An economic account for non-bank financial intermediation as an extension of the National Balance Sheet Accounts

The goal of this paper is to explain the methodology and data sources used to construct a comprehensive economic account covering entities that fall within the definition of non-bank financial intermediation (NBFI), previously referred to as “shadow banking”. For policy-makers, researchers, and regulators, understanding the vulnerabilities that exist in the financial system does not stop at the traditional entities where oversight and risk assessment is well established. The activities of NBFIs are an important part of the financial system and, due to the many inter-linkages between NBFIs and the more formal system, it is crucial to develop the estimates needed to better monitor risk throughout the entire system. This economic account seeks, in part, to address that objective.