IMF Legal Framework: An Introduction

This online course is an essential guide to the legal foundations of the IMF, covering its mandate and purposes, governance and financial structure, key powers and core functions such as lending, surveillance and capacity development and other activities. The course is designed for lawyers, economists and other professionals from central banks, ministries of finance, justice and foreign affairs, and other agencies with responsibility for legal aspects of relations with the IMF. The course would also benefit academics, policy makers, international organization staff and members of the public interested in understanding the IMF's legal framework.

• Explain the purposes and functions of the IMF, including the rationale for its establishment and its distinction from other international financial institutions (IFIs).
• Describe the IMF's legal framework, decision-making processes, and financial structure, including the role of quotas, borrowing arrangements, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
• Understand the legal basis for the IMF's main activities and functions, in particular, financial assistance/lending, surveillance, and capacity development.
• Recognize the rights, duties, and obligations of IMF member countries and the legal limits of the Fund's operations.
• Explore how emerging topics intersect with the IMF's legal framework.