While we haven’t qute got there yet, it is pleasing to note the recent efforts by Government and the relevant authorities to address the issues and turn this around. Ladies and gentlemen, the strength and soundness of our financial institutions and markets is an important ingredient for growth in the economy.
* * *  1 Introduction Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome from the Deutsche Bundesbank. I am delighted to be taking part in the Plug and Play “Fintech Europe Expo” today. As a central banker, this event offers me a unique opportunity to liaise with you and is certainly my first highlight of 2021.