BDE expands data access for research, launches new wealth stats
The Banco de España has signed new agreements to enhance researchers' access to granular data and launched experimental statistics on household wealth. Its April 2026 bulletin details these and other statistical initiatives.
Boosting research with granular data
The Banco de España has expanded data access for researchers through new collaboration agreements.
One with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) now provides granular data on patent applications via the BDE's secure data lab (BELab).
Another, with the College of Property and Commercial Registrars of Spain (CORPME), authorizes access to real estate microdata, including sales and mortgages, for scientific research through BELab, ensuring strict confidentiality.
These initiatives aim to foster economic studies.
Additionally, the BDE has launched a new experimental subsection on its website for Distributive Wealth Accounts (DWA) for Spanish households.
These accounts, previously exclusive to the ECB's site, offer a detailed, quarterly view of net wealth distribution and its components by various household groups since Q4 2011.
The DWA, featuring interactive graphs and inequality indicators, provides crucial insights for economic and social analysis, informing ECB monetary policy.
Enhancing data quality and accessibility
The Banco de España has launched an interactive panel to monitor venture capital entities in Spain.
This experimental tool integrates aggregated and structural data from BCE statistical requirements and CNMV supervision, offering a comprehensive sector overview.
It provides insights into assets, participations, and breakdowns by various categories.
Additionally, the BDE has approved its first Data Governance and Management Policy.
This policy is a crucial step in its transformation into a data-driven institution, establishing a common framework to ensure all data is managed according to quality, security, consistency, and transparency.
It incorporates data governance levels, full traceability, and master data unification, aligning the BDE with international best practices for digital transformation.
Data as a public good
These initiatives collectively underscore the Banco de España's commitment to data transparency and accessibility.
Providing granular data for research and establishing robust data governance strengthens the foundation for informed economic analysis and policy formulation.
This proactive approach positions the central bank as a leader in leveraging statistical information for broader public benefit.