The Monetary Authority of Singapore is predicting greater flows of trade between the Middle East and Asia, and has issued its first sukuk by way of preparation. Its managing director explains why. Writer Geraldine Lambe

At a time when other regulators are looking to impose tougher controls, the Malaysian Central Bank is pushing for further liberalisation. Writer Geraldine Lambe

Thailand is suffering tumbling export receipts and a decline in business confidence and investment. Its recently installed minister of finance discusses how he plans to get the country through the crisis. Writer Simon Montlake

Having already introduced many tax and business incentives, Malaysia is consolidating its position as an up-and-coming hub for Islamic finance. Its policies reflect the belief that developing the sector is crucial to the country's future success. Writer Geraldine Lambe

The global financial crisis has highlighted weaknesses in equity market structures. The markets must reform if they are to attract long-term institutional liquidity. Writer Michelle Price

As corporate social responsibility increases in prominence within business models, new strategies for implementation are being tried and tested across the banking industry. In Brazil, corporate governance has progressed significantly in recent years, yet it still has a long way to go, as The Banker's round table revealed. The round table is sponsored by Bradesco but independently edited by The Banker.

If Western banks pull back from project finance abroad, they will leave a large funding gap. But they will also create a golden opportunity for local players to grab market share. Writer Geraldine Lambe

Drug company Roche made a rare foray into the markets recently, with BNP Paribas being among the bookrunners putting together its record-breaking euro bond deal to finance the purchase of US biotech firm Genentech. Writer Edward Russell-Walling

In the current financial climate, five-year papers are considered a no-go area for US bond investors. This makes the $4m, five-year issue pulled off by Germany's Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau last month all the more remarkable. Writer Edward Russell-Walling

Asian central banks are still key customers for European issuers, even if their reserve growth is slowing. The move out of emerging market currencies and sterling is also giving a boost to euro-denominated issues. Writer Michael Marray