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Abstract:
This article focuses on the Lamfalussy process's accelerated method of lawmaking in financial services within the European Union. The first section of this article provides background information on the economic importance of the banking industry in a nation's economy, and the resulting hesitancy of nations to cooperate in international bank regulation. The second section describes and analyzes the Lamfalussy process. The third section analyzes recent assessments of this new legislative process and discusses implementation issues that have arisen during its short life. Finally, I argue that the Lamfalussy process is merely another step in the trend of greater financial integration and regulatory convergence within the European Union. The next step in the integration of financial services markets in the EU may be the creation of a dual banking system similar to that of the United States, where national banks and state-chartered banks operate under two separate, but related, bodies of law. While not an ideal solution, a Europeanized dual banking system is a likely next step in light of the failed ratification of the Constitutional Treaty and the resulting hesitancy and inability to create new European Union wide programs and institutions.

banking, European Union, international banking, Lamfalussy process, comitology

Abstract:
After the hand over of Hong Kong by the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), some commentators predicted that China would interfere with Hong Kong's economy and legal system despite the Basic Law's protections. This Article argues that in the area of financial supervision, particularly bank supervision, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has significantly influenced banking reform in the PRC. The PRC's implementation and development of bank supervisory standards that approach compliance with international financial standards has been significantly influenced by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA"), Hong Kong's central bank, through both informal and formal contacts between HKMA officials and PRC bank supervisory officials. The Article briefly analyzes the PRC banking system, provides a short history of banking reform in the PRC, describes the influence of the HKMA and the Hong Kong financial sector generally on the PRC banking reform efforts, and finally examines the prospects of continuing Hong Kong influences on PRC banking reform.

banking law, Hong Kong, China, comparative law

Abstract:
An annotated bibliography of materials useful in the self-study of the Mandarin Chinese language, including print and electronic materials.

Mandarin Chinese, China, linguistics, language study

Abstract:
The author analyzes license agreements and suggests certain negotiating points when entering into such an agreement.

license agreement, legal information, legal research, electronic information

Abstract:
A brief description of the collection and services of the Swiss Institute of Comparate Law, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Swiss Institute of Comparative Law, legal research

Abstract:
A description of the collection and services of the Universities Service Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Universities Service Centre, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, legal research