The Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) is the independent recourse mechanism for IFC and MIGA, the private sector lending arms of the World Bank Group. CAO's mission is to address complaints by people affected by IFC/MIGA projects and to enhance the social and environmental accountability of both institutions. Learn about CAO in the following sections.
Who We Are
The CAO is the independent recourse mechanism for projects supported by IFC and MIGA, the private sector lending arms of the World Bank Group. Learn more
Governance
CAO is independent and reports direct to the President of the World Bank Group. CAO's mandate is articulated in its Terms of Reference. Learn more
Staff
CAO's diverse team includes professionals from the public and private sectors with expertise in dispute resolution, environmental compliance, research, advocacy, communications, and more. Learn more
Partners
CAO partners include the independent recourse mechanisms (IRMs) of other international financial institutions. Learn more
Our Roles
The CAO works through three unique and complimentary roles: Ombudsman, Compliance auditor, and Advisor. Learn more
Funding
CAO funds all assessments of complaints, compliance audits, and advisory work from its operating budget. Learn more
Strategic Advisors
CAO's Strategic Advisors Group is comprised of professionals from civil society, private industry, academia, and the field of mediation and conflict resolution.. Learn more
Members of the World Bank Group