Footnotes have been added to provide context for some of the issues which would have been obvious to the original audience. *  *  *  I am delighted to be here this evening in such distinguished company for several reasons. It is the first time that I, as Governor, have given a banking licence to a new operator.
It is normal therefore that I should take some pride in the launching of its operations this evening. I am also delighted that AfrAsia Bank is the first of the three banks, which were granted a licence in principle just before I assumed office, to get going.