"This study assesses the role of non-bank financial institutions and capital markets in the financial sectors of the eight, first-wave EU accession countries, (Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia). It reviews the current state of development and prospects for future growth, and the likely impact of accession to the EU on these segments of the financial system. The paper concludes with a series of policy recommendations to facilitate future development of non-bank forms of financial intermediation."--Jacket.