In this dynamic and ever evolving pursuit of financial inclusion, we must continue to strengthen our evidence base to inform our policies, stay abreast with developments and ensure that our actions remain relevant, constantly challenge and question our positions if only to ascertain that they are the right ones. I believe this conference can largely contribute to this important exercise.
However, due to a special exemption in the federal BHC Act, any type of company, including a commercial or retail firm, may  BIS Review 14/2006  5  acquire an ILC in a handful of states--principally Utah, California, and Nevada--and avoid the activity restrictions and consolidated supervisory requirements that apply to bank holding companies.