Bank or International Settlements (BIS) Meaning

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international financial institution owned by central banks that aims to promote global monetary and financial stability. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the BIS serves as a forum for central banks to coordinate policy, share data and collaborate on research. Its mission is to support central banks in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability and to act as a bank for central banks.

Among its activities, the BIS hosts regular meetings of governors and other officials to discuss macroeconomic conditions, financial regulation and emerging risks. It also provides banking services to central banks, such as asset management and gold custody, and conducts research on economic and financial topics.

Through its committees—including the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision—the BIS plays a key role in developing global regulatory standards. Its work helps harmonize rules across countries, enhancing resilience and mitigating systemic risks in the international financial system.