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The European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee delayed a final vote on the European Market Infrastructure Regulation to allow time for further discussion on topics including vertical silos and clearing exemptions for some derivative users.

—Gavan Nolan, credit analyst at Markit, on Spain’s aim to reduce its budget deficit to 5.3% in 2012.

Exchange-traded funds are gaining increasing demand in Asia, despite the region’s relatively basic understanding of the instruments. ETF providers anticipate that this demand will yield an even broader array of instruments, but some observers would like to see more market transparency. Richard Morrow reports.

Companies from China are principally investing into Brazilian resources companies and greenfield projects. Brasília should try to parlay the interest into improving its lacklustre infrastructure. Vincent Bevins reports.

Regulators, bookrunners and auditors are advising banks to start issuing Basel III-compliant debt as quickly as possible. But Asian lenders are not seeing the appeal. Anita Davis finds out why.

A high proportion of non-resident Indians are rich, and the world’s private banks have increasingly created teams to serve their investment preferences. Finding investments with a homeland bias is preferred. Chris Wright reports.

Deteriorating asset quality and impending regulatory deadlines present a strong impetus for India’s banks to recapitalise. But capital markets may prove expensive, meaning that much of the pressure falls on New Delhi’s increasingly overloaded shoulders. Alexander Lobov reports.

The city has some big infrastructure plans, which its new government hopes will bolster its appeal with international businesses and Chinese tourists – essential sectors for Hong Kong’s future economic health. Richard Morrow reports.

Islamic finance products and services continue to flourish across the Middle East and in South Asia. ASIAMONEY reveals which banks have done the most impressive job meeting the needs of Muslim clients and businesses in the countries of both regions.

Asia’s bank lenders and corporate borrowers are going through a rough patch in their relationship. Bickering on price has led to estrangement and a lack of deals. But absence makes the heart grow fonder — especially when corporates’ affair with the bond market turns sour, as it seems to be doing. Expect companies and lenders to kiss and make up soon.

Covered bonds are moving towards a system of labelling, designed to act as a kitemark of quality. But investors should remember: there is more to credit analysis than ticking boxes. Weak deals can pass through labelling systems, while great deals can get excluded.

An issuer in Germany’s fast-growing retail market for bonds from small and medium-sized companies has defaulted. Will this cause a scandal that shuts the market, as some bankers have warned? Mittelstand companies hoping to use this market will be hoping investors keep calm and carry on.