Controls on financial institution were also reduced. Interest rate ceilings were eliminated by mid – 1992 and rules on credit extension become more relaxed. It was hoped that these liberalization measures would lead to greater competition in the domestic financial system, strengthen domestic financial institutions, and make Bangkok a leading regional financial center. However, two key issues were overlooked. First, whether existing financial institutions were ready for a more liberalized system, and whether the supervisory system of the authorities was adequate. It turned out most commercial banks and finance companies in Thailand at that time lacked adequate experience or maturity, with poor corporate governance. Intra – affiliate lending was prevalent and most of their clients also lacked proper financial discipline and corporate governance. Financial mismanagement and so-called “crony capitalism” were widespread. Worse yet, the central authorities at that time did not have the capacity to effectively supervise financial institutions. Such deficiency led to widespread imprudent lending by financial institutions and contributed to widespread speculative investment, particularly in real estate projects, fueling an asset price bubble.