It is notable that countries, such as Korea, which had very significant amounts of reserves prior to the crisis and a flexible exchange rate regime, nevertheless felt the need to enter into currency swaps with the Federal Reserve. During the crisis, foreign exchange reserves were used as a tool for internal – as well as external – financial stability. National central banks, especially in Latin America, acted as dollar lenders of last resort to their domestic banks. This function will develop in the future and is bound to impact the demand for reserves. Financial openness and integration means that domestic banks will engage increasingly in foreign currency operations. In turn, the expansion of international balance sheets will increase the potential demand for liquidity support in the event of shocks. This trend should be accepted as a normal consequence of open capital markets and international banking, together with the predominance of a very limited number of currencies in international finance. One general lesson can be drawn from that experience. In the current environment, there is an inescapable trade‐off between financial openness, on the one hand, and the need for protection against external financial volatility, on the other. An essential question for the future is whether we can improve this trade‐off and avoid the costs and distortions associated with growing amounts of foreign exchange reserves and/or further restrictions on international capital mobility. International financial stability: what should be done? Looking at the next decade, a number of different developments in the international financial system are possible.

Christian Noyer: International financial stability Speech by Mr Christian Noyer, Governor of the Bank of France and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank for International Settlements, at the Lloyd’s City Dinner, London, 29 September 2010. *  *  *  Although the financial crisis originated in one country, it quickly became apparent that it was truly global in nature, both in terms of its mechanisms and its consequences. It brought home a simple message: capital markets are closely interlinked around the world and, thus, domestic and international financial stability cannot be dissociated. Today, I would like to reflect upon international financial stability: what it means, whether or not it should be pursued as a major policy objective; and finally, what actions should be taken and which instruments should be employed. The views expressed are my own and do not represent an official position. However, as you know, next year France will hold the Presidency of the G20 and, bearing this in mind, I will try and offer my own thoughts. International financial stability: what does it mean? Over the last decades increased financial integration has led to greater reallocation of savings across countries. The expansion of gross and net capital flows has been spectacular. As a result current account imbalances have increased both in amplitude and durability. In fact, they have become a permanent feature of our economic environment. Many analysts would argue that these imbalances are the ultimate cause of the crisis. I would not go that far.