This paper discusses how the importance of adequate consumer protection and financial literacy for the long-term stability of the financial sector, has been highlighted by the recent turmoil in financial markets worldwide. It presents a set of Good Practices for Consumer Protection and Financial Literacy, developed by the World Bank's Europe and Central Asia Region, using international experience as a guide. The Good Practices provide a practical tool for systematic analysis of laws, regulations and institutions involved in consumer protection and financial literacy, and allow detailed cross-country comparisons. The paper provides the four key concepts on which they are based: consumer disclosure should be simple, easy to understand and comparable
abusive business practices by financial service providers should be prohibited
consumers should have an easy, inexpensive and speedy method of resolving disputes with financial institutions
and financial education should be available to consumers so that they can understand financial services and products and make informed decisions.