The recent bank turmoil in the US has awakened ghosts of past financial crises. While the likelihood of a fully-fledged crisis seems limited, it cannot be ruled out. Policymakers in the region must act now to shield their economies from possible negative spillovers.

In February 2022, news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine dominated headlines around the world.

Asia’s industries, primarily manufacturing, fueled phenomenal economic growth and poverty reduction in recent decades. But today many countries are looking to the service sector as an alternative.

Large language model artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, Bard and others, has great potential in the world of international development. But – at least for now – it also has serious limitations.

The financial industry has undergone several changes in recent years: the emergence of new technologies, the entry of fintechs, and the transition from a physical branch-based business model to an increasing reliance on digital services. These trends can foster competition and the democratisation of financial services.

Policies to boost biofuel production and use—crop subsidies, mandates, and other measures—came under intense scrutiny during the food price spikes of 2007/08, 2010/11, and 2012/13. As prices of maize, grains, oilseeds, and other feedstocks rose in those crises—more than doubling in some cases—critics pointed to their increasing use in biofuel production as a major factor behind high global food prices.

Public debt soared to a record during the pandemic, topping global gross domestic product. Now, with government debt still elevated, the rise in interest rates and the strong US dollar is adding to interest costs, in turn weighing on growth and fueling financial stability risks.

High inflation can impose serious and lasting costs on the economy and people. But the distributive effects of inflation—the way it transfers money from some individuals to others—are complex.

The pandemic, coupled with trade disruptions and Russia’s war on Ukraine, caused lasting harm to Asia-Pacific economies, damaging growth, productivity, and investment.

Can we truly reimagine a path to a low-carbon transition and change the climate narrative? This is hard to envision when we witness the unprecedented damage we are inflicting on the planet.

Food and energy prices surged to near historic highs in recent years amid the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which prompted major supply disruptions. This was accompanied by a sharp rise in the volatility of commodity prices as well.

The Bank of Canada published a detailed summary of its Governing Council deliberations for the first-time last month, joining nearly two dozen other central banks in regularly releasing detailed information on monetary policy decisions.

As the world does its best to move on from the pandemic, one of the lasting legacies for many advanced economies has been greater adoption of digital technologies. Working from home is now common, and many companies have expanded online operations.

Businesses face supply chain risk, which can cause delays, increased costs, and loss of revenue. To de-risk the supply chain, businesses should identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. In a globalised world, businesses depend on suppliers from different countries, making disruptions far-reaching and potentially damaging. Mitigating supply chain risk is especially important for Bangladesh's manufacturing industry to remain competitive and continue its growth. Implementing risk management strategies can help businesses operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Overall, de-risking the supply chain is essential for businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth of the economy.

Governments confront difficult policy choices as they try to shield their people from record food prices and soaring energy costs driven higher by the war in Ukraine.

If you were to compete in a running race, would you tie, shorten, or burden one of your legs? No, of course not. You would surely lose. Economies will also lose the development race if they don’t allow their women, virtually half their population, have the same rights as men do.

The global fintech boom has spread to the insurance industry, as new, disruptive “insurtech” companies rapidly innovate business models that are challenging industry norms.

When Russian troops invaded Ukraine one year ago, the war appeared to pose a grave threat to global food security.

Crypto assets have been more of a disappointment than a revolution for many users, and global bodies like the IMF and the Financial Stability Board urge tighter regulation.

The economic headwinds that faced Asia and the Pacific last year have started to fade. Global financial conditions have eased, food and oil prices are down, and China’s economy is rebounding.