Banks and investment firms seem likely to give a mixed reception to new regulatory proposals dealing with their trading book risks, published on Monday as part of the ambitious rewrite of the capital adequacy rules for banks around the world.

WASHINGTON - US mortgage rates are likely to be largely unaffected by the co-called bifurcated US policy on adopting the risk-focused Basel II international bank safety rules, a study by US Federal Reserve economists says.

WASHINGTON, April 30 - US federal regulators are delaying the publication of proposals for mplementing the complex Basel II bank capital rules because their impact on the US banking system needs further study.

LONDON - The big league European and US banks are maintaining very similar capital ratios, on average, according to their latest financial statements.

MOSCOW - There is vast potential for expansion in the countries of the former Soviet Union. However, more reforms are crucial, particularly in the banking sector, if the full potential is to be realised.

BEIRUT - Islamic banking is growing and spreading, but efficient and adequate banking supervision is needed to help it develop, according to a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official.

NEW DELHI - Global banking regulators do not expect the complex Basel II bank safety rules to be adopted as widely and as quickly as the current, simpler, Basel I rules that date from 1988, at least at the outset, the world\'s top banking regulator has said.

WASHINGTON - The Basel II bank safety rules can\'t easily be implemented in Latin America and the Caribbean and the region\'s countries should be cautious about adopting them, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Versatile banking diplomat required to chair committee of international banking supervisors based in Switzerland. Must be top regulator from Group of 10 country. Ability to keep smiling and keep a show on the road vital.

A key report by credit rating agency Moody\'s has highlighted the perils of audit risk. Companies around the world should be worried, says guest contributor Tim Leech