<h1>Keynote Highlights Banking Sector's Role in Economic Growth; Lessons from 1997 Crisis and India's Steel Sector Challenges.</h1> A keynote address emphasized the critical role of a robust financial services sector, particularly banking, in ensuring sustainable economic growth. The speaker highlighted lessons from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, noting the dangers of excessive leverage and inadequate capital buffers. The address drew parallels with current challenges in India's steel sector, where high leverage and stressed assets are prevalent. It underscored the importance of a strong financial sector in facilitating efficient resource allocation and preventing crises. The address also discussed global and Indian regulatory reforms post-2008 crisis, emphasizing the role of auditors in maintaining financial stability and the implications of IFRS implementation.