The BIS as bank and forum for central banks

Headquartered in Basel, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank and forum for central banks. The SNB has occupied one of the seats (currently 18) on the Board of Directors since the BIS was founded in 1930. The Chairman of the SNB's Governing Board represents the SNB in the Board of Directors, the highest decision-making body of the BIS.

The governors of member central banks convene every two months for a series of meetings. These bimonthly meetings serve as a platform for discussing developments in the global economy and the international financial system, and for guiding and overseeing the work of the various committees.

SNB participation

The SNB participates in the four standing committees of the BIS: the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures, the Committee on the Global Financial System and the Markets Committee. Additionally, it participates in various groups of experts. Through the secondment of its specialists, the SNB supplies expertise and helps to strengthen and support the international monetary and financial system. Moreover, it ensures that Switzerland's interests are given appropriate consideration.

• Basel Committee on Banking Supervision
  The Basel Committee issues recommendations and sets international standards in the area of banking supervision. It brings together high-ranking representatives of banking supervisory authorities and central banks from 28 jurisdictions, including Switzerland, which is represented by FINMA and the SNB.
• Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures
  The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) promotes the safety and efficiency of cashless payment arrangements and market infrastructures via which financial market transactions are cleared or settled.
• Committee on the Global Financial System
  The Committee on the Global Financial System (CGFS) monitors developments in international financial markets and analyses their impact on financial stability.
• Markets Committee
  The Markets Committee examines current developments in money, foreign exchange, capital and commodity markets, as well as the functioning of these markets.