In the period immediately following the closure of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI) in 1991, narratives about the bank were widely publicised through official reports, articles (including media coverage), and books. These sources played a significant role in shaping public understanding of BCCI and its operations.
Among the most notable were official reports, including the Price Waterhouse report, commissioned by the Bank of England to influenced regulatory actions, report to the Committee on Foreign Relations US Senate and the Report of Lord Justice Bingham on the supervision of BCCI, which examined the role of financial authorities. These reports are discussed in further detail in the Perspective section of this website under Key Allegations.
Articles published in international newspapers, magazines, and financial journals also contributed to shaping perceptions of BCCI, often reflecting the urgency and context of the period. Similarly, a number of books - many written by journalists and commentators - presented interpretations of the bank’s activities, frequently focusing on investigative and public interest aspects.
Many of these accounts were influenced by the context of the time and, in some cases, reflected limited or selective information about the bank’s founding, its services, and its expansion across developing countries, often referred to as the Third World. Over time, these narratives have remained embedded in public discourse, in part due to the absence of a widely available alternative perspective.
This website brings together information and documents that enable readers to consider these narratives alongside additional context and perspectives. It examines the key allegations presented in reports, articles, and books, allowing readers to review the available material and form their own conclusions.
Further detail and analysis are provided in the dedicated sections on reports, articles, and books. A compiled list of relevant materials is available in the Library section under Post-Closure Reports, Articles and Books.