This document summarizes a speech given by William White about the search for efficiency in the financial world and its potential consequences. The speech discusses how deregulation and new technologies aimed at increasing efficiency in real economies, financial markets, and monetary policy have helped lower inflation and volatility but may have also contributed to growing financial imbalances. These imbalances, as seen in issues like high credit growth, rising asset prices, and sectoral debt levels, have historically led to economic "headwinds." The current financial market turmoil stemming from the subprime crisis reflects some of these underlying issues and has significant implications for financial participants, the broader financial system, and the global economy.