IFLR Search

Chinese walls fall under WTO pressure

China may be ready to relax restrictions on foreign law firms in preparation for entry to the WTO. Under proposals supposedly included in a document presented to the WTO in Geneva, China's foreign firms may eventually be granted some of the freedom they enjoy in neighbouring Hong Kong, where most international firms base their China operations.

January 01 1998

How to use the collateral carousel

The use of securities held by clearing bodies as security for transactions is increasing. This can cut credit risk but the conflict of law and practical difficulties need care. By Paul Avanzato of Wilde Sapte, London

January 01 1998

Hong Kong proposes new fund manager code of conduct

Following requests from the fund managers' professional association, the Hong Kong SFC has proposed a detailed regulatory backdrop for fund management operations. By Sara Or of Johnson Stokes & Master, Hong Kong

January 01 1998

Latham & Watkins opens in Singapore

US firm Latham & Watkins has established an office in Singapore. US qualified lawyer Joe Bevash moves from Hong Kong to head the office, which will initially be staffed by five lawyers. The office, which opened on December 16, will specialize in project finance.

January 01 1998

White & Case links with Brussels boutique

James Hurlock, White & Case: "Similar arguments [in favour of mergers] would apply in other European countries. We are considering our options and other firms have approached us"

January 01 1998

Canadian firms prepare for foreign invasion

Coudert Brothers and Ernst & Young have recently entered the Canadian legal market. Most Canadian lawyers expect other US law firms or professional services firms to follow their example, and are reviewing their position. Paul Lee reports

January 01 1998

How to set up a foreign bank branch in China

Bank branches are the basic way for foreign banks to operate in China. This is an explanation of the complex application and licensing process. By Philip Gilligan and Steven Blayney of White & Case, Hong Kong

January 01 1998

Brazil

Important features of Law 9.514 of November 20 1997 include:

January 01 1998

United States

We are living at a time when electronic commerce is becoming an increasingly important factor in the world of business and finance. Yet the law has only begun to formulate principles and rules to govern these new methods of communication.

January 01 1998

Trenité first to open in Cuba

Dutch firm Trenité van Doorne is the first foreign law firm to open in Cuba. It officially opened the Havana office on November 12, with two Dutch lawyers, Jan Willem Bitter and Sebastiaan Berger, and one Cuban, Alejandro Cruz Román. Bitter explains the firm has had links in Cuba since the early 1990s, with lawyers frequently handling business there. Clients of the firm's Curaçao office began to be active in Cuba in the late 1980s. For the firm, the office is just a natural extension of these operations.

December 01 1997

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