This review of the Flexible Credit Line (FCL), the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL), and the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) focuses on four key issues: (i) the demand for the FCL and PLL in the context of the broader role of the Fund’s lending (including precautionary) instruments in the global financial safety net (GFSN); (ii) the qualification/conditionality framework for the FCL and the PLL; (iii) concerns about repeated usage of FCL arrangements by the same members and consideration of ways to further improve the transparency in the discussion of access/exit in the underlying staff documents; and (iv) the lack of demand for the RFI.

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This paper responds to Directors’ request at the time of the February discussions of the Review of the Flexible Credit Line (FCL), the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) and the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) for further analysis focusing on three key issues: - The alignment of the FCL and PLL qualification criteria. The paper proposes a qualification framework for PLL arrangements based on the nine FCL criteria aiming to improve the transparency and predictability of PLL decisions, while maintaining the current qualification standards. The paper also proposes a refinement of the bank solvency criterion. - The operationalization of an external stress index. The paper proposes a methodology to calculate a new index to strengthen discussions of a country’s external risks. Such an index would be presented to the Board at the time of requests for, or reviews under, FCL and PLL arrangements. - The use of indicators of institutional strength. The paper argues that a limited set of new institutional indicators could be used to help broaden the indicators of institutional strength already identified in the FCL and PLL Operational Guidance Notes

This annex provides the key considerations for establishing the qualification framework to access financing under the FCL and PLL, with a view to promoting a predictable and evenhanded qualification process.

This annex provides the key considerations for establishing the qualification framework to access financing under the FCL and PLL, with a view to promoting a predictable and evenhanded qualification process.

This paper discusses recent economic developments, outlook, and risks in the economy of Mexico. The economy continues to grow at a moderate pace. Growth reached 21⁄2 percent in 2015 and is projected to remain at a similar level in 2016. Global financial volatility has increased sharply over the last year, with significant spillovers to Mexico’s financial markets. The flexible credit line (FCL) has served the Mexican economy well. The previous FCL arrangements provided valuable insurance in the immediate aftermath of the 2008–09 global financial crisis and during the euro area crisis and the recent turbulent period in the run-up to the start of U.S. monetary policy normalization.

The Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is a non-financial instrument designed to help countries demonstrate commitment to a reform agenda and unlock financing from other sources. Established in 2017, the PCI aims to support countries in designing and implementing a full-fledged macroeconomic program of policies to address imbalances, prevent crises, build buffers, and enhance stability. The PCI enables closer cooperation with the Fund in cases where countries commit to upper-credit tranche (UCT) quality policies and more intensive monitoring. However, at the time of requesting a PCI, such countries must not be seeking financial assistance from the General Resources Account (GRA) and the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). The design, request, and review process of the PCI are structured based on Fund arrangements, with several design features drawing on the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Similar to the PSI, the PCI is a form of technical assistance. However, unlike the PSI, which is restricted to PRGT-eligible members, the PCI is available to all member countries.