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Gluten-free dieters and dark pool fans have a few things in common Michael Lewis's book Flash Boys has drawn criticism from traders, brokers, banks, lawyers and exchanges about the accuracy of the picture it paints. A joke repeated at conferences and in conversation is that if Flash Boys can't be found in non-fiction section, you should try the best sellers shelf. The most widespread criticism of the book, which looks into the growth and effect of high-frequency trading (HFT) in the US, is that it is full of inaccuracies. But many also say that what Lewis reveals - which is true - isn't news. Everyone, they claim, is aware that time is money, dark pools create issues for transparent markets, and maker-taker can be problematic.

Pfizer/AstraZeneca is just the tip

The Santiago Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange Venture's (TSXV) planned junior market in Chile could allow companies to seamlessly dual list on both bourses.

Corporate governance failings could be banks' biggest weakness in future stress tests, new research has revealed.

A remuneration policy led by non-executives and which is clearly disclosed in the directors' remuneration report is one of five key ingredients to good corporate governance, Barclays' chairman said last month.

Is it possible infrastructure debt funds have too much?

Clean Energy Finance Corporation's (CEFC) loan to an Australian wave energy company introduced a new financing structure for projects that are not yet commercialised.

Ekflodia Leskaj The Government of Albania has issued the final version of the draft law on value-added tax (VAT). According to the Minister of Finance, once approved by the Parliament, the new VAT law is expected to enter into force on January 1 2015 and replace the existing law on VAT, as well as all respective regulations. The draft law has been prepared with the support of the EU, setting as its principal aim the harmonisation of legislation on VAT with the acquis communautaire, in compliance with the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. One of the main intentions of the draft law is to remove double VAT taxation for transactions between Albanian and foreign businesses located in any EU member state (according to the destination principle).

Kartick Maheshwari, Khaitan & Co Mabel Lui, Winston & Strawn In Hong Kong, WINSTON & STRAWN hired a four-lawyer team from DLA Piper that included the firm's Asia corporate head Mabel Lui. DLA PIPER is relocating M&A partner Paul Chen from its Silicon Valley office in June to take over Lui's leadership role. Harry Prabawa from Prabawa & Hayya in Jakarta has joined HANAFIAH PONGGAWA & PARTNERS as partner. Prabawa specialises in World Trade Organisation rules and disputes and will head the firm's international trade practice group.

Antonio Felix de Araujo Cintra The Brazilian Securities Commission (the CVM) and the Brazilian Government have recently proposed and enacted some regulatory changes aimed at incentivising the entry of small and medium-sized local companies into the stock markets. These efforts are the result of a long and focused campaign by several players who believe that the development of financing alternatives for small and medium-sized companies is key for the future development of the economy in Brazil. Instruction CVM number 391, which governs the formation and organisation of private equity funds (Fundos de Investimentos em Participacoes, or FIPs), has been amended. The main change here will be an increase in investments by FIPs in companies listed in a special listing segment of the Brazilian Stock Exchange, known as Bovespa Mais, which is directed to small and medium-sized companies. The amended rule now provides that FIPs may invest up to 35% of their portfolio in companies listed in Bovespa Mais, without being subject to the general rules governing FIPs that require them to always ensure that they have an effective influence on the invested company's management.