The European Market Infrastructure Regulation is designed to bring some much-needed stability to the over-the-counter derivatives market, but disagreements about exactly what it is should cover are slowing its progress. It is looking increasingly unlikely that the EU will not meet the G-20 deadline.

The European Commission has finalised its proposal on the fourth iteration of the Capital Requirements Directive. It makes the EU the first jurisdiction to pass into law the Basel III rules agreed last year. Many are worried about the impact it may have while European economies remain fragile.

Pathological procrastination by sovereign debtors in acknowledging the severity of their problem and commencing the necessary workout process can make the ultimate resolution of the crisis far more costly for all concerned.

Newer EU member countries in central and eastern Europe are notable for their performance in terms of returns and growth, as The Banker's Top 200 EU Banks ranking shows.

The retail market can seem a daunting place for some issuers, but Places for People, a UK-based, for-profit housing association, has found success on the London Stock Exchange’s retail platform, with its debut issue nearly trebling in size in the two months from its launch to close. The key to its success was a strong business model, an experienced retail firm and an intensive marketing strategy.