China data-rigging allegation: IMF backs former World Bank chief after review
- Kristalina Georgieva and other World Bank officials came under investigation amid claims they pressured subordinates to alter data affecting China’s business ranking
- Law firm hired by World Bank said there was intense outreach from Chinese officials concerning their ranking in the 2018 report
The International Monetary Fund says managing director Kristalina Georgieva did not demonstrate misconduct in her handling of the allegedly rigged “Doing Business 2018” report while serving as chief executive of World Bank.
Georgieva, who was at the World Bank from 2017-19 and joined the IMF in late 2019, will stay on as its managing director.
The IMF executive board said in a press release on Tuesday “the information presented in the course of its review did not conclusively demonstrate that the managing director played an improper role” regarding China’s ranking in the 2018 report.
“The IMF Executive Board met today to conclude its review of the matter raised by WilmerHale’s investigation of the World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 report,” the board said. “This was the eighth such board meeting on this matter, as part of the Executive Board’s commitment to a thorough, objective, and timely review.
The [IMF] Executive Board reaffirms its full confidence in the managing director’s leadership and ability to continue to effectively carry out her duties
“Having looked at all the evidence presented, the Executive Board reaffirms its full confidence in the managing director’s leadership and ability to continue to effectively carry out her duties. The board trusts in the managing director’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance and integrity in the IMF.”
The board of the 190-nation lending agency said it held two extensive discussions with both Georgieva and WilmerHale, the law firm hired by the World Bank to investigate claims of data irregularities in the since-cancelled annual “Doing Business” report, as the World Bank was conducting its own investigations.