The important presence of foreign institutions – particularly in the banking sector and through foreign direct investments (FDI) – in the accession countries is proof of the relative confidence in their will and ability to converge towards EU standards. Their banking sectors nevertheless remain weak in terms of assets. This is quite understandable in countries characterised by low credit and capital markets financing. The banking sectors in the eight eastern and central European accession countries have a comparatively low concentration of assets, loans and deposits in their banking systems. There are several reasons for this: a short history of market economy in those countries, significantly lower wealth and, until recently, too high interest rates. Interest rates have decreased sharply during the last couple of years and local economies are benefiting from that, but it is still likely to take some time for those countries to reach the EU averages in terms of economic development and concentration of resources in local banking sectors. Nevertheless, there is great optimism that the accession country banking sectors will be able to fully realise their potential for supporting economic growth and macroeconomic stability.