In Japan, more resolute deregulation of the economy, the restructuring of production, a greater opening up to foreign businesses and trade with the new industrial economies of the region can  6  BIS Review 9/2001  increase productivity. Domestic demand, influenced by low demographic growth and the ageing of the population, needs to be supported.
Intermediaries and large banks that operate in international markets are seeking new configurations following the strong growth of the nineties. The banking systems of the countries of the European Union are solid; after the rapid expansion in lending in the past years, a re-examination of the criteria for measuring risk and of the structure and level of capital is necessary.