Combating Corruption

Corruption is a global problem that requires global solutions. Making inroads against corruption often requires determined efforts to overcome vested interests.

Progress can be achieved through better and more open processes, professional accountability systems, and the use of the latest advanced technologies to capture, analyze, and share data to prevent, detect, and deter corrupt behavior. Much of the world's costliest forms of corruption could not happen without institutions in wealthy nations: the private sector firms that give large bribes, the financial institutions that accept corrupt proceeds, and the lawyers, bankers, and accountants who facilitate corrupt transactions.

Data on international financial flows shows that money is moving from poor to wealthy countries in ways that undermine development. The World Bank Group leverages innovative technologies to strengthen public sector performance and productivity, confront corruption, and to help foster greater trust and accountability, particularly in more fragile environments.

The World Bank Group is adopting a more integrative approach to anticorruption that builds on proven methods while deepening emphasis as new challenges and opportunities emerge.

Key priorities include:

Strengthening beneficial ownership transparency and tackling illicit financial flows

Reducing corruption in public procurement and contract management

Reinforcing accountability institutions and the rule of law

Fostering innovation through data and technology.

The World Bank seeks to reduce vulnerabilities in client countries and build capacity for prevention and deterrence while addressing the transnational nature of corruption and the illicit financial flows they generate. The Bank works at the country, regional, and global levels to help build capable, transparent, and accountable institutions and design and implement anticorruption programs.

The World Bank Group combats corruption in the projects it finances through proactive risk management, rigorous project screening, and close client engagement. An independent Sanctions System—led by the Integrity Vice Presidency—investigates allegations of fraud and corruption. Projects incorporate public complaint mechanisms and are actively supervised to strengthen oversight.

When allegations of fraud and corruption are substantiated, companies involved in misconduct are debarred from new WBG-financed activities, and investigation findings are shared with the governments concerned. The World Bank Group has publicly debarred or otherwise sanctioned over 1,000 firms and individuals. In FY2023, the WBG imposed additional sanctions, recognized 49 cross-debarments from other multilateral development banks, and had 412 entities under conditional release to strengthen internal compliance programs.

Governance

The Bank supports countries in building capable, transparent, and accountable institutions.

Explore our Governance Investments