Measuring financial integration: A new data set

Abstract

This paper describes a newly constructed panel data set containing measures of de jure restrictions on cross-border financial transactions for 91 countries from 1995 to 2005. The new data set adds value to existing capital control indices by providing information at a more disaggregated level. This structure allows for the construction of various subindices, including those for individual asset categories, for inflows vs. outflows, and for residents vs. nonresidents. Disaggregations of this kind open up new ways to address questions of interest in the field of international finance. Some potential research avenues are outlined. © 2009 International Monetary Fund.