The bank says that since its sanctions system was formed in 1999, more than 530 companies and individuals have been penalized for alleged fraud, corruption and collusion. Most of the sanctions have been debarments, which prevent companies cited from taking part in projects or activities that the bank funds.

Eric LeCompte, executive director of Jubilee USA Network, Washington, D.C., said, “This is a great move by the World Bank and everyone wins with this decision.” LeCompte’s organization advocates debt forgiveness for developing countries.

LeCompte said that nongovernmental organizations, companies and government bodies “can now better monitor patterns of fraud and corruption." He added, "Most importantly, the poor will benefit as this reporting further helps curb this behavior and ensures that resources are not stolen from the developing world.

Theis notes that increased openness in the bank's activities has been a priority of Robert B. Zoellick, its outgoing president.  Zoellick, who has led the World Bank Group since 2007, will be succeeded on July 1 by Dr. Jim Yong Kim, who has been president of Dartmouth College.