The British management of Egyptian finances resembled the operations of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, particularly in its authoritative approach. Both share a goal of financial oversight and reform, but the British had the additional capability to enforce their mandates using military power, specifically the Royal Navy. This resulted in a level of control and influence that significantly surpassed the typical intervention of an IMF delegation.

Niall Ferguson's book "Colossus" illustrates how the British exercised economic control over Egypt, drawing parallels to modern financial institutions. Instead of merely advising or suggesting reforms, Britain applied pressure and used its military might to ensure compliance with its financial directives, highlighting the political dimensions of economic governance in the imperial context.