As 2009 descends upon us, economic tumult is steadily becoming the new 'normal'. In these trying times, the following 11 harbingers of regional legal development should be watched closely in the coming year:
Convertibles the first to return
After the market stabilises in the first quarter, convertible bonds are expected to be the first product to return after the recession.
Korea introduces poison pills
Controversial defense mechanism set to hit the stage.
India will liberalise - after its elections
The Indian legal system will open up, but progress remains slow.
Merger omission hinders Hong Kong competition
As Hong Kong anticipates its first comprehensive competition law, the absence of merger guidelines concerns some observers.
China corporate counsel get risk savvy
Legal risk management will expand in 2009 to areas of legal practice, law academy, management and government.
Growing Hong Kong Pipes to be stifled by SFC
Regulator continues to make financing via Pipes difficult.
ICC targets growing arbitration demand
The opening of a new arbitration body in Hong Kong heralds more choice and expertise for users - and possibly more competition for the HKIAC.
India to gain from surge
Economic crisis beneficial for legal process outsourcing market.
New tax rules will ease China M&As
Counsel can look forward to clarity on tax regulations in March.
Standardised contracts unlikely to be successful
Bank Negara Malaysia Shariah Parameters Project will face obstacles in fostering consistent Islamic financial contracts.
Vietnamese companies to be failed by bankruptcy process
Although insolvencies and restructurings are on the rise, they won't receive any help from the country's incomplete bankruptcy law and poor judiciary process.