The International Banking Federation (IBFed) was established in 2004 as a global representative body of the banking community. It serves as a federation comprising national banking associations from key banking regions including North America, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and Latin America. IBFed acts as a collective voice advocating for the interests of member banks at an international level, including on regulatory, economic growth, and social responsibility matters. Its membership includes prominent banking associations such as the European Banking Federation, American Bankers Association, Canadian Bankers Association, Australian Banking Association, Japanese Bankers Association, an
IBFed focuses on representing banks in global regulatory dialogues and policy frameworks—especially those impacting international banking standards and cross-border financial services. It engages closely with key international standard-setting bodies, regulatory authorities, and global financial institutions to promote sustainable banking practices, regulatory harmonization, and open markets. The federation coordinates input on significant banking issues including Basel III implementation, prudential regulations, digital banking innovations, sustainable finance, and economic stability.
IBFed’s membership network promotes collaboration and information exchange across national borders, enabling banks to align on common challenges and opportunities in the evolving financial landscape. It facilitates dialogue between banking sectors and policymakers, striving to ensure the voice of the banking community is heard in negotiations concerning global financial governance. Its activities are aligned with fostering financial inclusion, market integrity, and innovation while advocating regulatory frameworks that support economic growth and stability.
Based in London with a presence in Brussels to maintain close interaction with EU institutions, IBFed is committed to transparency and has registered with the EU Transparency Register. It actively collaborates with key European banking organizations, including the European Banking Federation (EBF), demonstrating its importance in the EU legislative and regulatory arena. IBFed participates in numerous high-level consultations, conferences, and meetings with European policymakers to influence banking regulation and supervisory policies.
The federation has gained prominence for its role in shaping important banking regulatory reforms and its advocacy work on behalf of the international banking sector. Through expert working groups, advisory committees, and direct engagements, IBFed ensures its members’ perspectives are integrated into legislative processes affecting banking standards and market practices throughout the EU and globally.
