International Securities Law Handbook, 4th Edition

The global integration of financial markets has long been impeded by a lack of regulatory harmonisation. Although some steps have been taken to develop international standards for financial markets, a clear understanding of the different approaches taken in key jurisdictions remains essential for companies offering securities internationally.

Numerous changes in securities laws and regulations necessitate periodic new editions of this unique and much-relied-upon source of information for global investors. In this fourth edition, the goal is again to provide a comprehensive, reliable and up-to-date guide to the challenges encountered in the issue and offering of cross-border securities in the most significant financial markets.

Since its first edition, the International Securities Law Handbook has answered the need for a user-friendly resource covering the most significant jurisdictions. Now fully updated, this invaluable reference presents the key elements of securities law and regulations in 39 jurisdictions. Country chapters, each written by a local expert, are presented in a consistent format, covering the topics most relevant to overseas investors and their advisers, so that information on specific issues can be easily found and compared from country to country.

Among many others, topics include: ;

• descriptions of the securities markets;

• the listing/market and regulatory authorities;

• principal laws regulating the securities markets;

• civil and criminal liability for securities law breaches;

• prospectus/disclosure requirements;

• quasi-securities and derivatives;

• exemptions available; and

• special cases such as employee share schemes, rights issues, and takeovers.

The International Securities Law Handbook is a collaborative work by member firms of the World Law Group, an alliance of 52 leading independent firms with more than 15,500 lawyers working in 65 countries and in more than 300 international business centres.

Legal practitioners, in-house counsel, investment bankers and others involved in the issue or sale of securities in foreign jurisdictions will find here an overview of the legal framework in which key markets operate, along with a clear working knowledge of the legal environment in the jurisdictions covered. The Handbook is also a convenient reference for business executives responsible for multinational or cross-border transactions.