World Bank

The World Bank [1] was set up in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference. Its purpose is to reduce global poverty and improve living standards by providing low-interest loans, interest-free credit and grants to developing countries. It raises most of its funds by issuing bonds on the world's financial markets - and the remainder from members' contributions.

The Bank’s five branches are:

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development=

The IBRD publishes the World Development Report for Reconstruction and Development, ranking countries by income and other economic factors. It also provides loans to middle-income countries

International Development Association

The IDA gives interest-free loans to the poorest countries.

International Finance Corporation

IFC finances private-sector projects and provides technical support.

Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency

The MIGA guarantees foreign investors against non-commercial risks.

International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes

This branch seeks to settle disputes between foreign investors and host countries.

World Bank representatives serve on the international Financial Stability Forum