A comprehensive examination of the legal frameworks governing international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the African Development Bank, Bank for International Settlements, Group of 20, Financial Stability Board, International Monetary Fund, Paris Club, Trade and Development Bank, or the World Bank.

From a South African perspective, this fifteen-hour course especially examines the complex relationship between the IFIs and South Africa as one of Africa's largest and most influential economies. In recent years, the country has relied on support from these institutions to address issues like the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, energy challenges, and persistent inequality.

Participants will explore the legal foundations, governance structures, and the regulatory mechanisms through which these institutions operate. Through case studies, policy analysis, and critical discussions, participants will assess the impact of IFIs on the global financial system, developing countries, and international economic law. The course also explores current debates on IFI reforms and their role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, and financial crises.

When and where?

10 to 14 March 2025, 14:00 to 17:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom - exact details will be sent to registered participants a few days before the course.

Course outline

In this course, we will cover:

  • The legal status and immunities of IFIs
  • Decision-making processes and accountability structures
  • Financial assistance mechanism and conditionality
  • Sovereign debt restructuring and the role of IFIs crisis management
  • The relationship between IFIs and international law, human rights and environmental concerns

Who will benefit from this course?

Legal practitioners, legal advisers, policymakers, economists, academics, researchers, and students with a focus on international and financial law as well as development aid

Presenter

Dr Sebastian Krafzik is an expert in comparative business law, specifically corporate, banking, and finance. He studied law and economics at the Goethe University Frankfurt and has practical experience in financial supervision, having worked for the Financial Conduct Authority and the legal department of the Stock Exchange in Germany. Additionally, he has experience in investor protection and proxy advising from working in an international law firm.

Sebastian's academic career began with assisting in a research project on banking regulation at the University of Leuven following the financial crisis of 2007/08. He obtained his doctorate from the University of Basel, focusing on internal governance in response to various scandals in the Board of Directors of public limited companies. His current research focuses on regulating financial firms and markets, with an emphasis on promoting ethical practices. Sebastian emphasises the challenge of striking the right balance between regulation and laissez-faire.

Over the years, he has gained teaching experience with a focus on International Trade Law, Private International Law, Mercantile Law, Property Law, and Contract Law. Sebastian's involvement with African academia began when he was invited as a lecturer at the Catholic University of Malawi Faculty of Law.

How much?

R7,200 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

How to sign up

Complete and submit the registration form. You will then be given the payment information. Please note that your registration is not complete until payment has been made.

One or two days before the course, we will send you the Zoom link. You will need to register and use a password to access the course.

Registrations close three days before the course starts.

Download the brochure.