An Assessment of Financial Sector Development in Bhutan
An Assessment of Financial Sector Development in Bhutan

Author: Rebel A. Cole

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 41

ISBN-13:

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This paper presents the results of an investigation into the performance and stability of Bhutan's banking system. The study has found that economic growth has fueled a large demand for household credit over recent years, and in turn, banks have responded by substantially increasing their loan portfolios. Private sector credit growth took o from its earlier steady pace in the years preceding 2008, reaching over 40% growth year-on-year in the 2009-10 fiscal year, and has retained a relatively high growth rate even as heavy import restrictions remain in place. Although the largest recipient of credit is the building and construction sector, personal loans now make up more than 18% of credit extended to the private sector. And while non-performing loans have decreased substantially from their peak of close to 40% in the mid-1990s, they are still relatively high, and are decreasing as much due to total private sector credit growth as they are to loan recovery rates. Within this context, this paper discusses policy recommendations to strengthen and improve the banking sector. These policy measures include fostering banking sector competition, improving regulatory practices--on both the monitoring and the enforcement side--and enhancing risk diversification and liquidity management practices.

Connecting the Disconnected
Connecting the Disconnected

Author: Cecile T. Niang

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2013-03-12

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 0821398342

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Connecting the Disconnected presents the findings of the field research designed to evaluate financial practices and strategies among urban and rural Bhutanese households. The study was commissioned in 2012 by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan and the World Bank to provide qualitative evidence to the country's Financial Inclusion Policy. The book explores where, how, and why diff erent demographic groups save, borrow, send remittances, and insure themselves; it also evaluates the potential for innovations to extend fi nancial inclusion. Analysis of results from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews reveals three key patterns: Bhutan is a cash-based economy where households have a vibrant, if informal, savings and lending culture; rural areas are particularly underserved by formal fi nancial services; and women and youth represent an untapped market segment. The book reveals a demand for financial services with less complex and time-consuming banking procedures than are currently off ered-in particular, small, periodic savings and loan services; more accessible deposit and withdrawal services; and flexible loan requirements. In response to the demand for saving locally and in small amounts, group savings schemes and cooperatives are slowly emerging in Bhutan. These could serve rural communities until households become integrated into the formal financial system, though support and capacity building will be critical to ensure that savings are protected. Households struggle with banks' requirements and procedures and turn instead to informal lenders. Even households with some access to the formal fi nancial sector continue to use informal financing. The findings highlight a need for formal microfinance services providing small group and individual loans with flexible repayments. Savings strategies and attitudes suggest that Bhutanese households could benefit from fi nancial literacy education. More eff ective consumer protection is also needed. For instance, dispute resolution that is easily accessed would increase trust in the fi nancial sector. Also, the spread of mobile phone banking has been constrained by the limited mobile banking technology in use and low English-language literacy. However, the widespread use of mobile phones suggests that innovative technology could create new opportunities. Other innovative strategies worth considering include branchless banking to improve fi nancial access in remote areas. Finally, use of insurance services appears to be limited by a lack of knowledge. Remittances are used to send money both within Bhutan and abroad, but many rural communities lack access to formal remittance services and must rely instead on informal-and often expensive-options.

Strengthening the Banking Industry in Bhutan
Strengthening the Banking Industry in Bhutan

Author: Tharchean

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 9780494388365

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This study is a preliminary effort on the subject with the following objectives. The first is to examine the functioning of the modern financial/banking system in Bhutan against the backdrop of its evolution in the Kingdom. The second is to assess the current financial system's operational strengths and weaknesses in keeping with the framework of laws, rules/regulations, structural and institutional set up in the country. The third is to explore whether a single financial regulatory and supervisory authority is appropriate for Bhutan's financial sector, given the present realities operating within the Kingdom. The fourth is to ascertain the important roles played by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank in Bhutan's development and in strengthening its financial system.

Financial Sector Assessment
Financial Sector Assessment

Author: World Bank

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2005-09-29

Total Pages: 494

ISBN-13: 9780821364321

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The experience of many countries around the world clearly shows that while financial sector development can spur economic growth, financial fragility and instability can seriously harm growth. Following the financial crises of the late 1990s, there has been increasing interest in the systematic assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of financial systems, with the ultimate goal of formulating appropriate policies to foster financial stability, and stimulate financial sector development. Consequently, there has been an increased demand from financial sector authorities in many countries, as well as from the Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff for information on key issues, and sound practices in the assessment of financial systems, and in the design of policy responses. This Handbook of Financial Sector Assessment is a response to this demand. The Handbook presents an overall analytical framework for assessing financial system stability and developmental needs, providing broad guidance on approaches, methodologies, and techniques of assessing financial systems. Although the Handbook draws substantially on Bank and IMF experience with the financial sector assessment programs (FSAPs), and from the broader policy and operational work in both institutions, it is designed for generic use in financial sector assessments, whether conducted by country authorities themselves, or by Bank and IMF teams. It is, therefore, hoped the Handbook will serve as an authoritative source on the objectives, analytical framework, and methodologies of financial sector assessments, as well as a comprehensive reference book for training on the techniques of such assessments.