21.3. The provisions of this Article shall not apply to publicly-owned credit institutions which, in the context of the supply of reserves by central banks, shall be given the same treatment by national central banks and the ECB as private credit institutions. ARTICLE 22 Clearing and payment systems The ECB and national central banks may provide facilities, and the ECB may make regulations, to ensure efficient and sound clearing and payment systems within the Community and with other countries. ARTICLE 23 External operations The ECB and national central banks may: - establish relations with central banks and financial institutions in other countries and, where appropriate, with international organizations; - acquire and sell spot and forward all types of foreign exchange assets and precious metals; the term "foreign exchange asset" shall include securities and all other assets in the currency of any country or units of account in whatever form held; - hold and manage the assets referred to in this Article; - conduct all types of banking transactions in relations with third countries and international organizations, including borrowing and lending operations. ARTICLE 24 Other operations In addition to operations arising from their tasks, the ECB and national central banks may enter into operations for their administrative purposes or for their staff. CHAPTER V PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION ARTICLE 25 Prudential supervision 25.1. The ECB may offer advice to and be consulted by the Council, the Commission and the competent authorities of the Member States on the scope and implementation of Community legislation relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions and to the stability of the financial system. 25.2. In accordance with any decision of the Council under Article 105(6) of this Treaty, the ECB may perform specific tasks concerning policies relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions and other financial institutions with the exception of insurance undertakings.