![Click to read](https://ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/world-bank-building-generic-300x225.jpg)
This summer, the World Bank took an unprecedented step. It became the first international financial institution to make itself directly accountable to citizens in borrowing countries. As of 1 August-the date the bank’s new inspection panel assumed its duties-affected parties can ask the panel to investigate their claims that the bank has failed to follow its own policies, procedures, or loan conditions.