## BPM7 Chapter 1. Introduction: Annotated Outline

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [BPM7 Chapter 1. Introduction: Annotated Outline](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/data/statistics/bmp7/chapters/ao-bpm-ch-1.pdf)

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### I. Purpose and objectives of the Manual
- BPM7 Chapter 1 explains the main objectives of the BPM7 (Manual) and maintains the overall structure from BPM6 while adding new topical and communication subsections.
- An additional objective relative to BPM6 is included: providing principles and guidelines to improve the way external sector statistics are communicated and disseminated.
- References in the Manual will be updated to reflect the latest versions of the 2025 System of National Accounts, Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual and Compilation Guide, and Government Finance Statistics Manual; references to the OECD Benchmark Definition of Foreign Direct Investment and the External Debt Statistics Guide will be added.

### II. Structure of the Manual (high-level)
- BPM7 will include 20 chapters and 13 annexes.
- Out of 20 chapters, seven are developed as common chapters with the 2025 SNA.
- Structural adjustments from BPM6 include:
  - Separate chapters for the goods account and services account.
  - New topical chapters on globalization, digitalization, Islamic finance, and informal activities.
  - A new chapter on communicating and disseminating economic statistics.
  - The subsection title for supplementary material changes from “Appendixes” (BPM6) to “Annexes” (BPM7) to align with SNA language.
  - New annexes will cover cross-border trade, direct investment, insurance and pensions, positions and transactions with the IMF, and sustainable finance.
- No significant changes are planned for Introductory Chapters, Analysis, and the description of Standard Components and Memorandum Items.

### III. History and contextual updates
- The chapter will be expanded with a paragraph describing the main changes introduced with BPM6.
- References to related manuals and guides will be updated to reflect current versions.

### IV. The 2025 revision process and themes
- The 2025 BPM revision process will be described, highlighting close links to the SNA update process and other statistical domains, including development of a common glossary for macroeconomic statistics.
- Main update themes following the backbone strategy for updating BPM6 include globalization, digitalization, and drivers from the evolution of financial and payments systems.

### V. Revisions between editions and research agenda
- The research agenda paragraph will be updated to remove topics already addressed in this update round and to add new topics identified in the holistic review of BPM6 update priorities, specifically:
  - crypto assets
  - reconciliation of direct investment and AMNE statistics
- Other issues identified during the remainder of the update process and SNA discussions will also be included in the research agenda.
- The use of digital versions of manuals is expected to facilitate incorporation of clarifications and methodological updates between major revisions.

### Schematic overview (structure summary)
- I Purposes of the Manual
- II Structure of the Manual
  - Introductory Chapters
  - Chapters for Each Account
  - Topical Chapters
  - Analysis
  - Communication
  - Annexes
  - Standard Components and Memorandum Items
- III History of the Manual
- IV The 2025 Revision
- V Revisions between Editions of the Manual

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/data/statistics/bmp7/chapters/ao-bpm-ch-1.pdf_