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The IMF has worked to develop a set of lending practices that enable sovereign borrowers to resolve serious debt problems and restore economic growth, but also respect the right of private financial markets to enter into and enforce contractual obligations. However, the recent €30 billion loan to Greece — the largest financial package ever granted to a single country — was provided without deference to these policies and without a restructuring agreement. This brief contributes to the ongoing debate of how the international community should govern sovereign debt restructuring by examining the evolution of the IMF’s lending practices using case studies that illustrate both positive and negative experiences. This historical background provides context to the current challenges and assists in highlighting areas where urgent interventions are needed.