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The restructuring of South Africa's unwieldy industrial and commercial structures may at last be picking up speed. Conglomerates seem more eager than before to unbundle, seek focus and pick up investments in complementary operations abroad. Richard Stovin-Bradford reports.

Could it be true that Deutsche Bank was considering a bid for JP Morgan in mid-August? Deutsche was supposedly offering $175 a share in cash, 49% above the closing price the day before. But pooled accounting is forbidden by German law, so Deutsche's capital ratios would have fallen to an unsustainable and illegal level had the deal gone ahead. And Deutsche's recent history is hardly such as to endear Morgan's chief executive, Sandy Warner, and his senior staff to a link-up.

On a lighter note, we say goodbye for the time being to our resident US banker, Herbie. Herbie first started writing home to Mom in 1969. A firm believer that friends are God's apology for relations, he has spent the last 28 years based in London, as far from his mother as possible, though every faithful month his letters home have kept her, and you, abreast of the latest financial happenings. In the process he has chronicled, mocked and satirized most of the key events in the life of the modern capital markets.

Different ways to skin a cat

Trevor Manuel, South Africa's finance minister, has surprised many critics. This former anti-apartheid activist has opened trade barriers, removed exchange controls and supported privatization. But with money tight and all emerging markets under growing pressure, the targets in his Gear plan for market reforms with more equitable wealth distribution are under pressure. Sam Swiss talks to Manuel about Gear, interest rates and the cost of underpants.

Amidst all their other problems, just how well prepared are Japanese financial institutions for the millennium computer bug? After more than a year of debate and the odd testy exchange between banking officials and information officers across the Pacific some real evidence could soon be at hand.

Asian broker survey: The year of retrenchment

Different ways to skin a cat

Poorly served under the communists, ignored in the nineties' frenzy of corporate activity, he's suddenly being courted by bankers across central and eastern Europe. Hail the consumer. James Rutter on the rise of the retail client.

Making up the rules in Brazil

Top 100 Arab Banks: Waiting for the after-shock

Making up the rules in Brazil