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In a referendum, Norway voted against membership of the EU. However, because Norway is a member of the EEA, EU legislation on finance and commerce must also be implemented as domestic Norwegian law. Not only does this open up Norway for business from the EU; it opens up the EU for business from Norway.

A recent change in policy by the Central Bank of Cyprus means it is now possible to establish Administered Banking Units (ABUs) on the island. Applicant banks should be licensed in jurisdictions which exercise proper licensing and banking supervision. In addition, the prospective applicant banks must be institutions enjoying a good reputation internationally and which have an established track record of growth and profitable operation.

Measures have been adopted by the Brazilian government in the last two years to safeguard the economic stabilization programme by curbing money supply increases caused by foreign investment inflows. On October 31 1996, two of the measures were relaxed as follows:

The lack of an international insolvency regime is a glaring anachronism in the era of global markets. While regulators are getting their act together, private initiatives offer the best alternative. By Daniel Cunningham and Thomas Werlen of Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York

Simon Firth of Linklaters & Paines, London, looks at the growth of a trend that has contributed significantly to the reduction of credit risk in the financial markets, and a proposal to boost it further

In the largest privatization in European history, 600 million shares in Deutsche Telekom have been sold for a total of Dm20 billion (US$13 billion). At a share price of Dm28.50, in the middle of the Dm25 to Dm30 guide, the issue was five times oversubscribed.

The UN Compensation Commission set up to investigate Gulf War claims must make sure that pre-invasion Iraqi debts are given the same importance as war damage, argue Anthony Gardner, Roger Alford and Richard Weiner, of Hogan & Hartson LLP, Brussels and Washington

US firm White & Case is providing advice to the South African government on restructuring the telecommunications sector in the country. The firm is also advising the local telecoms monopoly, Telkom SA, in preparation for the sale of 30% of its equity to a foreign company.

Philex Gold Inc, the gold mining subsidiary of Philippines mining company Philex Mining Corporation, recently made its trading debut on the Toronto Stock Exchange, on completion of Philex Gold's initial public offering in Canada. Philex Mining's choice of Canada for this offering is consistent with Canada's growing reputation as one of the world's preeminent markets for mining shares, its pool of knowledgeable investors and experienced mining stock analysts being the product of Canada's long mining history. The Philex Gold offering structure addressed a number of issues in an innovative way, including the 'foreign property' limitations applicable to certain Canadian investors under Canadian tax legislation.

International firm Baker & McKenzie opened an office in Japan on November 1. The firm previously operated in Tokyo through an association with Tokyo Aoyama Law Office, but the two have now formed a qualified joint venture.