IFAD Report Details Global Remittance Flows and Financial Challenges

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) shared findings with Asharq Al-Awsat on September 20, 2026. IFAD reported that remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached $728.6 billion in 2025, marking a 94 percent increase since 2016. These flows were larger than foreign direct investment in those countries and more than four times the global official development assistance in the same year.

These funds function as a financial safety net, a source of savings and investment, and a channel supporting rural economies. IFAD President Alvaro Lario noted that the primary challenge is balancing financial inclusion with the requirements of US economic sanctions and anti-money laundering efforts.