Bank for International Settlements

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS, external link), headquartered in Basel, was established on 17 May 1930. It currently has 63 members, consisting exclusively of central banks and monetary authorities. The BIS promotes monetary and financial cooperation among central banks and other institutions, serves as a research hub and provides an important discussion platform for authorities responsible for financial stability. The BIS also offers services to central banks related to the management of foreign exchange reserves and is a highly respected institution in the field of economic research and analysis.

BIS governors meet regularly to discuss current global economic and financial developments and issues relating to monetary and financial stability, financial market supervision and central bank governance. The BIS also organises regular and ad hoc meetings and informal discussions with other senior central bank officials.

Committees and expert groups within the BIS

A forum for regular cooperation in banking supervision. The BCBS contributes to the development of international supervisory standards aimed at strengthening macroprudential stability.

Monitors the global financial system and, based on analyses, prepares strategic recommendations to improve the functioning of financial markets and the global financial system.

Monitors and analyses developments in payment systems and market infrastructures and prepares proposals for standards in this area.

Monitors and analyses financial market activities.

Focuses on issues related to the organisational structures and operations of central banks.

Addresses statistical issues relevant to central banks.

The BIS also provides organisational support for other specialised institutions:

  • Financial Stability Board (FSB)
  • International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI)
  • International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS)

CNB and BIS

The National Bank of Czechoslovakia (later the State Bank of Czechoslovakia) was a founding member of the BIS. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the membership share was divided between the successor central banks – the CNB and the NBS.

The CNB Governor participates in regular meetings of BIS governors. The CNB is also represented at the annual meeting of deputy governors and at meetings of the Working Party on Monetary Policy in Central and Eastern Europe. The CNB actively contributes to the work of the Basel Consultative Group (BCG), which is part of the BCBS.