Policy Papers

In the context of the March 2009 reforms of the General Resources Account (GRA) lending toolkit, the Executive Board asked staff to prepare a paper addressing the problem of blackout periods under GRA arrangements, which interrupt access to accumulated but undrawn purchases. This request arose in the context of the decision to make high-access precautionary arrangements (HAPAs) available to members on a more regular basis (with greater flexibility regarding frontloading of access). Blackout periods have important implications given that the crisis-prevention and confidence-enhancing role of precautionary arrangements (particularly HAPAs) depend on strong assurances that resources will be available if needed. <br /> <br /> Section II provides background on the issue of blackout periods and the expanded role of precautionary arrangements under the recent reforms. Section III proposes a solution to provide greater assurances to members regarding continuity of access to accumulated rights while maintaining appropriate safeguards.