Financial Globalization and the Quality of Institutions

The paper examines effects of financial liberalization, observed over the last decades. Contrary to the widespread view, it results in capital flows from developing economies and emerging markets to advanced countries. Positive effects of liberalization are related primarily to the improvement of institutional environment. They are revealed rather in higher total factor productivity than in increased investment. The important conclusion is that financial liberalization should be implemented when the country is prepared for it, as positive consequences overweigh risks only if institutional quality exceeds a certain threshold.