Fourteen financial entities, plus the Peruvian central bank, the Banco de la Nación, Cofide and the private banking sector conform the banking sector. This sector plus five financial companies and seven leasing companies are supervised by the Banking and Insurance Superintendency. The banking sector grew in the nineties after the economic recovery and deregulation that allowed foreign banks to start operations. The Lima Stock Exchange grew strongly between 1992 and 1994 following the stability and liberal regimes for foreign investment, capital earnings exemptions and favourable prospects of the Peruvian economy. It grew significantly in 1996 and 1997 as well but was affected by political instability. It currently relies on strong performance by mining and telecommunication sectors.