The Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are the largest source of development finance in the world, typically lending between US$30-$40 billion to low and middle income countries in any given year.

The MDBs, and in particular the World Bank, are also a primary source of development ‘knowledge’ and policies. With large volumes of finance coupled with formulated policy advice, MDBs are central in determining the direction of development policy, including approaches to sustainability across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe.

MDB loans for projects and economic policy in developing countries are intended to reduce poverty and encourage economic development. However, MDB loans have also been responsible for causing widespread environmental and social damage from ill-conceived programs, adversely affecting millions of people in developing countries. BIC monitors the activities of the MDBs listed below. Select each link to learn more about each Bank’s structure, how to obtain information from the Bank, policies and problem projects on which BIC has been active, accountability mechanisms, and other information.