In addition, there are a number of initiatives currently underway to exploit more fully the possibilities of cooperation and convergence provided by this approach, and I think the results will be positive. Now it may be that over the longer term, the current structure is judged to be insufficient to meet the needs of a more integrated market, and that a more fundamental re-think of the organisation of EU supervisory responsibilities is necessary. I personally think that this debate will intensify in the next decade. But we would certainly need to proceed with great caution in this debate. I am a firm supporter of the idea that changes should only be made if clear problems are identified. But whatever happens, I think the solutions we have to look for should be cooperative in nature, embracing the needs of all EU member states. This would, in my view, be preferable to an approach which would tend to concentrate responsibilities in the hands of a few Member States while the implications of their actions would extend far beyond their borders. Taking a more inclusive approach is the way that we have found solutions in the past to European challenges, and I think it is the best way forward. EU-wide financial stability is of interest to all of us.
Islamic finance in the era of deleveraging The clear and present danger to all financial activity, including Islamic finance, is the risk of contagion from an escalation of the Eurozone crisis. Islamic finance is closely intertwined with underlying economic activity and will be affected by the impact of slower global growth. Contagion from the Eurozone has already curtailed economic growth and capital inflows to many emerging economies where Islamic finance has taken root. Potential spillovers from an escalation of the Eurozone crisis could lower output in the Middle East and North Africa region by about 3¼ percent relative to baseline, the largest spillover effect for any region outside Europe. But Islamic finance has a window of opportunity in the current climate of deleveraging in the global financial system. With its strict prohibition on excessive leverage, Islamic finance has been spared the worst of the financial crisis. Islamic banks are well positioned to reach out to new customers who are in need of financing as many global institutions pull back on their lending due to the need to repair their balance sheets. Islamic finance should diversify into growth areas such as trade and infrastructure financing, where demand is still strong, especially in emerging economies. With a focus on supporting real productive activities, Islamic finance is naturally compatible with trade and infrastructure development. Tapping these sectors also brings about greater diversification benefits, especially for Islamic institutions which have been hurt by their significant lending exposure to the real estate sector.