Methodology

The data are based on the one hand on regulated reports to the National Bank, both of an administrative nature and survey-based. The reporting to the national Bank of Belgium is executed via the tool OneGate. However, publicly available market information and information supplied by the market organisations is also used.

The credit institutions are an important direct data source. Credit institutions established in Belgium report to the NBB on their financial position on a territorial, corporate and consolidated basis via "Scheme A", as it is called. The reporting frequency varies according to the nature of the information. The following data are supplied:

  • monthly: balance sheets and off-balance-sheet items and reports on such matters as cash balances and interbank claims, interbank liabilities, lending, the deposit basis and the securities held;
  • quarterly: profit and loss accounts and additional information, including a detailed statement of the securities portfolio;
  • annually: the treatment of the results.

A cross-section of financial institutions reports monthly on the interest rates applicable to deposits and loans. More information on the interest rate survey can be found under MIR.

Specific information on credit standards (other than interest rates) and the distribution of bank credit is collected quarterly through the Bank Lending Survey. This survey is of particular importance to the Eurosystem, given the essential role bank credit plays both in the functioning of the economy and in the transmission of monetary policy decisions. The survey also provides information on trends in loan demand and the factors that influence it. Finally, it should be noted that the results of the survey both complement existing statistics and make it possible to interpret their evolution. In addition, the information derived from the questions relating to expectations should contribute to a better understanding of future economic developments and thus facilitate the preparation of economic projections

The data on non-monetary financial institutions (non-monetary institutions for collective investment, listed companies, insurance companies, pension funds, etc.) are taken mainly from the body supervising those institutions or professional associations, such as the Belgian Asset Managers Association (BEAMA).

In the financial institution sector, surveys are conducted on various financial products. This primarily concerns surveys on "dematerialised securities of the Belgian government debt and dematerialised treasury bills and certificates of credit". Another survey covers "applications for mortgage loans" and "mortgage loans executed" and is conducted jointly with the Credit Industry Association.

References

The statistics on financial institutions are compiled largely in accordance with the guidelines of international institutions. This applies in particular to the monetary and banking statistics for the ECB, which have to be compiled in accordance with definitions applicable to all EMU countries. These definitions usually dovetail with other international agreements in the statistical sphere.

The principal methodological descriptions may be found in: