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In a significant liberalization of the currency laws, Russia has abolished the licensing requirement for foreign currency loans with terms of over 180 days. This dramatic new change appeared in Central Bank Regulation No.1030-U, dated September 10 2001, and became effective on October 1. The new regime substantially simplifies the ability of Russian corporate borrowers to attract and repay hard currency loans from non-resident banks and companies for terms of over 180 days (long-term currency loans). Previously, such loans required individual licences from the Central Bank, and this requirement often delayed cross-border financings.

Key deals - Czech Republic Privatization of Komercni Banka (October 2001) Société Générale buys Czech government's majority stake Value: euro 1.2 billion ($1.07 billion) Société Générale Allen & Overy

Czech Republic Baker & McKenzie vos Praha City Center

Singapore's United Overseas Bank (UOB) has wrapped up its takeover of Singaporean rival Overseas Union Bank (OUB) with a S$1.3 billion ($715 million) bond issue, the largest of its kind in Singapore. It also launched a US-dollar denominated $1.27 billion issue.

Simmons & Simmons has continued the expansion of its Asian services with the recruitment Masons' Hong Kong litigation team. The move comes just one month after the firm secured a joint venture in Tokyo with mid-size Japanese firm TMI Associates.

Gianni Origoni Grippo & Partners is planning to strengthen both its banking and finance, and antitrust practices, as Linklaters & Alliance's Italian ally tries to become more widely known as a full service firm.

In order to meet the objectives of the Financial Services Action Plan, on March 27 2001 the European Commission introduced a proposal for a Directive on financial collateral arrangements. The Belgian presidency wishes the definitive text to be put on paper by the end of 2001.

Sullivan & Cromwell last month announced the appointment of two partners in Frankfurt as it revealed plans to launch a German law practice for the first time.

A new Financial Markets Control Act (Finanzmarktaufsichtsgesetz) establishes a financial regulator with comprehensive competence, supervising all types of banks, insurance companies, and other financial services companies. The idea of having the concentration within one authority is primarily motivated by the international trend towards all-finance groups. It also looks to the potential synergies to be realized by consolidating separate supervisory authorities for the various branches of financial services in Austria. The new authority will have the status of an independent agency.

Following its severed alliance with Hong Kong's Johnson Stokes & Master and subsequent three-year exile from the territory, Norton Rose is preparing to reopen its doors for business on April 2 2002. Between viewings of available office space in Hong Kong's central district Paul Giles, Norton Rose's managing partner for Asia, discusses plans for the new office, China and Norton Rose's strategy for further growth in Asia.