World Bank Sanctions Documents
WBG Policy: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption (issued June 13, 2016)
This Policy mandates an administrative system for adjudicating allegations of fraud and corruption in connection with World Bank financing or guarantee operations and imposing sanctions therefor; and identifies practices subject to sanction and possible forms of sanctions.
WBG Policy: Statute of the Sanctions Board (issued October 18, 2016)
This Policy sets out the role, composition, competence, and responsibilities of the World Bank Sanctions Board.
Prior versions: September 15, 2010 | As amended February 17, 2009
World Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines (issued January 1, 2011)
This document provides guidance to those who have the discretion to impose sanctions on behalf of the World Bank as to the considerations that the World Bank believes are relevant to any sanctioning decision.
Summary of Integrity Compliance Guidelines
IBRD and IDA Sanctions Documents
Bank Procedure: Sanctions Proceedings and Settlements in Bank Financed Projects (issued November 30, 2023)
This Procedure, commonly referred to as the “Sanctions Procedures,” sets out the procedures to be followed in the administrative process by which the Bank determines whether or not to sanction parties alleged to have engaged in a sanctionable practice in connection with a Bank-financed project.
Prior versions of the Sanctions Procedures are available here: June 28, 2016 | April 15, 2012 | January 1, 2011 (as amended July 8, 2011) | September 15, 2010 | May 11, 2009 (as amended June 25, 2010) | October 15, 2006
Bank Directive: Sanctions for Fraud and Corruption in Bank Financed Projects (issued June 28, 2016)
This Directive sets out the institutional and normative architecture of the sanctions system; determines the jurisdiction of the sanctions system; and provides directions on the application of sanctions.
IFC, MIGA, and Private Sector Sanctions Documents
This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with an IFC Project and operations, non-responsibility of a vendor in procurement, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.
Prior versions: January 1, 2007; November 1, 2012
This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with projects guaranteed by MIGA and projects in which MIGA has offered technical assistance, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.
Prior version: October 15, 2006
World Bank Private Sector Procedures
This Procedures sets out the administrative process to be followed in cases involving alleged sanctionable practices, such as fraudulent, corrupt, collusive, coercive and/or obstructive practices in connection with World Bank guarantee and carbon finance projects, or arising from a violation of a material term of the World Bank Voluntary Disclosure Program.
Prior version: 2006
Procurement Regulations and Anti-Corruption Guidelines
World Bank Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing Borrowers (for projects after July 1, 2016) -- Click here for previous versions of the Procurement Guidelines and Consultant Guidelines (for projects before July 1, 2016)
Guidelines on Preventing and Combating Fraud and Corruption in Projects Financed by IBRD Loans and IDA Credits and Grants (July 1, 2016) (Also known as "Anti-Corruption Guidelines")
Prior versions: January 1, 2011 | October 15, 2006
User-Friendly version of the Anti-Corruption Guidelines
Brazilian Portuguese | Arabic | Spanish | Portuguese | Chinese | Russian | French
Background and Reference Documents
Advisory Opinion on Certain Issues Arising in Connection with Recent Sanctions Cases (No. 2010/1) (November 15, 2010; released to public by the World Bank Legal Vice Presidency in June 2013)
The World Bank’s Sanctions Regime: Information Note
World Bank Sanctions Regime - An Overview (October 8, 2010)
Report Concerning the Debarment Processes of the World Bank - Thornburgh et al. (August 14, 2002)
Terms and Conditions of the World Bank’s Voluntary Disclosure Program - VDP (August 16, 2006)
Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions (April 9, 2010)