**Preface to "Trends in Emerging Markets Finance, Institutions and Money"**

During a speech at the University of Maryland in her role as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, on 4 February 2016, Christine Lagarde pointed out the increasing importance of emerging market countries as a locomotive of global growth (80% since the global financial crisis of 2008), job creation, poverty reduction and international trade activities. Together with other developing economies, they have contributed up to 60% of global GDP. However, emerging markets are still found to be vulnerable to external shocks; this vulnerability is essentially due to their ongoing maturing institutions and increased financial tights with their developed counterparts. High exposure to decreases in capital outflows following a more-rapid-than-expected tightening of the US monetary policy is another challenge that could hinder the economic growth and financial development of emerging markets. The recent geopolitical competition and trade war have also put emerging markets at risk, particularly those that continue to rely on international trade.

This Special Issue dedicates special attention to the current dynamics of emerging financial markets, as well as their perspectives on development as a key driver for sustainable firms and economies. Accordingly, the focus is particularly placed on market integration and interdependence, valuations and risk managemen<sup>t</sup> practices, and the financing means for inclusive growth.

This book highlights a large panel of contributions in different sectors and cases using various methodologies and approaches. These include but are not restricted to the following:


**Duc Khuong Nguyen, St ´ephane Goutte** *Special Issue Editors*
