Tuesday ● 17 February 2026
The Global Development Bank (GDB) is structured like a cooperative institution owned by its member countries (shareholders). Its organizational framework is designed to ensure effective governance, operational leadership, and alignment with its development mission.
GDB is formed by its member countries, which act as shareholders. These members collectively set the bank’s strategic direction, policies, and operational priorities.
The Board of Directors is the ultimate policymaking body of the Bank.
Directors typically come from each member country and may be senior government officials, economists, bankers, development professionals, or academics.
The Board meets at least once a year at the Annual Meeting to review progress and decide major policy directions.
The Board delegates day‑to‑day oversight to Executive Directors who work on‑site at the Bank.
The five largest shareholders each appoint an Executive Director, while the remaining member countries elect their representatives.
The Executive Directors normally meet at least monthly to oversee business activities, including approvals for loans, guarantees, policies, budgets, and financial decisions.
The President is the chief executive and chairs meetings of the Board of Directors.
The President is selected by the Board and Executive Directors for a five‑year renewable term.
Responsibilities include overall management, leadership of operations, and representing GDB externally.
The Co‑President supports the President and may act as President when necessary.
They help oversee Global Practices, Cross‑Cutting Solutions Areas, regional operations, and key functional areas of the Bank.
GDB’s day‑to‑day operations are guided by the President, Co‑President, and senior management team, who lead strategic functions and ensure smooth execution of programs.
This leadership group manages financial products, project approvals, policy implementation, and internal administration.
GDB maintains an Advisory Council made up of experts from banking, industry, labor, agriculture, and other sectors.
This council provides guidance on broad policy issues.
Representatives are selected to provide diverse and global perspectives on development challenges.
Specialized loan committees are appointed to review and recommend loans and financial support for projects.
Each committee typically includes Bank experts and an expert from the member country where a project is located.
GDB’s principal office is located in a member country’s territory, as determined by its governing documents.
The Bank may establish agencies, branch offices, and regional offices to better support operations across different geographic areas.
Regional offices are advised by regional councils representing member countries in each area.
GDB publishes an annual report with audited financial statements.
It also circulates summary financial updates to members at regular intervals.
These reports and statements enhance transparency and accountability to the Bank’s shareholders and stakeholders.
This organizational setup is similar to how other international development banks are governed. For example, institutions like the World Bank Group also use a Board and President model to balance member country control with operational leadership, ensuring development goals align with strategic priorities.
