Accounting rule-makers remain cautious, but it looks like a done deal on the fair value option. Hopes rise for a cure to Europe\'s problems with IAS 39. By David Keefe

Having a say in what the International Accounting Standards Board does has become a hot political issue. Here\'s a review of the comments offered by regulators

Firms mustn\'t be complacent about the delay in applying SOX 404 to foreign companies, says guest contributor Bruce McCuaig. There are sound reasons for pressing ahead at full speed

Key survey shows benefits of capital directive set to outweigh costs. Many fears misplaced, says survey author Mark Tilden

LONDON, March 2 - Europe\'s insurers are softening their opposition to limitations on the use of the fair value option in new international accounting rules in the light of the latest attempt to resolve the wrangle over the option.

HONG KONG, March 4 - Hong Kong regulators plan to complete by the end of this year the drafting of detailed rules for implementing the international Basel II bank safety accord.

LONDON, March 9 - A 2010 date for the coming into effect of the Solvency II regime for making Europe\'s insurance industry safer is not an unreasonable target, a senior European Union regulator said today.

LONDON, March 11 - UK regulators, who favour a single `big-bang\' 2008 start-date, are questioning the practicality of the planned January 1, 2007 date for bringing the Basel II bank safety rules into effect in Europe, given possible delays in the law-making process.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, March 11 - US banking supervisors will propose this summer some options for simple revisions to current capital rules where this would mitigate any unintended disadvantages for small and regional US banks created by the Basel II bank safety pact, US Federal Reserve Board chairman Alan Greenspan said today.

WASHINGTON, March 14 - Top US banking regulators today underlined the timetable challenges facing the US in implementing the Basel II bank safety rules, urged banks to expedite their plans and warned of obstacles in the way.