The BIS central bank total assets data set tracks the evolution of the size of central banks' balance sheets across the world. It covers more than 50 advanced and emerging market economies.
This data set contains long annual, quarterly and monthly series. The annual series feature an average length of around a century and, for most of the countries, show data since the establishment of the central bank. The median start year is 1942, and several series go back to the 19th century or earlier. Data with higher frequency often start later than annual series due to the limited availability of historical data.
Data on central banks' balance sheets originate from multiple sources. Financial statements or accounting balance sheets are typically the main source and are compiled in accordance with national accounting standards. Other sources include the monetary presentation or statistical balance sheets.
