The surge in demand, combined with inflexible labour and product markets, reduced the price competitiveness of the countries in question. As a result, current account deficits became entrenched or widened even more. Although these macroeconomic imbalances are domestic in origin, the associated problems are not confined to the national level.
For example, if a customer service or control function must be done in an independent, fiduciary, or unbiased manner relative to other activities, appropriate firewalls must be in place before the product or activity begins.