Financial Transparency Coalition

This report "A confused economy", highlights the distortions between the real economy and the indicators that guide the G20 and the International Financial Institutions. Investments, trade, savings, production- the report shows how the use of offshore financial centres makes any measurement of these indicators impossible. At the heart of this economic lie, the report points to the important role of multinationals and banks- the top users of tax havens.

G20 leaders meeting in Seoul last week issued a lengthy communiqué accompanied by an annex fleshing out the “Seoul development consensus for shared growth.” The recognition that “there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula for development success and that developing countries must take the lead in designing and implementing development strategies” is a welcome one. However, the G20 call for “inclusive and sustainable growth” fails to provide concrete measures to ensure that poor people in poor countries reap the benefits of economic growth. The text fails to provide a specific plan to combat tax evasion by multinational companies and to...

Task Force member Global Financial Integrity has teamed up with several prominent American NGOs to call on the United States Government to take the lead on addressing transparency in the international financial system at this week's G20 Summit in Seoul. Here's GFI's full statement about the coalition:

United States: Promote Global Financial Transparency at G20 Summit

Greater Accountability Would Improve Development and Rights, Alleviate Poverty

WASHINGTON, DC—The United States should press for greater transparency and accountability in the global financial system at the G20 Summit meeting in Seoul, a coalition...

WASHINGTON, DC—The United States should press for greater transparency and accountability in the global financial system at the G20 Summit meeting in Seoul, a coalition of civil society organizations said today. The G20 Advocacy Coalition brings together varied organizations - that share the view that increased transparency is essential to promoting economic development, alleviating poverty and realizing enjoyment of economic and social rights.