The UN Stiglitz Commission of Experts, in their latest report, posit that economic globalisation has produced increasing income inequality within developing countries, but also between developed and developing countries, and that this growth in inequality has had important consequences for the evolution and resolution of the crisis. It argues that policy responses to ensure a robust recovery from the crisis must address the problem of growing income and wealth inequality.

ODI has been contracted to do the following: (1) explore the relationship between income inequality, the stability of the international financial system and the current financial and economic crisis, and (2) to elicit policy recommendations address growing income and wealth inequality that contribute to a more stable international financial system.