The introduction of effective, competitive and innovative financial systems will be a key factor in the economic success, or failure, of Central and Eastern Europe. This important volume presents a comprehensive, up to date analysis of the development of financial systems in the region with contributions from leading researchers and bankers. An overview of recent developments and discussion of some of the major issues - including central bank independence, bank privatization and bankruptcy regulations - is followed by discussion of the conditions for and likely consequences of financial liberalization in Central and Eastern Europe. The contributors draw upon the experience of Austria and Finland, two West European countries that recently accomplished full financial liberalization. The final section includes a series of specific regional studies on the results and problems of financial reform in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, three leading reforming countries, and Bulgaria, one of the 'second wave' of transitional economies.