BIS consolidated banking statistics - fourth quarter 2004

The BIS is today releasing consolidated banking statistics for end-December 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 in the fourth quarter of 2004:

• Credit to the non-bank private sector in the United States continues to expand.
• International claims shift towards non-bank private sector in Asia-Pacific.
• Trends in short-term lending to Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

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 Sebastian G¿rlich (tel: +41 61 280 8410; e-mail: sebastian.goerlich@bis.org).

The BIS expects to release consolidated banking statistics for the first quarter of 2005 no later than 31 July 2005.