BIS consolidated banking statistics - first quarter 2004

The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics end-March 2004. These The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics for end-March 2004. 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 first quarter of 2004 were:

• Repo activity and lending to offshore centres drive surge in claims
• Claims on Asia-Pacific trend towards shorter maturities

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 Jesper Wormstrup (tel: +41 61 280 8422; e-mail: jesper.wormstrup@bis.org).

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