Financial markets play a key role in economic growth and stability. The OECD covers financial issues related to banking, securities and institutional investors (insurance companies, pension funds, and investment companies).

It also exercises surveillance over developments, reform measures and changes in structural and regulatory conditions in financial markets and institutions. It promotes liberalisation in financial services and the development of international financial best practices. The OECD also helps foster the integration of other countries into the global financial system.

The OECD carries out studies on the conduct and operation of monetary policy in the context of liberalised financial markets and price stability; the role of the exchange rate in monetary policy formulation and the effects of monetary policy on the real economy.

Financial statistics published by the OECD cover a range of indicators including financial accounts, central government debt instruments, institutional saving and investment, financial statement of banks, external finance, balance of payments, monetary aggregates, interest rates, share prices, and exchange rates.