The Head of Banco de Portugal’s Statistics Department, João Cadete de Matos, was elected Chairman of the European Committee of Central Balance-Sheet Data Offices (ECCBSO) in early October, for a three-year term of office. During this period, the Committee’s Secretariat will be ensured by Margarida Brites, responsible for Banco de Portugal’s Central Balance-Sheet Data Office.

Banco de Portugal is among the ten central banks that set up the Committee in 1987. This Committee integrates representatives of 20 European Union countries whose national central banks (16) and national statistical institutes (4) manage central balance-sheet data offices. The European Central Bank is also a member of the Committee and the European Commission (DGECFIN and Eurostat) participates as permanent observer.

Crucial data for economic researchers and decision-makers

The main task of the European Committee of Central Balance-Sheet Data Offices is to improve the analysis of non-financial corporate enterprises, on the basis of the work carried out by the different national central balance-sheet data offices which collect, store and diffuse economic and financial data. This information is a vital contribution to economic and financial research and decision-making by the economic agents.

The Committee has developed and is responsible for a European database – BACH - Bank for the Accounts of Companies Harmonised. It contains harmonised annual accounting information on the layout of the balance-sheet and profit and loss account of non-financial corporations, in addition to a wide range of economic and financial ratios. Data are aggregated by economic activity sector and for four company size classes. Access to this database is available free of charge at: https://www.eccbso.org/.

Lisbon, 14 October 2013