Methodology

Methodology: sources, verification and definitions

Source hierarchy

1. Primary sources: publications of central banks, supervisors and statistics offices; laws and regulations (Prakas, circulars and similar); databases of international organisations.
2. Reporting of primary data: used only when the primary document cannot be read directly (not public, or a scanned image), and labelled as such in the source name.
3. We do not use social media, anonymous information or figures without a traceable source.

Primary sources are marked “primary” in each source list. Quotations are limited to one per source and under 15 words; everything else is paraphrased.

Independent verification

Before publication, a reviewer who did not write the article (currently a separate AI review step) checks every figure against its source: the value, the period (quarter on quarter or year on year), the definition, the basis date and the source attribution. The reviewer also checks that the headline is no stronger than the numbers support and that source links work. Articles that fail are not published; they go back to draft with the reason recorded.

One source of truth for numbers

Every number on this site is inserted from a single indicator database that holds the value, the change, the definition, the scope, the basis date and the source. English articles, the Japanese weekly, country definition tables, home-page indicators and share images all read the same data. The site build stops if a number is typed directly into article text.

Definitions differ by compiler

“Arrears” means different things in different datasets. In Cambodia, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) NPL ratio covers banks and financial institutions under NBC supervision and follows NBC’s asset classification, while the Credit Bureau Cambodia (CBC) 90+ days-past-due ratio covers credit reported by CBC members. The two cannot be compared directly; when we show them side by side, each carries its definition and basis date.

T&S calculations

Figures that T&S has calculated, such as illustrative unit economics, are labelled as T&S calculations and state their assumptions (rates, costs, loss rates). They are not observed data.

Facts and opinion

Our own opinions are published separately as “T&S View”, always with counterpoints and uncertainties. Reports are for information only and are not investment advice.

Dates

“Published” is the date an article appeared on this site. “Data as of” is the date of the event or the basis date of the data it covers. “Last updated” on a country page is the date that country’s information was actually updated.

Corrections

When we find an error we correct the article and state the correction at the top. We do not silently rewrite earlier claims. To report an error, please use the contact form.