IMF, World Bank unveil framework to combat digital financial fraud – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

Key Takeaways

• IMF and World Bank launch Bangkok Blueprint against digital financial fraud
• Framework outlines 12 measures to identify risks and strengthen responses
• Cyber-enabled fraud increasingly linked to transnational organised crime
• Global cooperation and consumer protection placed at the centre of strategy
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KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 14

As cyber-enabled financial fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated and cross-border, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group have unveiled a new framework to help countries detect vulnerabilities, strengthen safeguards and coordinate responses to digital financial crime.

The framework, known as the Bangkok Blueprint, was launched during the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in partnership with Thai authorities and the Bank of Thailand. It provides 12 key considerations to help governments, regulators and financial institutions tackle fraud linked to digital financial services.

The initiative comes as the rapid growth of digital finance expands access and innovation while creating new opportunities for criminals. According to the IMF and World Bank, cyber-enabled fraud is increasingly associated with transnational organised crime and ranks among the world’s most significant criminal threats.

The blueprint is built around five pillars, including stronger legal and strategic frameworks, improved fraud prevention, expanded law-enforcement cooperation, greater cross-border coordination and enhanced consumer protection.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said maintaining trust in digital financial systems requires international cooperation. “Trust is the foundation of every financial system,” Georgieva said. At the same time, World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Anshula Kant stressed the need for stronger safeguards to ensure people can use digital financial services with confidence.

Officials said the framework is designed to be adapted to different national contexts and aims to support safer digital finance while preserving its benefits for economic growth, efficiency and financial inclusion.