The historical data in this table are sourced from Becker C and M Sinclair (2004), :Profitability of Reserve Bank Foreign Exchange Operations: Twenty Years After the Float-C/, RB Research Discussion Paper No 2004-06. Updates to the data are published annually with a one-year lag.

It is not appropriate to use the :Market-C/ series as a proxy for foreign exchange market intervention. The RB engages in spot or forward transactions with dealers in the market virtually every day. Most of these transactions are not intended to influence the exchange rate. Rather, they occur to cover orders for foreign exchange from clients such as the Australian Government. When the RB sells foreign exchange to a client, it has the choice of meeting this out of its holdings of foreign exchange or buying the equivalent amount of foreign exchange in the market. Most of the time it does the latter, though even then the timing of the sale and purchase may not coincide precisely. The RB can also engage in foreign exchange transactions with counterparties other than dealers as a means of covering client orders.

Daily net foreign exchange transactions, net sales (-) and purchases (+), are reported according to the date on which the trade took place. This is in contrast to the monthly transactions data in Table A.4, which are reported according to the day on which settlement took place. Another difference to Table A.4 is that interest received on holdings of foreign assets is not included.

aMarketa transactions are foreign exchange transactions against the Australian dollar (excluding foreign exchange swaps) undertaken by the RB with authorised foreign exchange dealers in Australia or banks overseas.

aGovernment and other counterpartiesa transactions include the RBAas foreign exchange transactions with the Australian Government, outright transactions with other central banks and international financial institutions that are not intended to affect the exchange rate, and transactions with clients other than the Australian Government.

Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data was reported at 0.564 AUD/EUR in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.580 AUD/EUR for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 0.621 AUD/EUR from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 316 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.858 AUD/EUR in Jul 2012 and a record low of 0.492 AUD/EUR in Dec 2008. Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

Figures for ‘RBA foreign exchange transactions’, ‘Change in reserve assets due to valuation’ and ‘Total change in reserve assets’ refer to period totals. All other figures are end period values.

‘RBA foreign exchange transactions’, sales (-) and purchases (+), are reported according to the date on which settlement takes place (‘value date’).

‘Market’ transactions are foreign exchange transactions against the Australian dollar (excluding foreign exchange swaps) undertaken by the RBA with authorised foreign exchange dealers in Australia or banks overseas.

‘Australian Government’ transactions are the RBA’s foreign exchange transactions with the Australian Government.

‘Other outright’ transactions include the RBA’s outright transactions with other central banks, international financial institutions which are not intended to affect the exchange rate, clients other than the Australian Government, and interest received on holdings of foreign assets.

‘Swap deliveries’ are RBA foreign exchange swap transactions that settled during the period, excluding swaps conducted with the Federal Reserve as part of the USD Swap Facility. For the period January 1995 until February 1996 ‘Other outright’ includes ‘Swap deliveries’.

‘Official reserve assets’ comprise holdings of ‘Foreign exchange’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Other’ reserve assets, which comprise Special Drawing Rights, Reserve position in the IMF and the net value of swap transactions conducted with the Federal Reserve as part of the USD Swap Facility.

‘Outstanding forward foreign exchange commitments’ mainly reflect market values of the second leg of RBA swap transactions outstanding and, from time to time, outstanding RBA outright forward transactions. Prior to July 2002 contract values are reported.

The sum of ‘Gold’ and ‘Foreign exchange’ may differ from figures reported in the weekly Statement of Liabilities and Assets and the RBA’s Annual Report. From 1 July 1996, foreign currency securities sold under repurchase agreements are retained for accounting purposes as foreign currency investments in the RBA’s balance sheet, in accordance with standard accounting treatment. For the purpose of reporting foreign exchange reserves in this table, however, securities sold under repurchase agreements are excluded. In addition, from 20 December 2006, foreign exchange sales (-) and purchases (+) are reported for accounting purposes according to the date on which they are contracted (‘trade date’). For the purpose of reporting foreign exchange reserves in this table, however, foreign exchange transactions are reported according to the date on which settlement takes place (‘value date’).

Key information about Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves

• Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 41.9 USD bn in Feb 2025, compared with 40.9 USD bn in the previous month
• Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves: USD mn data is updated monthly, available from Jul 1969 to Feb 2025
• The data reached an all-time high of 67.7 USD bn in May 2007 and a record low of 736.8 USD mn in Dec 1969

CEIC converts monthly Foreign Exchange Reserves into USD. The Reserve Bank of Australia provides Foreign Exchange Reserves in local currency. The Federal Reserve Board period end market exchange rate is used for currency conversions. Foreign Exchange Reserves prior to January 2015 is based on the old Bank's methodology before the adjustment according to the International Monetary Fund's International Reserves and Foreign Liquidity (IRFCL) framework.


Further information about Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves

• In the latest reports, Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.5 Months of Import in May 2023.
• Its Money Supply M2 increased 1,955.4 USD bn YoY in Jan 2025.
• Australia Domestic Credit reached 3,557.7 USD bn in Dec 2024, representing an drop of 0.2 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.1 % in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 1.1 % in the previous quarter.
• Household Debt of Australia reached 116.6 % in Mar 2023, accounting for 116.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP.

Exchange Rate: RBA: Indian Rupee to Australian Dollar data was reported at 54.580 AUD/INR in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 53.670 AUD/INR for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: Indian Rupee to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 52.510 AUD/INR from Jan 2010 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 184 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 59.640 AUD/INR in Aug 2013 and a record low of 39.390 AUD/INR in May 2010. Exchange Rate: RBA: Indian Rupee to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

This report analyses the exchange rate of the Australian dollar (AU$) in terms of the US dollar (US$). The exchange rate is determined by the supply and demand for each currency in the pair. The major drivers of the supply and demand for currencies are: interest rates; GDP growth; inflation; current account positions; equity flows; and the demand and price of commodities. The data for this report is sourced from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and is measured in US dollars. The RBA records the average monthly exchange rate on the last trading day of each month, and annual rates are calculated as the average of monthly rates over the financial year.

Australia Foreign Exchange Transactions: RBA: Other Outright data was reported at 295.000 AUD mn in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 647.000 AUD mn for Feb 2025. Australia Foreign Exchange Transactions: RBA: Other Outright data is updated monthly, averaging 205.000 AUD mn from Jan 1995 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 363 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,994.000 AUD mn in Aug 2021 and a record low of -6,786.000 AUD mn in Jan 2024. Australia Foreign Exchange Transactions: RBA: Other Outright data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.KA005: Official Reserve Assets & Foreign Exchange Transactions. ‘Other outright’ transactions include the Reserve Bank of Australia’s outright transactions with other central banks, international financial institutions which are not intended to affect the exchange rate, clients other than the Australian Government, and interest received on holdings of foreign assets. Prior to 2015, the series is computed using a different methodology. The changes in the calculations were mainly due to a change to the treatment of repos, derivatives and gold. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

These data are derived from returns submitted to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) by banks authorised under the Banking Act 1959. APRA assumed responsibility for the supervision and regulation of banks on 1 July 1998. Data prior to that date were submitted to the RBA.

Prior to March 2002, banks reported quarterly to APRA on the Off-balance Sheet Business Return. From that date until the end of 2007, banks reported quarterly on ARF 112.2: Capital Adequacy – Off-balance Sheet Business. Following the introduction of a new capital framework (Basel II) on 1 January 2008, the data between March 2008 and March 2011 were reported on either ARF 112.2: Capital Adequacy – Off-balance Sheet Business, ARF 112.2A: Standardised Credit Risk – Off-balance Sheet Exposures, or ARF 118.0: Off-balance Sheet Business, depending on whether the bank had been approved by APRA to use a Basel II advanced approach to credit risk. Following the revocation of Australian Prudential Standard APS150 on 30 June 2011, banks using the advanced approach to credit risk have been required to report data with reference to the Basel II framework. From June 2011, data are reported on ARF 112.2A: Standardised Credit Risk – Off-balance Sheet Exposures, ARF 118.0: Off-balance Sheet Business, or ARF 118.1: Other Off-balance Sheet Exposures, depending on whether the bank has been approved by APRA to use a Basel II advanced approach to credit risk.

‘Consolidated group’, for a locally incorporated bank, refers to the global operations of the bank and its subsidiaries, excluding those involved in insurance, funds management/trustee and non-financial business. For a foreign bank authorised to operate in Australia as a branch, the data relate to the operations of the branch only. Figures are as at the last business day of the quarter and refer to the principal amount (face value) of the transaction.

From March 2002, banks are required to report separately activity in the banking and trading books for interest rate contracts, foreign exchange contracts, and other derivative contracts. Banking and trading book figures are added to produce the data reported in the table. Before March 2002, exposures were netted across the banking and trading books (except credit derivatives). This has necessitated a break in the series.

‘Direct credit substitutes’ covers any irrevocable obligations that carry the same credit risk as a direct extension of credit. This includes the issue of guarantees, confirmation of letters of credit, standby letters of credit serving as financial guarantees for loans, securities and any other financial liabilities, and certain bills endorsed under bill endorsement lines. ‘Direct credit substitutes’ does not include credit derivatives, which are shown separately.

‘Trade- and performance-related items’ covers contingent liabilities arising from trade-related obligations secured against an underlying shipment of goods and any irrevocable obligations to make a payment to a third party if a counterparty fails to perform a contractual non-monetary obligation. This includes documentary letters of credit issued, acceptances on trade bills, shipping guarantees issued, issue of performance bonds, bid bonds, warranties, indemnities, standby letters of credit in relation to a non-monetary obligation of a counterparty under a particular transaction, and any other trade- and performance-related items.

‘Commitments and other non-market-related items’ includes lending of securities or posting of securities as collateral, assets sold with recourse, forward asset purchases, partly paid shares and securities, placements of forward deposits, underwriting facilities, standby lines of credit, redraw facilities, undrawn credit card facilities, and all other non-market-related off-balance sheet items.

‘Interest rate contracts – OTC forwards’ covers single currency over-the-counter interest rate forwards including forward rate agreements.

‘Interest rate contracts – OTC swaps’ covers single currency over-the-counter interest rate swaps.

‘Interest rate contracts – Other’ covers other single currency over-the-counter and exchange-traded interest rate contracts including interest rate options written and purchased.

‘Foreign exchange contracts – OTC forwards’ covers over-the-counter foreign exchange forwards including foreign exchange forward contracts involving gold.

‘Foreign exchange contracts – OTC swaps’ covers over-the-counter foreign exchange swaps including cross currency interest rate swaps and foreign exchange swap contracts involving gold.

‘Foreign exchange contracts – Other’ covers other over-the-counter and exchange-traded foreign exchange contracts including other foreign exchange contracts involving gold.

‘Credit derivatives’ covers all credit derivatives contracts, both where protection is purchased and protection is sold. Banks were required to report credit derivatives exposure to APRA from June 2000 following a change to the Off-balance Sheet Business Return. This has necessitated a break in the series.

‘Other off-balance sheet business’ covers equity contracts including written and purchased options positions, derivatives based on gold and precious metals, base metals, energy and other commodities, and all other derivative activity.

‘System cash position’ is an estimate of the change in the aggregate level of Exchange Settlement (ES) balances at the RBA, prior to the RBA’s open market operations on that day. A negative value indicates a projected fall in the level of ES balances, while a positive value indicates a projected rise. The estimate is based on information about settlements arising from transactions by the RBA’s clients, including the Australian Government, as well as the RBA’s own transactions, and is announced at 9:30 am each trading day.

‘Outright transactions’ is the cash value of purchases and sales, conducted as part of the Bank’s open market operations, of securities issued by the Australian Government and State and Territory central borrowing authorities with remaining terms to maturity up to around 18 months. A positive value indicates the RBA has purchased securities while a negative value indicates the RBA has sold securities.

‘Foreign exchange swaps’ is the aggregate value of the first leg of foreign exchange swaps transacted for same-day value specifically for domestic liquidity management purposes. A positive value indicates the RBA has sold Australian dollars for foreign currency while a negative value indicates the RBA has purchased Australian dollars. The value of the second leg of a foreign exchange swap is captured in the ‘System cash position’ on the unwind date.

‘Repurchase agreements (RPs)’ is the amount of the first leg of securities bought/sold by the RBA under repurchase agreement (RP). 'General Collateral' refers to eligible eligible securities issued by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments, supranational institutions, foreign governments and government agencies as well as eligible securities with a sovereign government guarantee. ‘Private securities’ covers all other eligible collateral, including ADI-issued securities (eligible bank-issued discount securities and certificates of deposit with 12 months or less to maturity and bonds issued by ADIs), asset-backed securities (eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed commercial paper) and eligible commercial paper. A positive value indicates the RBA has purchased securities under RPs while a negative value indicates the RBA has sold securities under RPs. It does not include RPs which are transacted through the RBA’s overnight RP facility. The value of the second leg of all RPs is captured in the ‘System cash position’ on the respective value dates.

‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’ is the aggregate of all ES balances held at the RBA at the close of business. Unexpected movements in ES balances and overnight RPs transacted through the RBA’s overnight RP facility mean that ‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’ will not necessarily be the sum of the previous day’s ‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’, the ‘System cash position’ and the total of ‘Open market operations’ transacted.

‘Overnight repurchase agreements with RBA’ is the aggregate of the first leg of securities bought by the RBA through the overnight RP facility. These data are updated with a one month lag.

Outright Transaction Details

The 'Outright Transactions Details' sheet provides further information on the outright purchases and sales of Bonds and Discount Securities issued by the Australian Commonwealth, State & Territory Governments, conducted as part of the Bank's open market operations. “Issuer” is the acronym of the issuer of the bond/security. A positive “Face value dealt” indicates a purchase while a negative value indicates a sale. 'Weighted average rate' is the average of the rates dealt for each bond/security, weighted by the amount transacted. 'Cut-off rate' is the lowest yield accepted.

Repo Details

The Repo Details sheets provide a summary of the type of securities delivered to/by the RBA under RP at each term dealt through the open market operations. 'Govt and Quasi-Govt Repo Details' covers repo against General Collateral (eligible securities issued by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments, supranational institutions, foreign governments and government agencies as well as eligible securities with a sovereign government guarantee). ‘Private securities’ covers all other eligible collateral, including ADI-issued securities (eligible bank-issued discount securities and certificates of deposit with 12 months or less to maturity and bonds issued by ADIs), asset-backed securities (eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed commercial paper) and eligible commercial paper.

'Term' is the number of days dealt in open market operations.

'Value Dealt' is the amount of the first leg of securities bought/sold by the RBA under RP.

Weighted average rate' is the is the average of the rates on RPs dealt by the RBA through open market operations, weighted by the amount transacted.

'Cut-off rate' is the lowest rate dealt by the RBA through open market operations for each term dealt.

Repo Unwinds

The Repos Unwinds sheet provides a summary of the value of repurchase agreements due to unwind in the future, for both General Collateral and Private Securities. The unwind amount is equal to the sum of the total value dealt to that date plus accrued interest.

Liabilities:
:Capital and Reserve Bank Reserve Fund-C/ whereby the Reserve Bank Reserve Fund (RBRF) is a general reserve. RBRF provides for potential losses arising from events which are contingent and non-foreseeable, mainly those which arise from movements in market values of the RBA-C/s holdings of Australian dollar and foreign securities as well as from fraud and other non- insured losses or events. On 1 July 2001 the amount of $3 323 million (Contingencies and General Purpose Reserve) was transferred from :Other liabilities-C/ to :Capital and Reserve Bank Reserve Fund-C/.

Prior to July 1996 the series :Exchange settlement balances-C/ primarily reflected deposits of Australian banks, comprising non-callable deposits and, prior to September 1988, Statutory Reserve Deposits and deposits by savings banks. The Statutory Reserve Deposit requirement on trading banks was removed in 1988 and the non-callable deposit requirement was abolished in July 1999. The Bank commenced paying interest on Exchange settlement balances in July 1996.

:RB term deposits-C/ are short-term deposits of institutions holding an Exchange Settlement Account and authorised deposit-taking institutions that are members of RITS.:Deposits of overseas institutions-C/ and :Governments and instrumentalities-C/ include the IMF and central banks.

:Other liabilities-C/ include provisions, current year profit/loss, the counterpart obligation arising from transactions in repurchase agreements, and obligations arising from the outright purchase of securities which have been contracted but not yet settled.

Assets:
:Gold and foreign exchange-C/ assets include foreign exchange holdings invested in government securities and bank deposits, market value of open forward foreign exchange contracts and IMF Special Drawing Rights. Securities sold but contracted for purchase under repurchase agreements are retained on the balance sheet in this category.

:Clearing items-C/ include cheques and bills of other banks, bills receivable and remittances in transit. They may also include amounts owed to the Bank for overnight clearances of financial transactions.

:Australian dollar securities-C/ include Commonwealth Government Securities (CGS) and securities issued by central borrowing authorities of state and territory governments. Securities sold but contracted for purchase under sell repurchase agreements are retained on the balance sheet in this category. Also included are Australian dollar securities purchased but contracted for sale under buy repurchase agreements, being: eligible bank bills, certificates of deposit and debt securities of ADIs; Australian dollar- denominated securities issued by certain foreign governments, foreign government agencies and by highly rated supranational organisations; and selected Australian dollar domestic residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed commercial paper and corporate securities.

:Other assets-C/ include the Bank-C/s holdings of Australian notes and coins, Bank premises and other durable assets, and the Bank-C/s shareholding in the Bank for International Settlements.

Foreign Exchange Reserves in Australia increased to 102815 AUD Million in July from 101948 AUD Million in June of 2025. This dataset provides - Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In March 2003, banks and selected Registered Financial Corporations (RFCs) began reporting their international assets, liabilities and country exposures to APR in ARF/RRF 231 International Exposures. This return is the basis of the data provided by Australia to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) for its International Banking Statistics (IBS) data collection. APR ceased the RFC data collection after September 2010.

The IBS data are based on the methodology described in the "http://www.bis.org/statistics/intfinstatsguide.pdf">BIS Guide on International Financial Statistics [PDF] (see Part II International banking statistics). Data reported for Australia, and other countries, on the BIS website are expressed in United States dollars.

Data are recorded on an end-quarter basis.

All banks operating in Australia complete ARF 231. Between March 2003 and September 2010, only those larger RFCs with sizeable overseas assets and/or liabilities completed RRF 231. Bank and RFC positions are reported in Australian dollars (AUD). Non-AUD denominated positions have been converted to AUD using an appropriate end-quarter exchange rate, so changes in reported data between quarters are due not only to changes in positions but also valuation gains or losses due to exchange rate changes.

There are two sets of IBS data: locational data, which are used to gauge the role of banks and financial centres in the intermediation of international capital flows; and consolidated data, which can be used to monitor the country risk exposure of national banking systems. Only locational data are reported in this statistical table.

All assets are reported at market value. While some liabilities are reported at market value, contractual or nominal values are used where market values are not appropriate.

The locational data reported in this statistical table are on international assets and liabilities, comprise loans and deposits, securities and other assets and liabilities vis- -vis non-residents in all currencies and vis-A -vis residents in foreign currency. The main balance sheet items included as claims (i.e. assets) are deposits and balances placed with banks, loans and advances to banks and non-banks and holdings of securities. The main liabilities include deposits and loans received from banks and non-banks. Reporting entitiesa own issues of securities in international markets are also included as liabilities. (See notes to statistical tables B12.1 and B12.2 for more detail on the types of assets and liabilities included.)

aTotal banks and RFCsa is also reported in United States dollar (USD) equivalent amounts, using the end-quarter AUD/USD exchange rate from statistical table F11.

Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data was reported at 1.079 AUD/NZD in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.100 AUD/NZD for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 1.147 AUD/NZD from Jul 1969 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 670 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.763 AUD/NZD in Nov 1984 and a record low of 0.997 AUD/NZD in Nov 1972. Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

These data are derived from returns submitted to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) by banks authorised under the Banking Act 1959. APRA assumed responsibility for the supervision and regulation of banks on 1 July 1998. Data prior to that date were submitted to the RBA.

Up to and including June 2000, data are averages of weekly (Wednesday) figures. From July 2000, data are for the last business day of every month. Up to and including March 2002, banks submitted Form D (Statement of Liabilities and Assets on the Australian Books). In March 2002, APRA implemented new reporting forms for banks. The data, dating from April 2002, are derived from ARF 320.0 Statement of Financial Position (Domestic Books).

ARF 320.0 covers the domestic books of the licensed bank and is an unconsolidated report of the Australian bank’s operations/transactions that are booked or recorded inside Australia (with Australian residents and non-residents). ARF 320.0 does not consolidate Australian and offshore-controlled entities (thus offshore branches of the Australian bank are excluded). ARF 320.0 includes transactions of Australian-based offshore banking units of the licensed ADI but excludes transactions of overseas-based offshore banking units.

An Australian ‘resident’ is any individual, business or other organisation domiciled in Australia. Australian branches and subsidiaries of foreign businesses are regarded as Australian residents. A ‘non-resident’ is any individual, business or other organisation domiciled overseas. Foreign branches and subsidiaries of Australian businesses are regarded as non-residents.

‘Resident liabilities – deposits’ include: transaction and non-transaction deposit accounts; and certificates of deposit. From April 2002, this item includes both Australian dollar- and foreign currency-denominated (AUD equivalent) deposits. Prior to that date foreign currency-denominated (AUD equivalent) deposits are included in ‘resident liabilities – other liabilities’. Certificates of deposit relate to both residents and non-residents.

‘Resident liabilities – bill acceptances’ refers to liabilities arising from undertakings by banks to pay bills of exchange drawn on customers. From April 2002, this item includes both Australian dollar- and foreign currency-denominated (AUD equivalent) bill acceptances. Prior to that date foreign currency-denominated (AUD equivalent) bill acceptances are included in ‘resident liabilities – other liabilities’.

Prior to April 2002, ‘resident liabilities – other borrowings’ refers to Australian dollar-denominated items only and includes: balances (other than deposits) to overseas banks not authorised in Australia; issues of term subordinated debt; and loan capital and similar instruments. From April 2002, this item includes: Australian dollar- and foreign currency-denominated (AUD equivalent) other borrowings; securities sold under agreements to repurchase; promissory notes and commercial paper; other short-term debt securities; bonds; notes; and long-term borrowings.

‘Resident liabilities – other liabilities’ refers to all other resident liabilities not included in the above items. Prior to April 2002, this item includes: all provision accounts other than those relating to bad and doubtful debts; accounts payable and prepayments received; gold bullion borrowings that are repayable in physical gold; credit balances resulting from netting of all deferred tax liabilities and tax benefit accounts; cheques drawn by a bank on itself but not yet presented; and all other resident liabilities on banks’ Australian books other than retained earnings and shareholders’ funds, accrued interest not yet payable and inter-branch accounts. From April 2002, this item includes: liabilities due to clearing houses and due to financial institutions in relation to the payments system; income tax liabilities; provisions for dividends, employee entitlements, non-lending losses, restructuring costs and other; creditor and related liabilities; and loan capital and hybrid securities. Note that, from April 2002, this item also includes: accrued interest not yet payable; inter-branch transfers; and unrealised losses on trading derivatives – prior to that date, these were excluded.

‘Resident liabilities – total’ refers to total liabilities on the Australian books of banks that are due to residents, and is the sum of the above items. ‘Resident liabilities – of which: denominated in foreign currency’ refers to the Australian dollar equivalent of ‘resident liabilities – total’ on the Australian books of banks that are denominated in foreign currency.

‘Non-resident liabilities – total’ refers to total liabilities on the Australian books of banks that are due to non-residents, though from April 2002, this series excludes the total amount due to banks’ overseas operations, which have been separately identified on the new reporting form. ’Non-resident liabilities – of which: denominated in foreign currency’ refers to the Australian dollar equivalent of ‘non-resident liabilities – total’ on the Australian books of banks that are denominated in foreign currency.

‘Total liabilities’ is the sum of ‘resident liabilities – total’ and ‘non-resident liabilities – total’. From April 2002, this item also includes the ‘amount due to overseas operations’, which is identified separately from ‘resident liabilities – total’ and ‘non-resident liabilities – total’. The ‘amount due to overseas operations’ refers to domestic book on-balance sheet liabilities due to the overseas operations of banks that have not been included in the above items

Key information about Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves: % of GDP

• Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves: % of GDP was reported at 2.339 % in Dec 2024
• This records an increase from the previous number of 2.137 % for Sep 2024
• Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves: % of GDP data is updated quarterly, averaging 3.354 % from Sep 1969 to Dec 2024, with 222 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 9.091 % in Dec 1972 and a record low of 0.679 % in Sep 1980
• Australia Foreign Exchange Reserves: % of GDP data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: Foreign Exchange Reserves: % of Nominal GDP: Quarterly

CEIC calculates quarterly Foreign Exchange Reserves as % of Nominal GDP from monthly Foreign Exchange Reserves and quarterly Nominal GDP. The Reserve Bank of Australia provides Foreign Exchange Reserves in local currency. The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides Nominal GDP in local currency. Foreign Exchange Reserves prior to Q1 2015 is based on the old Bank's methodology before the adjustment according to the International Monetary Fund's International Reserves and Foreign Liquidity (IRFCL) framework.

Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data was reported at 59.900 May1970=100 in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 59.600 May1970=100 for Mar 2025. Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data is updated monthly, averaging 63.300 May1970=100 from May 1970 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 660 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 121.300 May1970=100 in Jan 1974 and a record low of 47.000 May1970=100 in Sep 2001. Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

In March 2003, banks and selected Registered Financial Corporations (RFCs) began reporting their international assets, liabilities and country exposures to APR in ARF/RRF 231 International …Show full descriptionIn March 2003, banks and selected Registered Financial Corporations (RFCs) began reporting their international assets, liabilities and country exposures to APR in ARF/RRF 231 International Exposures. This return is the basis of the data provided by Australia to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) for its International Banking Statistics (IBS) data collection. APR ceased the RFC data collection after September 2010. The IBS data are based on the methodology described in the BIS Guide on International Financial Statistics PDF. Data reported for Australia, and other countries, on the BIS website are expressed in United States dollars (USD). Data are recorded on an end-quarter basis. All banks operating in Australia complete ARF 231. Between March 2003 and September 2010, only those larger RFCs with sizeable overseas assets and/or liabilities completed RRF 231. Bank and RFC positions are reported in Australian dollars (AUD). Non-AUD denominated positions have been converted to AUD using an appropriate end-quarter exchange rate, so changes in reported data between quarters are due not only to changes in positions but also valuation gains or losses due to exchange rate changes. There are two sets of IBS data: locational data, which are used to gauge the role of banks and financial centres in the intermediation of international capital flows; and consolidated data, which can be used to monitor the country risk exposure of national banking systems. Only locational data are reported in this statistical table and all assets are reported at market value. A The locational data presented in this statistical table may differ from the balance sheet data reported by banks (and RFCs between March 2003 and September 2010) in their ARF/RRF 320.0 Statement of Financial Position return to APR (and published in statistical tables B2, B3, B9 and B10). ARF/RRF 231 asks for gross positions to be reported (including on-balance sheet derivatives). However, in ARF/RRF 320.0, derivative positions can be reported on a net asset or net liability basis. This difference is particularly relevant in the case of foreign currency derivative positions with residents in Australia (included in other assets and other liabilities in the locational data). Data are shown for a selected group of countries that account for the bulk of the total. Similar data for other countries are also available in statistical table B12.1.1. The positions by country are summed to produce a aTotal non-residentsa figure that represents reporting entitiesa total positions with offshore counterparties in all currencies. The positions shown for Australia are positions with residents in foreign currency. aLoansa comprise those financial assets that are created through the lending of funds by a creditor (lender) to a debtor (borrower) and that are not represented by negotiable securities. Sale and repurchase transactions (repos) involving the sale of assets (e.g. securities and gold) with a commitment to repurchase the same or similar assets, financial leases, promissory notes, non-negotiable debt securities, endorsement liabilities arising from bills rediscounted abroad and subordinated loans (including subordinated non-negotiable debt securities) are also included as aLoansa. aDebt securities helda are all negotiable short- and long-term debt instruments (including negotiable certificates of deposit, but excluding equity shares, investment fund units and warrants). Also included are those international debt securities held in an entityas own name but on behalf of third parties as part of trustee business. Debt securities held on a purely custodial basis for customers and debt securities acquired in the context of securities lending transactions without cash collateral are not included in the data on holdings of debt securities. The borrowing of securities that are subsequently sold to third parties may result in negative holdings of securities. aOther assetsa mainly comprise equity shares (including mutual and investment fund units and holdings of shares in a reporting entityas own name but on behalf of third parties), participations, on-balance sheet derivative contracts and working capital supplied by head offices to their branches abroad. Negative asset positions may be reported due to short selling of securities acquired in the context of repo or bond lending transactions. Reporting entitiesa holdings of international notes and coin that are in circulation and commonly used to make payments are recorded as claims in the form of loans and deposits. Loans that have become negotiable de facto are classified under debt securities.

Exchange Rate: RBA: UK Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar data was reported at 0.479 AUD/GBP in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.485 AUD/GBP for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: UK Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 0.494 AUD/GBP from Jul 1969 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 670 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.780 AUD/GBP in Oct 1976 and a record low of 0.335 AUD/GBP in Sep 2001. Exchange Rate: RBA: UK Pound Sterling to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

Credit unions became authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) under the Banking Act 1959 on 1 July 1999 when responsibility for their prudential regulation shifted from the States and Territories to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Since 1 July 1999, credit unions have submitted monthly returns to APRA; prior to that date, they submitted returns to the Reserve Bank under the Financial Corporations Act 1974. In September 2001, APRA implemented new reporting forms for credit unions. From October 2001, data are derived from ARF 323.0: Statement of Financial Position (Licensed ADI). Since December 1999, series have only included data for credit unions with total assets greater than or equal to $50 million.

Selected assets:

‘Cash and liquid assets’ is composed of ‘Cash’, ‘Balances with ADIs’ and ‘Other’. None of these items include bills of exchange, bills receivable, remittances in transit or certificates of deposit.

‘Cash’ includes Australian and foreign currency notes and coins, gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates held as investments. It excludes loans repayable in gold bullion.

‘Balances with ADIs’ includes deposits at call with Australian resident banks and other ADIs and settlement account balances due from banks and other ADIs, incorporating receivables for unsettled sales of securities.

‘Other’ includes deposits at call with Registered Financial Corporations (RFCs) and other financial institutions, net claims on recognised clearing houses in Australia, securities purchased under agreements to resell, funds held with the Reserve Bank and other central banks, and settlement account balances due from the Reserve Bank, other central banks, RFCs and other financial institutions, incorporating receivables for unsettled sales of securities.

‘Government securities’, ‘ADI securities’, ‘Corporate paper’ and ‘Other securities’ include both trading and investment securities. Trading securities are recorded at net fair value. Investment securities are recorded at cost and adjusted for the amortisation of any premiums and discounts on purchase over the period of maturity.

‘Government securities’ include securities issued by the Australian, State, Territory and local governments and State and Territory central borrowing authority (CBA) securities.

‘ADI securities’ includes securities issued by banks and other ADIs, but not equity investments in parent, controlled or associated entities.

‘Other securities’ includes asset-backed securities, other debt securities and equity securities, other than those issued by ADIs, but not equity investments in parent, controlled or associated entities.

‘Residential’ includes both owner-occupied and investment housing loans to Australian households, net of specific provisions for doubtful debts.

‘Personal’ includes revolving credit for a purpose other than housing, credit card liabilities, lease financing net of unearned revenue, and other personal term loans to Australian households net of specific provisions for doubtful debts.

‘Commercial’ includes loans to public non-financial corporations, private trading corporations, private unincorporated businesses, community service organisations, Australian, State, Territory and local governments, ADIs and other financial institutions, net of specific provisions for doubtful debts. Loans to ADIs and other financial institutions includes loans to the Reserve Bank and other central banks, banks, other ADIs, RFCs, central borrowing authorities, fund managers, stockbrokers, insurance brokers, securitisers, mortgage, fixed interest and equity unit trusts and other financial intermediaries.

Selected Liabilities:

‘Borrowings from ADIs’ includes settlement account balances due to ADIs and both variable and fixed interest rate short-term loans from ADIs. A loan is reported as short-term if its residual term to maturity is one year or less.

‘Deposits’ includes retail transaction call deposit accounts held by households, all other transaction call deposit accounts held by entities other than households, deposits from resident banks, resident non-bank financial institutions and intermediaries such as merchant banks, vostro balances from banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), the Australian-dollar equivalent of foreign currency deposits, deposits from controlled and associated entities, retail non-transaction call deposit accounts held by households, all other non-transaction deposit call accounts held by entities other than households, term deposits, certificates of deposit and other forms of deposits.

‘Other’ liabilities includes settlement account balances due to RFCs and other financial institutions, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, promissory notes or commercial paper with a residual term to maturity of one year or less, other debt securities with a residual term of one year or less, variable interest rate short-term loans from counterparties other than ADIs, fixed interest rate short-term loans from counterparties other than ADIs, debt securities with a residual term to maturity of more than one year, variable and fixed interest rate loans and borrowings from Australian residents with a residual term to maturity of more than one year, interest accrued but not yet paid, interest received but not yet earned, unrealised losses on trading derivatives, items in suspense and other liabilities not separately identified above. A loan is reported as short-term if its residual term to maturity is one year or less. ‘Other’ liabilities do not include amounts due to clearing houses.

These data are derived from returns submitted to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) by banks authorised under the Banking Act 1959. APR assumed responsibility for the supervision and regulation of banks on 1A July 1998. Data prior to that date were submitted to the RBA.

Prior to March 2002, banks reported to APR on the Impaired Assets Return. From that date, banks report quarterly on ARF 220.0: Impaired Assets.

aConsolidated groupa, for a locally incorporated bank, refers to the global operations of the bank and its subsidiaries, excluding those involved in insurance, funds management/trustee and non-financial business. For a foreign bank authorised to operate in Australia as a branch, the data relate to the operations of the branch only.

aTotal assetsa includes the total on-balance sheet assets reported to APR by locally incorporated banks for capital adequacy purposes, and the assets of the Australian bank operations of foreign bank branches.

aImpaired assetsa refers to the aggregate of a reporting bankas non-accrual and restructured exposures, both on- and off-balance sheet, plus any assets acquired through the enforcement of security conditions. Off-balance sheet exposures include, inter alia, commitments to provide funds that cannot be cancelled or revoked and the credit equivalent amounts of interest rate, foreign exchange and other market-related instruments.

aNon-accrual itemsa refers to exposures on which income may no longer be accrued ahead of its receipt because there is doubt about the ultimate collectibility of principal and/or interest. Included are facilities where contractual payments of principal and/or interest are 90 or more days in arrears (or which have remained continuously outside approved limits for 90 or more days) and the associated security is insufficient to cover payment of principal and accrued interest.

aRestructured itemsa refers to exposures, not classified as non-accrual, where the original contractual terms have been modified to provide for concessions of interest or principal, for reasons related to customersa financial difficulties, which render the facilities anon-commerciala to the bank.

aOther real estate owneda (OREO) refers to real estate acquired through security enforcement or otherwise as settlement for outstanding obligations. Excluded are properties controlled under amortgagee in possessiona rights.

aOther assets acquireda refers to all other assets acquired through security enforcement or otherwise as settlement for outstanding obligations.

aWrite-offsa refers to the aggregate value of items written off against provisions or profits during the period.

aPast-due itemsa refers to items that are 90 or more days in arrears but are well secured and have no provisions held against them. Items classified as impaired assets are excluded.

aSpecific provisionsa includes specific provisions raised against impaired assets as well as those raised against portfolios of loans based on arrears data.

aGeneral provisionsa are reported net of associated future income tax benefits. Foreign bank branches do not report general provisions.

For further information, refer RB Media Release of 18 January 1995 (reprinted in the February 1995 issue of the Bulletin).