Monetary Policy Implementation at Different Stages of Market Development

The single most salient trend in the practice of monetary policy over the last two decades has been a move toward reliance on money market operations for monetary policy implementation. The move has taken place in an environment where financial markets have become more integrated domestically and internationally. It also reflects the belief that allowing market forces to allocate financial resources brings about increased economic efficiency and growth. However, small economies, or countries with undeveloped financial markets, have found that a lack of competition in financial markets has complicated reliance on money market operations, at times forcing them to rely on direct instruments or moral suasion. In some larger countries, the process has been gradual and at times full of difficulties. Drawing on a variety of country experiences, this paper analyses the reasons for these difficulties and proposes a stylised sequencing of reforms that enables an introduction of money market operations tailored to each country's particular circumstances.