​Despite the crucial role that multilateral development banks (MDBs) play in supporting international development and fighting poverty, until now there has been no single resource providing an overview and comparison of the different banks.

This short guide takes stock of the mandates, structures and instruments of some of the most pertinent global, regional and sub-regional MDBs.

It aims to offer an accessible, up-to-date comparative description of the MDB landscape to help inform bilateral agencies’ decisions on allocations to MDBs, and to help partner country governments review and compare financing options.