Description

The lecture traces the sources of banking law as applied in the UK and in Singapore. It commences with reflections on the phenomenal growth of the financial sector in Singapore and in other centres. The meaning of the words “banking” and “banking practice” is then considered. Modern developments are noted with an emphasis on the modern trend to separate the provision of credit from trade activities. In the discussion of “banking practice”, it is noted that developments are influenced by sociological and scientific factors. The effect of the use of printing, of speed in communications, of photo-copy machines and of the electronic revolution is covered in some detail. The lecture then deals, briefly, with the effect of such developments on litigation and documentation. The last part of the lecture attempts to predict future developments in banking law and practice. It is understood, however, that such predictions are basically speculative.

About The Speaker

Professor Peter Ellinger graduated from the Hebrew University with an M.Jur. in 1959 and was called to the Israeli Bar. Following four years of law practice in Tel Aviv, he went to Oxford for further studies and obtained his D.Phil. in 1964. His first position as a law teacher was at University of Singapore (1961 – 1966). Thereafter he held Chairs of Law at the Victoria University of Wellington (1967 – 1976) and at Monash University (1977 – 1986). In 1986 he accepted the post of a Professor of Law at National University of Singapore. After his retirement, he was appointed Consultant at Rajah & Tann as well as a Professorial Fellow at the National University of Singapore. On 14 September 1998, he was constituted an Emeritus Professor. He has published books, chapters in leading commercial law texts and numerous articles in regional law reviews as well as in the United Kingdom, Australasia, North America and in Europe. Professor Ellinger has specialised in commercial law with particular emphasis on banking law. Over the years, he has acquired an extensive experience in opinion work and drafting of documents. He has appeared as an expert witness in local and foreign courts, has delivered lectures and conducted seminars in his areas of specialisation and has some experience in commercial arbitration.