The South African Reserve Bank (“the Bank”) takes note of and welcomes the release of the Executive Overview of the Banking Enquiry Report (“Executive Overview”) by the Competition Commission of South Africa. The Bank has a particular interest in the competition commission report both as regulator of banks and overseer of the National Payment System (NPS). The banking sector and the NPS are both vital to financial stability in the economy and any inputs, which may lead to possible enhancements of efficiency, effectiveness and soundness of the banking and payment systems are always welcomed. The Bank will carefully study both the Executive Overview, including its recommendations, as well as the full competition commission report when it becomes available. Subsequent to such comprehensive review and analysis, and after consulting all relevant stakeholders, the Bank, through its normal processes, will initiate any course of action it may deem appropriate in the light of its conclusions. For more information please contact: Samantha Henkeman+27 12 313-4669Sam.Henkeman@resbank.co.za