Passing tests, failing systems
Much of Pakistan’s public discourse remains fixated on the issue of out-of-school children (OOSC) and the challenge of bringing them into the formal system – but what of those who…
Why financial markets matter
A well-developed financial system comprising dynamic capital markets and a robust banking sector is considered a critical driver of investment, productivity, and sustainable economic growth. Here, I discuss how the…
SDG 16 & financial crimes: challenges
Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels— Sustainable Development Goal 16, United Nations…
Empowering financial inclusion
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is a pioneering force, making breakthroughs in the field of finance and revolutionising the centrally dependent financial sector. It has already made a difference in several countries…
China’s financial regulatory revamp raises hope
A new Chinese financial watchdog will help bridge regulatory gaps but analysts and investors say the agency will consolidate power at the top and could introduce more state and party…
Countering illicit financial flows
The illicit movement of funds is a global challenge, threatening domestic and international financial systems. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has recently highlighted that the total…
FATF – financial politics
"Money is the mother of all politics", Jesse. M. Unruh. A statement that has been debated but not disputed. This is visible in the classification of the world into the…
Digital currency can make the financial system safer—II
The Bank of International Settlements in its own studies discovered that at least one-fifth of the world’s population will use digital currencies within the next three years. This clearly shows…
Illicit financial flows in the region
A recent study (November 24, 2017) provides an assessment of routes, actors and sources of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) and corruption in and between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal,…
Strengthening food systems
Achieving food security and nutrition for all goes beyond eliminating hunger – which is a high priority under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda. SDG2 – ‘End hunger, achieve…
