Structural adjustment loan (SAL) is a type of loan to developing countries. It is the mechanism by which international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, impose structural adjustment. They carry (often controversial) policy conditions, which have included: (see Washington Consensus). Structural adjustment loan (SAL) is a type of loan to developing countries. It is the mechanism by which international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, impose structural adjustment. They carry (often controversial) policy conditions, which have included: (see Washington Consensus). Structural adjustment loans are very controversial. For criticisms, see structural adjustment. Some studies suggest that they have been 'weakly associated with growth and reform did seem to reduce inflation.'Others have argued, however, that 'the outcomes associated with frequent structural adjustment lending are poor.'Critics (often from the left) accuse such policies to be 'not-so-thinly-disguised wedge for capitalist interests.'