However, the markets have not (yet) rewarded these efforts. Important policy initiatives still have to be introduced in the financial markets as well. The introduction of the euro has succeeded in ending the segmentation into different national currency zones and in intensifying the competition in individual market areas. Some obstacles to the integration process only really became apparent once this had been achieved.
The Bank also participated directly and indirectly in other ways – for example by providing 3/6  BIS central bankers' speeches  economic and financial advice to the Government and reporting statistical data – and took part in different initiatives led by the Portuguese authorities.