All Brands Owned by World Bank Group

Who owns the World Bank?

No private owner. It is owned by 189 member countries that subscribe capital and vote proportional to their contributions. The United States is the largest shareholder.

Is the World Bank a bank?

Not in the commercial sense. It is an international development institution that lends and grants to member countries for poverty reduction and shared prosperity, funded by capital markets and donor contributions.

How is the World Bank funded?

The IBRD borrows on international capital markets and lends the proceeds. IDA is funded by donor country contributions in replenishment cycles. IFC and MIGA operate like investment and insurance entities.

Who leads the World Bank?

President Ajay Banga, former Mastercard CEO, in the role since June 2023. The president is traditionally nominated by the United States.

How many countries are members?

189 member countries, making it nearly universal in its membership.

Is the World Bank part of the UN?

It is a specialized agency of the United Nations but operationally independent, with its own governance, membership, and financial structure.

When was the World Bank founded?

1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, where it was created alongside the International Monetary Fund.