World Bank explained: mission, impact and key operations
An accessible overview of the World Bank’s development role, lending structure, project assessment and place within international finance.
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Topic archive
Finance and Banking
Explore how banks, funding markets, currencies and regulation connect to the wider economy. This archive combines a recent institutional guide with clearly dated historical analysis.
Archive entries
Older entries retain their historical setting. Their dates, figures and policy assumptions should not be interpreted as current conditions.
Modigliani and Miller at the IMF
A historical discussion of tax treatment, corporate leverage and the ways debt incentives may contribute to financial and macroeconomic vulnerability.
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What could explain the 2014 fall of the ruble?
A period analysis examining oil prices, international restrictions, confidence and monetary conditions during a sharp movement in Russia’s currency.
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Reassessing the US bank-focused crisis response
This archive commentary evaluates competing accounts of the US financial-crisis response and the balance between stabilising institutions and supporting the wider economy.
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ECB measures, bond markets and economic growth
A historical assessment of euro-area policy measures, weak demand, deleveraging and the distinction between financial-market support and real-economy recovery.
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French banks and their 2014 exposure to Russia
A dated examination of how banks in several countries adjusted Russian credit exposure amid rising geopolitical and financial uncertainty.
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Economic restrictions on Russia and their intended impact
An archive analysis of early financial restrictions, payment disruption and the challenge of separating intended policy effects from broader consequences.
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China’s shadow banking system
A historical introduction to local-government borrowing, non-bank credit channels and the structural risks that accompanied rapid financial expansion.
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Revisiting banking union in a single currency area
An examination of bank oversight, government incentives and funding-cost differences within the euro area’s developing banking-union framework.
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A historical snapshot of global foreign-exchange turnover
This dated entry reviews a survey of currency trading and illustrates the scale of foreign-exchange markets relative to international trade.
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How to use this archive
Financial analysis becomes more useful when time, institutions and assumptions remain visible.
Check the date
Market conditions and policy frameworks can change rapidly, so begin with the publication period.
Identify the mechanism
Separate claims about liquidity, solvency, leverage, incentives and currency movements.
Test the context
Compare geography, regulation and economic conditions before applying an argument elsewhere.
Verify current data
Use current primary sources before treating historical figures as relevant to a present decision.
What’s included
A focused collection about financial institutions and their links to policy and the real economy.
Banks and lenders
Capital, credit, balance-sheet risk and the institutional channels through which finance reaches households and organisations.
Currencies and capital flows
Exchange rates, cross-border exposure and the movement of funding between national financial systems.
Regulation and stability
Central-bank measures, banking frameworks and policy debates surrounding resilience during periods of stress.
Frequently asked questions
Is every article on this page current?
No. Most entries are historical archive material, and their publication dates are shown prominently. The newest guide on this page was updated on 12 February 2025.
What topics does the finance and banking archive cover?
It covers banks, leverage, currencies, cross-border exposure, monetary policy, financial regulation and institutional stability.
Why have some archive titles been clarified?
Listing titles and summaries use calm, descriptive language so readers can understand the topic and historical period before opening an article.
How should I check an old financial statistic?
Confirm the unit, currency, source, measurement period and whether the figure is nominal or adjusted. Then compare it with a current primary source.
Does Economic Monitor provide financial advice?
No. Economic Monitor provides general educational and editorial material, not personalised investment, tax or legal advice.
Where can I browse related material?
Explore finance, international finance, monetary policy or the complete archive.