Imf Conditionality as a Screening Device*

A theoretical model is developed in which both buybacks and the adoption of an IMF programme can be used as screening devices which enable a creditor to discriminate between debtor countries which are willing to use debt relief in order to invest and repay and countries which are not. Asymmetric information is assumed. This problem can be solved if the country has su¢cient resources to engage in a debt buyback and so gain the debt relief. When the country is credit constrained (which seems more plausible), an alternative screening mechanism is to undertake an IMF programme in return for debt reduction and possibly an IMF loan.