BIS consolidated banking statistics - fourth quarter 2003

The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics end-December 2003. 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 fourth quarter of 2003 were:

· Sectoral distribution of claims remains stable, with exceptions;

· Three new reporting countries;

· Foreign claims on emerging markets stabilise, masking regional shifts.

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), Paola Gallardo (tel: +41 61 280 8445; e-mail: paola.gallardo@bis.org) or Christian Dembiermont (tel: +41 61 280 8408; e-mail: christian.dembiermont@bis.org).

The BIS expects to release consolidated banking statistics for the first quarter of 2004 no later than 31 July 2004.