While individual jurisdictions may be confronted with specific challenges of implementation that may arise from differences in economic and market structures, there is also much in common, particularly among emerging economies, that can be shared among jurisdictions. The period of observation on some of the components of the reform package provided by the Basel Committee is welcomed. It will allow jurisdictions to consider appropriate actions needed to support the effective implementation of the reforms. At the same time, there is an expectation that there will be a willingness by the international standard setting community to adjust or otherwise supplement current prescriptions, frameworks or implementation strategies as more experience is gained under changing market conditions. The effective implementation would also require support for the implementation of the reforms, particularly in the area of capacity building, particularly in the emerging and developing world. Inclusive communication channels with the market and an inclusive process of global consultations will allow us to benefit from the experience of others and, more importantly, facilitate more coordinated policy responses and thus support the orderly adjustments to the new standards. While the evolution of financial stability policies over the recent two years has seen clearer mandates being established for the regulatory authorities, the framework for financial stability both at the national and international levels continue to be a subject of intense discussion.

While compliance will remain important, the nature and intensity of supervisory relations with financial institutions are already seeing a more prominent shift towards more open and engaging interactions that allow both supervisors and financial institutions to develop a more complete understanding of risks confronting the institutions and industry as a whole. This also supports current efforts to strengthen the macro prudential orientation to risk management, both at the system and institution level whereby the assessment of institutional risks is complemented by considerations of macroeconomic developments and collective market behaviors that can have a significant impact on financial stability. The reform measures to enhance the resilience of financial institutions and the supervisory capabilities to identify and assess risks at the macro level are also being reinforced with efforts to strengthen the caliber of the boards and senior management of the financial institutions. In Malaysia, our commitment towards enhancing the performance of boards of financial institution has not only been through the issuance of supervisory guidance, but also with the introduction of a rigorous Education Programme for Directors that was launched in 2008. Beginning this year, this programme is open to directors of financial institutions outside Malaysia. In drawing from the many lessons from the Asian financial crisis and this recent global financial crisis, nurturing of a strong risk culture and ethical workforce within the financial industry is absolutely fundamental to our efforts to promote financial stability and the need for this to start with the board and management of financial institutions.