Will Financial Regulation Trash Global Economic Security?

Alexander Mirtchev, Contributor

Under the auspices of the Financial Stability Board, more than 30 recommendations have been set out as part of a massive and far-reaching G-20 financial regulatory reform package to ostensibly minimize risk in the financial system and maximize consumer protection.

A quarter of UK professionals are unhappy with their work-life balance, survey finds

A quarter of professionals are dissatisfied with their work-life balance, according to a new survey. Although the employment rate hit a record high in the final quarter of 2014, it appears that for many individuals their job proves far from satisfying.

Noonan Says Greece Should Seek Irish-Style Solution to Debt Woe

(Bloomberg) -- Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan said Greece should seek to reduce interest rates on its debts and push for later repayment dates rather than the “nuclear” options of leaving the euro area and writing off loans.

ECB's Coene says euro zone exit possible in theory: paper

(Reuters) - A country could in theory leave the euro zone if it wanted to, European Central Bank policymaker Luc Coene said, but he added that he could not imagine which nation would want to do so.

Minimum wage rise of 3% recommended

The independent body that advises the government on the minimum wage is to recommend an increase of 3%, Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced.

Merkel Shifts From Euro to Global Agenda With Papal Visit

(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel added Pope Francis to her expanding diplomatic push on Saturday, stepping away from euro-area crisis negotiations to promote her global agenda on combating climate change, disease and poverty.

France PM Valls pushes key economic reforms through

The French prime minister has resorted to a rarely used emergency procedure to push through labour market reforms without a parliamentary vote.

Greece requests euro zone loan extension, offers big concessions

Greece formally requested a six-month extension to its euro zone loan agreement on Thursday as it races to avoid running out of cash within weeks and overcome resistance from skeptical partners led by Germany.

Greek central bank says 'absolutely no problem' with banks

(Reuters) - Greek central bank governor Yannis Stournaras said on Thursday that Greek banks were solid and under control, a day after the European Central Bank denied them use of Greek bonds as collateral for loans.

CORPORATE FINANCE: SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUNDS PREPARE TO TAKE MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN M&A

Sovereign wealth funds could play a big supporting role as global mergers and acquisitions try to get back on track following a dramatic slowdown in M&A activity during the credit crisis and global recession. While they are not about to become swashbuckling barbarians at corporate gates, SWFs are joining together in “clubs” to cooperate on strategic investments and takeovers.