2  BIS Review 43/2004  If and when a diversified division of labor is achieved, the discussion on the ideal number of financial institutions is likely to lose its meaning. Currently, we hear comments about the rather complex situation of Japan’s financial system.
•  The number of branches at the end of April 2009 stood at 904 an increase of over 100 branches from the corresponding period in 2008. Your Excellency, the strength of the Kenyan banks is now being felt in the region. There is a growing trend by Kenyan banks to expand their operations regionally particularly within the East African Community.