| Fair
shares The new European Union share trading rules that have divided opinion in member states and caused controversy among financial industry insiders, appear to be gradually getting nearer. While some banks see this as an unnecessary burden on in-house trading, many exchanges claim that it makes the position of insiders more secure. Full story |
| Intrapreneurial spirit Harnessing the creativity of maverick employees is a perennial difficulty for business leaders. In a large enterprise, seeking to accommodate such employees may be more trouble than it is worth. Times are changing, however and companies are starting to pay more attention to the entrepreneurial spirit of their staff. EFD examines the phenomenon of 'intrapreneurship' and how business is coming to understand its benefits. Full story |
| Market Watch Challenge to reform of International Accounting Standards TAIG, the world's largest insurer, together with a group of other insurance companies, has launched a campaign to oppose reforms that have been proposed for International Accounting Standards (IAS). AIG argues that the proposed changes will increase earnings volatility. Full story Basel II - new rules for capital Consulting firm Mercel Olivier Wyman has published a report on a new international accord that is intended to standardise the amount of capital that banks must have to be able to offset credit risks. The report claims that the new accord could lead to more mergers and acquisitions in the sector. Full story |
| Brussels Watch Italian EU presidency: Berlusconi sets out priorities for EU presidency In an indication of what we can expect under the Italian presidency of the EU in the second half of this year, the Italian government has set out what it sees as the priorities for action at EU level. Full story Corporate Governance: US refuses to exempt EU auditors from regulation Requests by the EU to have European companies exempted from new US corporate governance rules have been rejected by US regulators, who refused to negotiate on the issue. This could lead the EU to impose similarly tough requirements on US companies operating in Europe. Full story Energy: Emissions trading directive could hit combined heat and power Changes have been proposed to the forthcoming EU directive on emissions trading. Business and environment groups argue that the directive as it currently stands would lead to reduced investment in combined heat and power generation (CHP, or cogeneration). Full story Pharmaceuticals: Ministers agree over pharmaceuticals Proposals from the European Commission to reform Europe's pharmaceuticals legislation and speed up the registration process for new products have been approved by EU health ministers. Full story Transport: Green light for open skies EU transport ministers have authorised the European Commission to negotiate with US officials to create an 'open skies' policy. The implications of such a move are far-reaching: currently some 40% of global aviation is accounted for by flights between the US and Europe. Full story |
| On the Move People going places. Full story |