Minister K Shanmugam launches Centre for Banking & Finance Law

NUS Law’s Centre for Banking & Finance Law (CBFL) is set to become a catalyst for ideas on improving banking and financial systems at the national, regional and global levels. The centre was officially launched by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 12 September 2014, at Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore.

The launch event, which was attended by about 300 local and international bankers, lawyers, regulators and academics, also featured a Distinguished Speaker Lecture by Professor Philip R Wood, QC (Hon), a world-renowned expert in comparative and cross-border financial law and an experienced practitioner.

CBFL will focus on important aspects of banking and finance law and regulation, including financial industry reform, new regulations, and private law issues. The centre aims to bring together a vibrant community to generate scholarship, policy recommendations and exchange of ideas about the robustness, soundness and stability of the banking sector, capital markets and other financial services.

Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS Faculty of Law, said, “Bringing together expertise that covers the major economies of the region and most of the globe, the Centre for Banking & Finance Law will enhance Singapore’s status as an international financial centre and thought-leader in three ways. First, as a convenor, the Centre will engage local and international banks, lawyers, regulators, and academics in a regular exchange of ideas. Secondly, as a thought-leader, the Centre will generate new insights of scholarly value and policy relevance. Thirdly, as a platform, the Centre will ensure that these ideas have an impact in both the classroom and the boardroom.”

Assoc Prof Dora Neo, Director of CBFL, said, “Dedicated research and more informed practice will meet at CBFL, for in-depth and intensive dialogue on important issues affecting the financial services industry. Deeper knowledge and greater policy clarity can then be applied in resolving these issues. This will contribute to advancing Singapore’s position as an international financial centre and enhancing trust in banks and financial institutions globally.”

In the months ahead, CBFL will be organising two major events – a symposium on banking secrecy in December 2014 and a conference on comparative takeover regulation in July 2015.

For more information on CBFL, please visit www.law.nus.edu.sg/cbfl