Book Description

Context. The global financial crisis and international efforts to address preferential tax regimes exposed the vulnerabilities of San Marino’s oversized financial sector servicing nonresidents. While the banking system entered a deep crisis in 2008 and continues to struggle, the nonfinancial sector has experienced a recovery underpinned by cost-competitiveness and strong corporate balance sheets. More recently, prudent fiscal policies, access to international capital markets and favorable external conditions improved the public finances and boosted confidence. As a result, the economy has been remarkably resilient throughout the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite volatile financial conditions, the government was able to rollover the Eurobond maturing next year. However, San Marino is a microstate subject to very high volatility and financial sector vulnerabilities remain, suggesting that larger-than-usual fiscal buffers are needed.