IMF, World Bank Launch 'Bangkok Blueprint' in Bangkok to Fight Cyber Fraud
The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on Wednesday released a framework for tackling cyber-enabled fraud during their 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Reuters reported on October 14. The framework, known as the Bangkok Blueprint for Fraud-Resilient Financial Services, was launched at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The two institutions said the blueprint is aimed at assisting policymakers, regulators, financial institutions and other stakeholders, but is not formal IMF-World Bank policy guidance.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said at the launch that digital fraud and scams have become a global problem, costing the world economy around $1 trillion annually, or about 3% of GDP. Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn said Asia accounted for 67% of global fraud losses in 2024, adding that the region has accumulated practical experience in combating the threat that other countries can adapt.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, scam gangs in Asia Pacific alone defrauded residents of at least $88 billion in 2025, with transnational crime groups rapidly evolving tactics to stay ahead of law enforcement. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the expansion of cyber fraud is threatening to reverse the gains made by digital finance, which had given people without access to the financial system a way in.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 曼谷诗丽吉王后国家会议中心（示意，本次年会会场）。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons，กสิณธร ราชโอรส 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0 授权
