Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international organization that promotes cooperation among central banks and other financial institutions. Central banks, which in most countries are government agencies, issue currency and perform other financial services for the government. The central banks of more than 50 countries are members of the BIS. The BIS encourages discussion within the financial community and serves as an agent, partner, or trustee in international financial operations. It also conducts research and publishes information on economic and monetary matters. A board of directors, which consists primarily of central bank governors, administers the BIS. The BIS was established in 1930. Its headquarters are in Basel, Switzerland.
