Key Documents

World Bank Group Sanctions Documents

WBG Policy: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption (issued June 13, 2016)

This Policy mandates an administrative system for adjudicating allegations of fraud and corruption in connection with World Bank financing or guarantee operations and imposing sanctions therefor; and identifies practices subject to sanction and possible forms of sanctions.

WBG Policy: Statute of the Sanctions Board (issued October 18, 2016)

This Policy sets out the role, composition, competence, and responsibilities of the World Bank Sanctions Board.

Prior versions: February 17, 2009 | September 15, 2010

The World Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines (issued October 31, 2024)

This document provides guidance to those who have the discretion to impose sanctions on behalf of the World Bank Group as to the considerations that the World Bank Group believes are relevant to any sanctioning decision.

Prior version: January 1, 2011

Summary of Integrity Compliance Guidelines

The WBG Integrity Compliance Office works with sanctioned companies in implementing integrity compliance programs that are consistent with the principles set out in the WBG Integrity Compliance Guidelines as a condition for their release from WBG sanction. The WBG Integrity Compliance Guidelines reflect global standards, principles, and components of effective integrity compliance programs.

IBRD and IDA Sanctions Documents

Bank Procedure: Sanctions Proceedings and Settlements in Bank Financed Projects (issued November 30, 2023)

This Procedure, commonly referred to as the “Sanctions Procedures,” sets out the procedures to be followed in the administrative process by which the Bank determines whether or not to sanction parties alleged to have engaged in a sanctionable practice in connection with a Bank-financed project.

Prior versions: October 15, 2006 | May 11, 2009 (as amended June 25, 2010)| September 15, 2010 | January 1, 2011 (as amended July 8, 2011) | April 15, 2012 |June 28, 2016

Bank Directive: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption in Bank Financed Projects (issued June 28, 2016)

This Directive sets out the institutional and normative architecture of the sanctions system; determines the jurisdiction of the sanctions system; and provides directions on the application of sanctions.

IFC, MIGA, and Private Sector Sanctions Documents

IFC Sanctions Procedures (adopted January 2022)

This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with an IFC Project and operations, non-responsibility of a vendor in procurement, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Prior versions: January 1, 2007; November 1, 2012

MIGA Sanctions Procedures (adopted June 28, 2013)

This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with projects guaranteed by MIGA and projects in which MIGA has offered technical assistance, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Prior version: October 15, 2006

World Bank Private Sector Sanctions Procedures (effective September 24, 2013)

This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with World Bank guarantee and carbon finance projects, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Prior version: 2006

Procurement Regulations and Anti-Corruption Guidelines

Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing (IPF) Borrowers (issued September 2025)

The Regulations include mandatory requirements relating to the procurement of Goods, Works, Non-Consulting Services, and Consulting Services for IPF operations. These documents provide rules and flexibility for Borrowers to design the right market approach, considering specific risks and opportunities.

Prior versions and additional languages: Procurement Framework Documents

Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants (issued July 19, 2016) (Also known as "Anti-Corruption Guidelines")

These Guidelines set out the general principles, requirements and sanctions applicable to persons and entities which receive, are responsible for the deposit or transfer of, or take or influence decisions regarding the use of the proceeds of financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) or the International Development Association (IDA) during the preparation and/or implementation of projects supported by Investment Project Financing (IPF).”

Prior version: October 15, 2006 and Revised January 2011

Background and Reference Documents

MDB General Principles for Business Integrity Programmes (issued March 2023)

Advisory Opinion on Certain Issues Arising in Connection with Recent Sanctions Cases (No. 2010/1) (issued November 15, 2010; released to public by the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency in June 2013)

MDB Harmonized Principles on Treatment of Corporate Groups (adopted September 10, 2012)

The World Bank Group’s Sanctions Regime: Information Note (issued November 2011)

The World Bank Group's Sanctions Regime - An Overview (issued September 15, 2010)

MDB Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions ("Cross-Debarment Agreement") (issued April 9, 2010)

MDB General Principles and Guidelines for Sanctions (“Harmonized Sanctioning Guidelines”)

MDB Uniform Framework for Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption (issued September 17, 2006)

Terms and Conditions of the World Bank’s Voluntary Disclosure Program - VDP (issued August 16, 2006)

Report Concerning the Debarment Processes of the World Bank - Thornburgh et al. (issued August 14, 2002)