International Monetary Fund (IMF)The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international financial institution established to promote global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world. It was established on July 22, 1944, during the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference (commonly known as the Bretton Woods Conference), and its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., USA. The IMF currently has $28 billion in outstanding loans to 74 nations.