10 Years after the Global Financial Crisis: What Have We Learnt About International Capital Flows?

Abstract

Making the most of international capital flows by allowing countries to reap their benefits while reducing associated risks has always been a challenge and has led to considerable economic research over the past 30 years. This challenge became even more acute following the Global Financial Crisis, as new concerns emerged related to the complexity of global financial relations, their role in shock transmission as well as how to protect countries from financial instability. Against this background, recent research has focussed on understanding better the implications of financial globalization for economic stability and the design of policies. This literature review takes stock of these recent developments including the discussion on the risks associated with corporate foreign indebtedness, the role of the global financial cycle in driving financial instability, new findings on the real impact of international capital flows and ongoing debates on the role of capital controls.