Number: RL30348
Title: ECUADOR'S BRADY BOND DEFAULT: BACKGROUND AND IMPLICATIONS
Authors: J.F. Hornbeck, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: On September 30, 1999 Ecuador became the first country to default on its Brady bonds. The Brady Plan was inaugurated in March 1989 to address the lingering Latin American debt crisis by reducing country debt and repackaging the remainder into various types of bonds that could be sold in the securities markets. Ecuador is seeking to restructure its external debt, negotiating with private-sector investors for debt rescheduling and with the IMF for a $400 million stand-by arrangement. Although the amount of Ecuador's Brady bond default is small, it is precedent setting, with broader implications for the international financial community.
Pages: 8
Date: Updated February 1, 2000