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Kumho Tire's IPO was oversubscribed in both the London and Seoul markets when the tyre manufacturer launched the first simultaneous dual listing by a Korean company

Portugal's banks have got to grips with the pressures of EU membership much more effectively than the economy as a whole, which has depended on ad hoc measures rather than fundamental structural change to keep on course. But even the banks must expect more consolidation and rationalization.

In the global automotive sector over the past three months, investors have focused on the problems facing GM and Ford.

The EU-induced removal of state guarantees to the Landesbanken has prompted mergers and other inter-bank arrangements. But competition remains a burning issue in Germany's overbanked market and there is room and a need for much more consolidation.

With tongue firmly in cheek, regional broker CLSA launched its annual Feng Shui Index report early in February, offering prognostications for the Chinese Year of the Rooster. Now in its 14th year, the report, this time entitled "Rooster Oracles", is a humorous look at what the year might hold for the market in Hong Kong, one of the world's most superstitious places.

Khathar hunnu bhanda marhu ramro. Or in English: "It is better to die than live a coward." That's the motto of the Brigade of Gurkhas, as London financial sector workers are about to find out.

Having had serial relationships with three global investment banking houses, all of which deals unravelled, Thai investment bank Phatra Securities can be forgiven for wanting to go it alone. Although the firm still enjoys good relations with one ex-partner, the new-found independence clearly suits its style.

CEO, Greenpark Capital

The opening of German financial markets to true securitization looks set to relieve banks of badly performing loans, add new capital to the mortgage markets and revolutionize the financing of Mittelstand companies.

Virtually unknown outside its native Malaysia, investment bank Commerce International Merchant Bankers has rapidly consolidated its domestic dominance. Running out of room to grow, the firm is acquiring Singapore stockbroker GK Goh in its first big step to create a regional investment banking force. The ambition is evident and so are the challenges.