BIS consolidated banking statistics for the first quarter of 2005

The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics for end-March 2005. These statistics provide an insight into the nature and extent of banks' foreign exposures, as well as background information on the new ultimate risk statistics available from this quarter and supplementary information about countries' external indebtedness.

• The first section outlines the characteristics of a new set of statistics based on ultimate risk exposures.

• The second section highlights the first results of the new statistics. It sheds light on differences between reporting countries as regards immediate borrower and ultimate risk exposures. In the first quarter of 2005, claims on the public sector in emerging market countries increased as a share of total international claims.

Detailed 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 (tel: +41 61 280 8921; e-mail: patrick.mcguire@bis.org), Swapan Pradhan (tel: +41 61 280 8491; e-mail: swapan-kumar.pradhan@bis.org).

The BIS expects to release consolidated banking statistics for the second quarter of 2005 no later than 31 October 2005