The evolution of Asia’s role in global finance was the topic of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s conference held on June 18 and 19, 2008. This international conference attracted over 150 central bankers, bank regulators, commercial bankers and market participants from North America, Asia, and Europe. This Asia Focus report summarizes the major themes raised in the conference discussions, looking first at challenges facing Asian economies and financial markets, and then examining the outlook and market trends in Asian financial centers, consumer banking, Islamic finance, and China’s growing role in global banking.