BIS Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific

Since the BIS launched its first overseas presence in Hong Kong SAR in July 1998, the Representative Office for Asia and the Pacific (Asian Office) has served as a regional hub to promote monetary and financial stability in cooperation with central banks and other institutions in Asia and the Pacific. The Asian Office fulfils its mission by:

  • conducting BIS outreach and engagement activities, including high-level visits, conferences, forums and networks for central banks and other relevant stakeholders on priority topics in monetary and financial stability
  • developing research on issues related to economics, financial markets and digital innovation, including a secondment/visiting economist programme for central banks in the region
  • providing central banks with a full suite of banking and risk management services, including treasury and investment products

The Asian Office anchors its work by serving as secretariat to the Asian Consultative Council (ACC), which provides advisory support for the BIS's work in the region. The Asian Office is headed by Tao Zhang, Chief Representative, who is supported by a group of Hong Kong SAR-based BIS staff.  

Asian Consultative Council

The ACC was established in 2001 and currently comprises the Governors of 13 BIS member central banks in Asia-Pacific: Australia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Outreach and engagement

The Asian Office conducts engagement and outreach activities with central banks and other stakeholders in the region.

BIS Banking in Asia Pacific

Since 2000, the Asian Office has served as a gateway for BIS banking customers' investment activities and provided customers with access to the full range of the Bank's financial services on a near 24-hour basis. 

Research for the Asia-Pacific region

The Asian Office conducts policy analysis and research on topics related to monetary and financial stability, including digital innovation.

Secondment programme

The Asian Office hosts a secondment programme for BIS member central banks in the Asia-Pacific region to foster closer working relationships.