Bank for International Settlements · BIS
The 'central bank of central banks' — runs the Basel Committee, sets global banking standards, and provides banking services to central banks.
Mandate
Established 1930. Headquartered in Basel. 63 member central banks (including the CBK). Mandate: foster international monetary and financial cooperation; serve as a bank for central banks.
How it works
Hosts the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (sets the Basel I/II/III/IV capital and liquidity standards), the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures, the Committee on the Global Financial System, and the Financial Stability Institute. Provides FX, gold, and reserve-asset services to central banks. Publishes the BIS Quarterly Review and an annual Economic Report.
Why it matters
Basel standards (capital adequacy, liquidity, leverage) are adopted, with national modifications, by every meaningful banking regulator — including the CBK. Kenyan bank capital requirements, definition of Tier-1 and Tier-2 capital, and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio framework all derive from Basel.
What to watch
BIS Annual Economic Report, BIS Quarterly Review, Basel Committee consultations on emerging issues (climate risk, crypto exposures, AI in finance).
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