: Also available in French