In its Central Balance Sheet and Credit Offices it gathers and processes information on enterprises and individuals, and its statistical tasks expanded considerably in connection with the modernisation of the Belgian statistical system, launched in 1994; in particular, since that time the Bank has been responsible in particular for the foreign trade statistics and for compiling the national accounts.
Two key features are characteristic of the recent evolution of many central banks including our own: the banks have to contend with increased pressure of competition and they enjoy greater independence. These changes require us to modify our behaviour.