Asia - demanding its seat at the top table

It is generally accepted that the global economic crisis of 2008 was primarily overcome as a result of the resurgent Asian economies. But not everyone sees the emergence of powerful Asian economies as an opportunity; some still see it as a threat, and argue that the decline of Western 'authority' in financial markets is far from inevitable. The predominant Asian governments in China and India may be demanding their rightful place at the top table -- as an economic equal -- but that in itself is causing tensions as even supposedly 'friendly' nations look to retain their sovereign advantage. But the story throughout Asia was not necessarily consistent. There are, explained Gerard Lyons of Standard Chartered, huge volatilities in GDP growth across various territories. There is a need to rebalance the economies and for trade finance to recover to pre-crisis levels. His biggest concern, however, were centered around the money markets.