Examines the progress made since 1985 in creating a Single European Market in financial services. Draws two central lessons for Latin America from the European experience: first, that the contracting parties should collectively decide upon clear stategic objectives for financial-services integration, including economic development and global competitivenenss on the one hand and on the other the relationship with its and other international regulation authorities; and second, that effective implementation will require parallel fiscal and banking reforms, a commitment to macroeconomic and monetary coordination, and specific support for the less-developed member countries.

8/16/01 JOY_D