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Ahlibank has become the first Omani bank to roll out a Shariah-compliant fund, creating the only Omani fund focussed on the Middle East and North Africa. Here's how the bank launched the bellwether deal in the absence of a regulatory framework.

The Impact Exchange was launched on June 14. As the first platform solely for social enterprises to raise capital, it represents a new opportunity for impact investors.

There's an increasing focus on shadow banking risks in China following a cash crunch that began in June. Although the entire financial sector has been affected, mid-tier banks are especially vulnerable.

Two sovereign debt experts take opposing sides of the debate

VakifBank’s benchmark programme is the latest step for Turkey’s maturing capital markets

Aslihan Ozbey Turkey's new Law on Financial Leasing, Factoring and Financing Companies No 6361 introduces a consolidated legal framework to regulate the incorporation and operation of those types of company. Financial leasing, factoring and financing companies are required to be established as joint-stock companies and have at least five founding shareholders. Their boards must have at least three members who have relevant expertise and experience.

Pedro Dittrich Having not held auctions of areas for exploration and production of oil and gas since 2008, the Brazilian government decided to hold three bidding rounds in 2013: the 11th bidding round, which took place in May; the first pre-salt bidding round, to be held on October 22, certainly the biggest auction to be held in the sector; and the 12th bidding round, focused on the production of unconventional gas. Such initiatives have affected substantially all aspects of the oil and gas industry, creating various investment opportunities in the country. The 11th round presented very good results. Thirty winning companies, of which 18 were foreign, auctioned 144 onshore and offshore blocks in 11 sedimentary basins. Many records were achieved, such as the record number of 63 qualified companies to submit proposals, a record signing bonus ($1.4 billion in total), and the highest bid for a single block ever offered in Brazil ($172.5 million). All these numbers show the confidence of investors in the Brazilian opportunities for oil and gas.

The latest regulation approved by the Monetary Board of Guatemala is contained in its resolution JM-43-2013. It provides for new rules in order to perform activities in Guatemala by banking or financial offshore entities, in the process eliminating the previous rules provided for in resolution JM-285-2002. The new regulation was prepared by the Superintendency of Banks, and proposed to the highest ranking authority in the financial system of the country. It became effective on April 19 2013, as a consequence of some important amendments introduced last year to the Law for Banks and Financial Groups – Decree 19-2002 of Congress – (known here simply as the Act), adding higher prudential standards in regard to the collection of monies and the opening and maintenance of deposit accounts in such institutions.

The Italian Supreme Court, through its decision No 13905 of June 3 2013, has now recognised the right of non-professional clients to receive wider protection when dealing in financial instruments or investment services.

Tadashi Sato In July 2010, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) formulated and published its Guideline for Independent Committees relating to Company Scandals. It was partly amended in December 2010. The Guideline can be found online (in Japanese only) at www.nichibenren.or.jp/library/ja/opinion/report/data/100715_2.pdf.