General quota reviews
The IMF's Board of Governors conducts general quota reviews quotas at least every five years. The two main issues addressed in a general review of quotas are the size of an overall quota increase and the distribution of the increase among the members.
First, a general quota review allows the IMF to assess the adequacy of quotas both in terms of members’ balance of payments financing needs and in terms of the IMF’s own ability to help meet those needs. Second, a general review allows for increases in members’ quota to reflect changes in their relative positions in the world economy. In addition, a member may request an ad hoc quota adjustment at any time outside of a general review.
If the Board of Governors determines that an increase is needed, it considers the amount of increase overall and how to distribute it among members. Any changes in quotas requires approval by 85% of the total voting power and a member’s own quota cannot be changed without its consent.
