A Basel proposal for subordinated debt to absorb losses if a bank is about to fail could overturn risk profiles, raise the cost of capital for banks and curtail issuance of subordinated instruments. Writer Geraldine Lambe

The German regulator's attempt to enhance financial stability by banning 'naked' short selling of shares and sovereign debt, as well as uncovered CDSs, is seen as an unwarranted distraction. Writer Charlie Corbett

The European Parliament's new law capping bankers' bonuses has met with a resigned acceptance in the banking community. But most bankers privately agree that national efforts are adequate already and that the EU's interference will only sow confusion and could lead to an exodus of talent. Writer Charlie Corbett

The overhaul of US withholding tax legislation will have a dramatic impact on how US corporations raise funds abroad, as well as the way foreign investors invest in US securities. Writer Charlie Corbett

Almost two years since the fall of Lehman Brothers, the UK regulator is assessing proposals that could see a major shake up of the way prime brokers handle their clients' assets. Writer Charlie Corbett

Change to the Basel framework must, and will, happen. But many bankers question whether version III will be any more successful than efforts I or II. Writer Geraldine Lambe

MiFID is moving up the agenda, with a major review due this year that is likely to see its post-trade transparency regime for equity markets extended to non-equity markets. Bond dealers are understandably nervous. Writer Michael Imeson

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has strengthened its liquidity requirements for banks. It will be expensive, but at least they'll be operating on a sounder footing. Writer Michael Imeson

Is a bank website the same as a bank branch? Canada's finance minister thinks so, which means that banks, which are not allowed to sell insurance through branches, are to be banned from selling it online too. Writer Michael Imeson

The next time economic disaster strikes, the EC wants an EU-wide way of dealing with the fallout. But the framework it suggests is highly complex. Writer Michael Imeson