Q - 1

Banking

Q - 2

Banking

• With the near-collapse of the Russian banking system, money from there is moving into Central European banks– Illegal funds are being laundered– Entrepreneurs are seeking safe havens

• The Finance Ministry has learned that the Liazt Bank, the eighth largest in the country, has become the secret target of a take-over from a mysterious Russian – Little is known of the suitor or the details of the offer – A disgruntled mid-level official of the bank provided the

information

Q - 3

Banking — cont’d

• The Russian interests appear to be using a Swiss middleman to deal with the Liazt Bank – There is evidence that the Liazt Bank’s financial

position has been shaky for several months, and that it has been actively seeking outside help

• The Finance Ministry voices concern with the Prime Minister over this development – He believes that at least four of the nation’s ten

largest banks are over-extended– He is worried about possible adverse influence on

depositor confidence in the banking system

Q - 4

• An article appears in a sensational daily newspaper claiming that 9 of the 10 major banks in the country are near insolvency – The article quotes sources in Frankfurt

• The government expects questions from Parliament

• Two major banks expressing concern to the Finance Ministry over possible panic withdrawals

Banking — cont’d

Q - 5

• A large multi-national firm scheduled to sign a large joint venture deal for about $52 million announces a three-month postponement. – It is suspected the delay was prompted by

concern over the stability of the banking system

• The German Central Bank discreetly advises its Hungarian counterpart that at least three banks in Budapest may be targets of possible hostile control by “criminal elements” from outside the country

Banking — cont’d

Q - 6

• This afternoon a small bank announced that it would be closed indefinately– Newspapers report local banks are expecting

many depositors to make large withdrawals in the morning

• The Prime Minister has arranged a meeting in 45 minutes. What do we tell him?

Banking — cont’d