IMF Asia and Pacific

Join us today at 4 PM AMT (8 AM ET) for the launch of a new IMF paper on Central Bank Independence and Monetary Policy Effectiveness in the Middle East and CCA region as part of a conference hosted by the Central Bank of Armenia. https://www.youtube.com/live/hPGqSwfw6Fw

Artificial intelligence is changing cybersecurity risks. Anthropic’s Mythos and other tools can find and exploit vulnerabilities across financial institutions that use the same software and networks.

Incidents can spread quickly and disrupt payments, funding, and confidence. That’s why cyber risk can no longer be seen as a technology problem. It is a financial stability issue with systemwide implications, as our blog details. https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/05/07/financial-stability-risks-mount-as-artificial-intelligence-fuels-cyberattacks

COMING SOON : From trade to tech, finance to security—geoeconomics is redefining the rules of global power.

Explore it all in the upcoming June issue of F&D: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/fandd

Sri Lanka’s reform program continues to deliver. The IMF Executive Board completed the 5th and 6th reviews under the EFF, unlocking about US$695 million. Despite external shocks, Sri Lanka’s economy has shown resilience. Read more: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/05/27/pr26172-sri-lanka-imf-completes-combined-5th-and-6th-reviews-under-eff

The IMF Resident Representative in Uzbekistan engaged with faculty members and students at Central Asian University’s Business Faculty in Tashkent on the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook, the country’s recent macroeconomic developments, and its medium-term outlook.

When facing a shock to energy and food prices, governments can protect vulnerable people, keep businesses open, and preserve price signals without straining public finances. Fiscal measures can help, but should be temporary, targeted, timely, and tailored.

See our new blog:
https://www.imf.org/en/blogs/articles/2026/05/20/responding-to-the-energy-and-food-priceshock-getting-the-policy-details-right

Kiribati’s recent economic growth has been resilient and poverty has declined significantly. The outlook remains highly uncertain amid external shocks and persistent structural challenges.

Fiscal policy can help mitigate the impact of the energy price shock on vulnerable households with temporary, targeted transfers, while allowing domestic fuel prices to gradually adjust. A sustained growth-friendly fiscal consolidation over the medium term is needed for long-term debt sustainability. Strengthening institutional capacity is essential for continued growth and private sector development.

Read more in the newly released Staff Report for the 2026 Article IV Consultation with 🇰🇮: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/cr/issues/2026/05/14/kiribati-2026-article-iv-consultation-press-release-staff-report-and-statement-by-the-576088

Singapore navigates elevated global uncertainty from a position of strength, supported by appropriately calibrated monetary and fiscal policies and a resilient financial sector. Read the end of mission press release: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2026/05/18/pr26156-imf-staff-completes-the-2026-article-iv-mission-to-singapore