The World Bank, in partnership with the International Monetary Fund and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, is organizing this high level seminar to provide a forum for deputy governors of central banks and heads of banking supervision authorities to meet.

The objective of the seminar is to provide a balanced discussion of Basel II, including: (i) aspects of design and potential effects in terms of lending behavior and financial sector stability, (ii) a discussion of implementation issues including preconditions in both developed and developing countries, and (iii) alternatives to improve facilitating its implementation. This seminar will provide a forum for deputy governors of central banks and heads of banking supervision authorities to discuss current issues related to Basel II.

The seminar is part of the World Bank’s high-level policy seminars. It was inaugurated in June 2001 and has become an annual gathering for deputy governors and board members of central banks, as well as heads of banking supervision agencies, to discuss the pressing issues of the day and to share their experiences.