Most outside observers of Myanmar, and Myanmar people themselves, have no illusions about the extent of real political reforms implemented since 2008 in Myanmar, but by any measure the changes that have occurred during 2010-11 represent significant milestones.

As recent global events have demonstrated only too well, financial institutions matter. The source of problems and instability when they are poorly regulated (or simply when human greed becomes too insatiable), financial institutions are also critical for economic development.