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Pfizer/AstraZeneca is just the tip

Gluten-free dieters and dark pool fans have a few things in common Michael Lewis's book Flash Boys has drawn criticism from traders, brokers, banks, lawyers and exchanges about the accuracy of the picture it paints. A joke repeated at conferences and in conversation is that if Flash Boys can't be found in non-fiction section, you should try the best sellers shelf. The most widespread criticism of the book, which looks into the growth and effect of high-frequency trading (HFT) in the US, is that it is full of inaccuracies. But many also say that what Lewis reveals - which is true - isn't news. Everyone, they claim, is aware that time is money, dark pools create issues for transparent markets, and maker-taker can be problematic.

The Santiago Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange Venture's (TSXV) planned junior market in Chile could allow companies to seamlessly dual list on both bourses.

The offshore RMB market’s future? As international financial centres compete for the status of offshore renminbi hub, some market participants fear a rise of transaction risk due to the currency's lack of a natural home. Trades between two US dollar-denominated accounts are cleared in New York while onshore renminbi trades are cleared via the China National Advanced Payment System. But offshore renminbi can be cleared in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. London and Frankfurt will also gain clearing capabilities soon.

The lighter side of the past month in the world of financial law

A remuneration policy led by non-executives and which is clearly disclosed in the directors' remuneration report is one of five key ingredients to good corporate governance, Barclays' chairman said last month.

The use of UK schemes of arrangement (SOA) by foreign-incorporated companies has been boosted by a decision to allow German company APCOA Parking to utilise a scheme despite minimal connection to the country.

Corporate governance failings could be banks' biggest weakness in future stress tests, new research has revealed.

In tandem with high M&A dealflow, US and Canadian law firms aggressively expanded their corporate practices in late April and early May. One of the latest firms to ramp up its private equity practice is MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY, which lured transactional and fundraising partner Michael Sartor from Ropes & Gray. On the opposite coast, SIDLEY AUSTIN recruited emerging companies and venture capital specialist Sam Zucker as a partner in Palo Alto. Late in April, KIRKLAND & ELLIS announced the opening of a Houston office and its hire of M&A lawyer Andrew Calder from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, whose private equity clients have included KKR and Blackstone Energy Partners.

Clean Energy Finance Corporation's (CEFC) loan to an Australian wave energy company introduced a new financing structure for projects that are not yet commercialised.