Based on the examinations and assessments it undertakes, the NBR ascertains to what extent the management framework, the strategies, processes and mechanisms implemented by a credit institution ensure the proper management of risks given the particular risk profile of the credit institution. Thus, the supervision carried out follows the risk-based approach rather than the compliance-based one. In exercising its supervisory task, the NBR issues recommendations, adopts measures and imposes sanctions on the credit institutions themselves or on their executive and governing bodies in order to ensure that the proper remedial measures are adopted and compliance with the regulations in force is restored. D.  Implementation of recommendations of the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) on lending in foreign currencies  At EU level, the first recommendations on lending in foreign currencies were issued by the ESRB in 2011 (with implementation deadline in December 2012). The recommendations were not aimed at banning foreign currency-denominated loans by way of administrative measures, but at setting forth measures that would ensure borrowers have the capacity to service their debt even in the context of adverse developments. With some of these recommendations already regulated, the NBR supplemented the national legislation with the required provisions. Following up on the action steps of the Romanian authorities, the ESRB concluded that the aforementioned recommendation had been fully implemented by Romania.
On the one hand, the global economy has continued and is expected to expand robustly, driven mainly by strong growth in the euro area and the emerging market economies, particularly China and India. Financial stability has, on the other hand, become more vulnerable than a few years ago. Recent developments in the US economy and sub-prime credit markets may indeed be an early wake-up call for policymakers and market players worldwide. The US sub-prime related problem has prompted a retrenchment from risky assets and de-leveraging, causing wider credit spreads for riskier assets classes and higher volatilities in bond and equity markets  BIS Review 104/2007  1  around the world. The unwinding of carry-trade and flight to quality of international capital have also been observed. Importantly, the resulting disruption has already required extraordinary liquidity injections by a number of central banks to smooth market fluctuations. Beside the financial sector, turmoil in the sub-prime markets also posed negative impact on the real sector, denting US growth prospects going forward. I would like to digress briefly to tell you that the direct exposures of Thai financial institutions in collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) are relatively minimal, in terms of shares of their total assets. I also like to reassure you that we are keeping vigilance on potential indirect repercussion that may arise further from the impacts of US sub-prime markets to the global economy and financial markets, as the adjustment process is likely to be protracted.