It is a pleasure to become a member of the roster of Federal Reserve Governors who have addressed this joint meeting of the Florida International Bankers Association and the Miami Bond Club.
My theme this evening will mirror the fact that international banking has grown significantly in Florida in the more than 20 years that have elapsed since the passage of the Florida International Banking Act. Many of you in the audience represent institutions that are active in trade finance throughout the hemisphere, and there is a natural strong link between Florida and Latin America.