Getting Finance in South Asia 2010: Indicators and Analysis of the Commercial Banking Sector

Utilizing standardized indicators from 2001 to 2008, 'Getting Finance in South Asia 2010' analyzes the financial performance and soundness of commercial banks in eight South Asian countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. While the indicators cannot predict the onset of a financial crisis, their analysis has identified specific weaknesses in regional financial sectors that should be addressed by the supervisory authorities.

In this current edition of the annual 'Getting Finance' publication, two new development dimensions -- payment systems developments and savings mobilization -- have been added to the six dimensions covered in the previous edition: access to finance, performance and efficiency, financial stability, market concentration and competitiveness, capital market development, and corporate governance. This edition also expands the country coverage to include Afghanistan, Bhutan and Maldives. New benchmark countries have also been added, including emerging countries from outside OECD.

In addition to analyzing the 'Getting Finance' indicators, the book also discusses the challenges facing South Asian banks and the impact of the global financial crisis on their operations. The new material in this edition enables readers to have a more holistic perspective of the indicators in South Asia and a better understanding of the financial systems in the region.

'Getting Finance Indicators 2010' reaffirms the World Bank’s commitment to working with developing member countries to promote financial sector development and create financial systems that are sound, stable, supportive of growth and responsive to people’s needs.