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In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the US, "know your customer" has taken on greater importance for banks. On September 26 the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued 2 circulars to banks on this topic in reaction to the US President's Executive Order of September 24 aimed at freezing the assets of named terrorist organizations and stopping financial support for terrorists. The circulars predate the Basle Committee's guidance on customer due diligence for banks of October 4. While acknowledging the Order's extra-territorial basis, the HKMA again stressed the importance of banks in Hong Kong cooperating in international efforts against terrorist activities and not becoming involved (even innocently or accidentally) in facilitating such activities.

Geoffrey Yeowart of Lovells, London, assesses the Privy Council’s ruling in the Brumark case, which created uncertainty over fixed charges, and says there are lessons to be learned from Siebe Gorman

The government has recently presented Bill 108 of 2001, which aims to modify and update the Colombian securities market regulations, before Congress. The Bill provides for comprehensive regulation, which the government believes will considerably strengthen and boost the local securities market. In particular, the Bill provides a framework that contains stronger protection mechanisms for investors and incorporates recent international developments in corporate governance. It also includes regulations aimed at guaranteeing efficiency, transparency and adequate disclosure of information related to securities transactions.

Trust concepts in China took another step forward under the Administration of Trust and Investment Corporations (TICs) Procedures promulgated by People's Bank of China (PBOC) on January 10 2001.

Article 17 of the Decree on the Protection of the Value of the Turkish Currency was amended on July 26 2001 to facilitate the procurement of loans from foreign financial agencies. Before the amendment, foreign loans with an average maturity of 365 days had to register with the External Debt Log maintained at the Turkish Treasury within 30 days following the execution of the loan agreement. Previously, the borrower applied in person to the Treasury with a petition, accompanied by a copy of the loan agreement, to register their foreign loan.

The most recent developments at SAir Group and Switzerland's flag carrier SAirLines (Swissair) merit a short outline of the formal proceedings regarding moratorium and composition agreement under Swiss Debt Collection and Insolvency Law. The following three steps are to be distinguished:

On October 3 2001 Standard & Poor's raised the Republic of Ireland's long term sovereign credit rating from AA+ to AAA. Ireland is now one of only six EU countries to have a AAA rating, the others being Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. Although, in comparison with other EU countries, Ireland has a small economy, the diversity and stability of the economy is reflected in this new rating.

Davis Polk puts JP Morgan loan in the picture

Last month commissioner Laura Unger announced plans to step down from the SEC. Her departure will leave a massive gap in an already under-staffed Commission, and not just in terms of numbers. Tom Nicholson meets the woman who led the SEC for most of a crucial year in its history, and discusses how she has fought Regulation FD, tried to narrow the digital divide and championed human rights through financial regulation

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