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United Overseas Bank is in the courts for its handling of an IPO in Singapore. But many believe the bank's actions to be far from unusual, and that it was simply unlucky to be caught, reflecting a change in standards among equity transactions. At the root of it all is increased competition that drives not only banks but exchanges themselves to be less stringent. By Fiona Haddock.

"Ten ways to stuff up your start up," was the title of a talk given by Incubasia partner, Robert Kenny, at the Internet World Asia@Hong Kong conference in November. The tone of the title summed up the mood of the forum this year: times aren't easy – and they're not getting any easier. But although the number of attendees was down and the exuberance of last year was notably absent, there was some sound advice being given to aspiring corporates. Kenny, in particular, was keen to give proceedings a practical bent. "Start-ups are a stupendously stressful environment," he said. "Every single start-up goes through stages of absolute agony. Avoiding these crises is not an option. You need to deal with them."

The innovative KSO scheme, introduced in the mid-90s, boosted fixed line installation in Indonesia. Post-crisis, and post-cellular, will the same scheme work again?

The NTT group continues to dominate Japan's telecom sector - whether anyone (including the government) likes it or not.

The big global telecoms carve-up is underway and everyone wants a slice of Asia. Which sectors hold the most promise, and can regional operators hang on to the booty?

In Japanese firms, 'death by a thousand cuts' has come to signify a particular kind of corporate demise, in which the victim slowly finds his privileges withdrawn. As his power fades, his seat is moved ever nearer the window, and all active responsibility is taken from him. Was it the reason, asks Matthew Montagu-Pollock, why Jim Walker walked?

Corporates must be a bit tired of hearing how much spare change VCs have jingling in their pockets. With a dearth of IPOs and anyone involved in private equity looking decidedly disinterested, the pennies are staying right where they are, far from the pockets of internet start ups. Hardly the best time for IgniteAsia to launch its competition for internet business plans, one would assume. Especially as the award held no promise of cash but rather "a meeting with the partners of IngiteAsia... to discuss possible co-operation".

China and Hong Kong represent different propositions in the telecoms market. China is all about growth and potential; Hong Kong is about innovation and financing.

Despite a dreadful year, Telstra still dominates the telecoms market in Australia. And like it or not, the sector remains inextricably linked to the company's fortunes.

Last month Yahoo! announced that it will acquire Kimo – the leading Taiwan portal – in an all-stock deal valued at US$146 million. The news came as no surprise. With investors pooh-poohing portals, an exit strategy is seen as the best bet for many a local portal in Asia, particularly given the strength of multinationals. According to Deutsche Bank's Antonio Tambunan, Kimo was a portal waiting to be taken over. Not only was it an appealing target for a multinational (viewership metrics are exceedingly high, with more page views than the next five largest portals combined). But it also had a diminishing cash balance and its IPO plans remained firmly on the back burner, waiting for better days. It was time to exit.

Korea Water Resources Corp launched its debut transaction in the Japanese debt market this week, arranging a ¥12bn, five and seven year bond issue. The deal offered a 2.1% coupon for the five year tranche to give a spread of 94bp over yen Libor, while the seven year tranche was priced at par and provides a coupon of 2.85%, with a spread of 128bp over yen Libor.

Deutsche Bank this week launched Australia's third securitisation of commercial property, with a highly innovative A$133m deal for David Jones, Australia's fifth largest retailer. The deal, CBD Retail Infrastructure (No 1) Pty Ltd, provides part of the finance for David Jones' sale and leaseback of five flagship stores in the central business districts of Sydney and Melbourne.