Annual Report 2020/21
The BIS Annual Report explains what we do and who we are as an institution.
Find out about our mission, our work, our people and our organisation, together with our annual financial statements for 2020/21.
Promoting global monetary and financial stability
In our mission to support central banks' pursuit of monetary and financial stability through international cooperation and to act as a bank for central banks, we have embarked on a transformation journey to shape the Bank for tomorrow. Innovation BIS 2025 is our ambitious programme to better serve central banks as they face new challenges and reap the benefits of technological financial innovation, while reducing its risks.
In-depth analysis and insights
The Covid-19 pandemic has raised fundamental challenges for central banks and policymakers worldwide. Our research and analysis aim to support policymakers as they address these challenges by providing in-depth and timely insights on core themes.
Promoting international cooperation
The pandemic and its aftermath call for even more intense engagement among policymakers in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability. The BIS contributes with its commitment to act as a global forum for dialogue and cooperation among central banks and financial supervisory authorities from around the world.
The BIS provides a full range of banking services to central banks and other official sector customers, designed to meet the reserve management needs of central bank customers, in particular in terms of safety and liquidity – two key central bank requirements that received added emphasis in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the pace of technological change accelerates in the financial sector, the use of new technologies is drastically changing the financial industry. They BIS Innovation Hub and the Cyber Resilience Coordination Centre enable central banks to work together to effectively seize the opportunities of financial innovation, while identifying, responding to and minimising the associated risks.
Our work environment is anchored in strong core values that shape the way in which we carry out our work to deliver on the Bank's mission. These values are the shared principles and beliefs that unite our staff and guide our actions, to promote a culture of continued improvement and innovation, not only in what we do, but also in how we think and how we work to meet the needs of our stakeholders.
The BIS is governed at three levels: the General Meetings of member central banks, the Board of Directors and BIS Management. Each of these levels participates in the governance and decision-making related to BIS activities in the areas of international cooperation, policy analysis, banking operations and resource management.
Financial results and profit allocation
The BIS provides financial services, including taking deposits in currency and gold, as well as asset management, foreign exchange and gold services. Its customers comprise central banks, monetary authorities and international organisations. These banking activities are the main determinants of the Bank's balance sheet and its financial results.
Check the BIS financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2021.
