Bank for International Settlements

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

An international bank headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, which serves as a forum for monetary cooperation among several European central banks, the Bank of Japan, and the US Federal Reserve System. Founded in 1930 to handle the German payment of World War I reparations, it now monitors and collects data on international banking activity and promulgates rules concerning international bank regulation.

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Bank for International Settlements

An international organization composed of central banks that helps ensure the proper flow of money throughout the global economy. Based in Basel, Switzerland, the BIS seeks to increase transparency in monetary policy throughout the world, and to apply international standards where it is believed they are appropriate. The BIS regulates capital adequacy and encourages transparency in reserve requirement policies. Importantly, it does not provide financial aid to members. Critics allege that its standards are unenforceable. See also: International Monetary Fund.