BIS consolidated banking statistics for the third quarter of 2002

The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics for end-September 2002. These statistics provide an insight into the nature and extent of banks' foreign exposures, as well as supplementary information about countries' external indebtedness.

The first section highlights significant trends and structural breaks. Trends in the third quarter of 2002 were that:

• Japanese banks increased activity while US banks cut back;
• divergence in sectoral distribution of claims on emerging markets persists.

Comprehensive explanatory notes are included which define the terms used to present the statistics. Statistical tables follow the explanatory notes.

Questions arising from these statistics can be directed to Patrick McGuire (telephone: +41 61 280 8921; e-mail: patrick.mcguire@bis.org).

The BIS expects to release consolidated banking statistics for the fourth quarter of 2002 no later than 30 April 2003.