The only way to  2  BIS Review 18/2003  fix the exchange rate while still retaining an independent currency is to return to the old regime and introduce currency controls, but who would want to return to such an arrangement? Exchange rate volatility is best prevented with economic policies which promote economic stability, but this does not only depend on the Central Bank. It is essential to take a long-term perspective. However, it should be noted that since September last year the Central Bank has been regularly purchasing currency in the foreign exchange market in order to boost its external reserve. The Bank’s purchases of currency have amounted to more than 13 b.kr. since that time, and have undoubtedly weighed somewhat against the appreciation of the króna in the short run, although the long-term effect is negligible, if any at all. The Central Bank’s main monetary instrument is the interest rate on its repo agreements with credit institutions. In response to anticipated overheating of the economy the Central Bank began to raise its interest rates as early as 1997 and raised them rapidly in 1999 and 2000. In the beginning of 2001 the policy rate was up to 11.4%. Since then the Central Bank has lowered its policy rate 13 times and it now stands at 5.3%. Admittedly this is a higher level than among neighbouring countries such as the euro region, which have to tackle the problems of persistent economic weakness and high unemployment.

The Islamic financial system thus has an in-built dimension that promotes financial soundness and stability, as it resides within a financial trajectory underpinned by the forces of Shariah injunctions. These Shariah injunctions interweave Islamic financial transactions with genuine productive activities and prohibit involvement in illegal and unethical activities. This intrinsic principle of governance contributes towards insulating the  1  ICLIF Leadership Competency Model – Syed Naquib al-Attas & Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud. BIS Review 95/2007  1  Islamic financial system from the potential risks of financial stress triggered by excessive leverage and speculative financial activities. Equally important is that the key components of the Islamic financial system, comprising the financial institutions, the markets and the financial infrastructure, has demonstrated its viability and robustness as a form of financial intermediation, with a mutually reinforcing role in enhancing the overall stability of the financial system. Its growing role in mobilising and channeling the funds to productive investment activities across borders brings significant benefits to the global economy. Firstly, it has the potential to contribute global growth and contributing towards some rebalancing of the global growth given that it brings about a more inclusive financial integration. Secondly, the strengthened international financial linkages allows for the potential for greater diversification of risks. The increase in the Islamic financial products, the growing number of assets classes being offered, the increased cross ownership of assets have all expanded the possibilities for greater diversification of risks and the potential for return.