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S&P Global warns of "unprecedented" U.S. World Bank withdrawal risk

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 13, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 26, 2026

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S&P Global warns of U.S. withdrawal risks from World Bank affecting credit ratings - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image illustrates S&P Global's warning about the unprecedented risks of U.S. withdrawal from the World Bank, impacting global credit ratings and financial stability.
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LONDON (Reuters) - S&P Global completed the list of top credit rating agencies to warn that an "unprecedented" U.S. withdrawal from the World Bank and other top multilateral lenders would damage their

S&P Global Warns of U.S. Withdrawal Risk from World Bank

LONDON (Reuters) - S&P Global completed the list of top credit rating agencies to warn that an "unprecedented" U.S. withdrawal from the World Bank and other top multilateral lenders would damage their prized triple-A credit ratings.

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order last week for a six-month review of U.S. support to all international intergovernmental organisations to decide whether it should withdraw from them, or seek their reform.

S&P said the current triple-A ratings of the World Bank and other top development banks assume the U.S. remaining in place. Therefore, if Washington were to "limit" its support, any rating change that came as a result of that was likely to be "negative".

S&P's top MDB analyst Alexander Ekbom added that it would ultimately depend on the impact on the individual institution's capital and whether other major shareholders filled the void that would be left.

"Should the U.S. leave, which would be unprecedented, it is difficult to predict how any reallocation would be ironed out," he said.

(Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Amanda Cooper)

Key Takeaways

  • S&P Global warns of risks to credit ratings.
  • U.S. withdrawal from World Bank could be unprecedented.
  • Trump's Executive Order prompts review of U.S. support.
  • Potential negative impact on multilateral lenders.
  • Uncertainty over how other shareholders would respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The article discusses the potential risks to credit ratings if the U.S. withdraws from the World Bank and other multilateral lenders.
What action has President Trump taken?
President Trump signed an Executive Order for a six-month review of U.S. support to international intergovernmental organizations.
Who is Alexander Ekbom?
Alexander Ekbom is S&P's top MDB analyst who commented on the potential impacts of a U.S. withdrawal.

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