World Bank Working Paper
2 primary works
Book 163
The Canada-Caribbean Remittance Corridor
by Emiko Todoroki, Matteo Vaccani, and Wameek Noor
Published 1 January 2009
Several economies in the Caribbean region, especially from the lower-income group, are highly dependent on remittances. Between 1991 and 2006, the combined flows of total remittances reaching the Caribbean have averaged almost 17 per cent annual growth, surpassing US$6 billion in 2005 and overtaking the region's total ODA and FDI inflows. In addition, remittances represent more than 20 percent of the domestic gross domestic product (GDP) in some Caribbean countries and have played a significant role in lessening both balance of payment deficits and the impact of natural disasters to which the region is particularly vulnerable. This study undertakes an analysis of the various dynamics underlying the Canada-Caribbean remittance corridor, including Caribbean migration issues and diaspora dynamics, remittance market landscapes, and regulatory frameworks. The study is intended to assist Canadian and Caribbean national authorities to sustain the continued growth and competitiveness of their remittance industries, while protecting them abuse by criminals.
The study particularly emphasizes continued policy improvements in each country's regulatory framework to improve financial sector development and to enhance poverty reduction.
The study particularly emphasizes continued policy improvements in each country's regulatory framework to improve financial sector development and to enhance poverty reduction.
Book 180
Governments, through their regulatory bodies, typically regulate formal financial sector players such as banks, which can leave providers working in informal remittance systems outside regulatory channels. Value transfer services--financial transfers performed domestically or across borders on behalf of clients--are essential to the financial system, and as such, are often offered by both formal and informal actors. Law enforcement and counter-terrorism authorities are evaluating money and value transmission channels for vulnerabilities that may make these channels attractive for illicit use, including the financing of terrorism. Alternative Remittance Systems and Terrorism Financing: Issues in Risk Management aims to help countries bring these informal alternative remittance systems into their counter-terrorism programs, without hindering the ability of those who depend on these systems to send and receive money at low cost.