Publications

The Digital Transition of Services: Getting Regulation Right From the Start

| 9 March 2023
Trade, Blog | Tags: Competition, Digital Economy, Innovation, Privacy, Services Trade
The digital transition and the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in services are blurring the boundaries of both occupations and sectors. At the same time, new or rekindled trade-offs between different regulatory objectives arise, transgressing sectoral and occupational boundaries as we know them. Services regulations, ... continue reading

Keeping Risks in Check. Towards a Comprehensive Reflection of Climate Risks on Central Bank Balance Sheets

| 27 February 2023
Monetary, Blog | Tags: Asset Purchases, Central Banks, Climate Risks, Financial Governance
Central banks have been highlighting the financial risks from climate change for several years. The fact that they are still not accounting for these risks across all their operations is striking. This must change. ... continue reading

Fossil Fuel Tax Expenditures. Data Gaps and Reporting Guidelines

and | 21 February 2023
Fiscal, Discussion Notes | Tags: Energy, Fossil Fuel Subsidies, Tax Expenditures
Tax expenditures (TEs) make up one of the largest components of fossil fuel subsidies (FFSs) worldwide. Yet, despite their significance, they remain underreported. ... continue reading

Building Blocks for Central Banks to Develop Nature Scenarios

, and | 27 January 2023
Monetary, Policy Briefs | Tags: Central Banks, Climate Risk, Environment, Financial Stability
In reviewing a selection of models currently used in economic and nature loss assessments, five key issues emerge for model and scenario development. ... continue reading

Does Fintech Promote Entrepreneurship? Evidence from China

| 24 January 2023
Monetary, Blog | Tags: Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship, Fintech
Policy moves and public statements in recent years indicate that Beijing seeks to simultaneously support the growth of internet finance platforms and reign in anticompetitive practices and risky behavior. ... continue reading

Tax Expenditure Scrutiny Can End Trillion-Dollar Political Game

, and | 19 January 2023
Fiscal, Commentary | Tags: Income Tax, Inequality, Tax Expenditures, United States
Too often, government spending is understood only as cash payments to specific individuals or groups. However, targeted exemptions or reductions in taxes owed strain public coffers similarly to direct spending, though often with far less visibility. ... continue reading

The Return of China: Mostly Positive News for Vietnam

| 17 January 2023
Trade, Commentary | Tags: China, Covid-19, Trade, Vietnam
In light of China's reopening, many forecasters now see a strong V-shaped rebound from mid-2023, led by private consumption. ... continue reading

The Swiss National Bank Struggles to Manage Climate Risks

| 6 January 2023
Monetary, Commentary | Tags: Central Banks, Climate Risk, Financial Stability
In Europe and elsewhere, central banks are implementing measures to contain financial risks associated with climate change in their asset portfolios. The Swiss National Bank is not among the leaders in this area. ... continue reading

Trade Protection – What Impact on Jobs and Wages?

and | 23 December 2022
Trade, Blog | Tags: Protectionism, Trade Liberalization, Unemployment, Wages
New research indicates that import tariffs by the US on China increased employment and wages in the targeted industries. The benefits are counterbalanced, however, by several costs to the economy as a whole. ... continue reading

Supporting the Just Transition: a Roadmap for Central Banks and Financial Supervisors

and | 22 December 2022
Monetary, Policy Briefs | Tags: Central Banks, Financial Inclusion, Financial Supervision, Inequality, Transition risks
Shifting to a sustainable economy will reshape the outlook for countries and sectors across the world. Managed well, the net zero transition could lead to more and better jobs as well as reduced risks from climate shocks. Managed poorly, however, it could result not ... continue reading