The "View from Abroad" series examines global issues and their impact on the business and policy communities from the non-U.S. perspective. In this View from Abroad conference call, we will examine how the international community views U.S. financial regulatory reform efforts, particularly the Financial Stability Improvement Act legislation currently under debate in the U.S. Senate. How do the other major developed economies expect that new U.S. policies will affect the landscape of international finance? What regulatory reform efforts are underway in other financial centers around the world and how do U.S. actions correspond? What, if any, are the implications for the major developed economies? What impact do regulatory reform efforts have on business, and competition for talent? Join Adrian Blundell-Wignall and Olivier Girard in discussing these and other questions.

Before the onset of the global financial crisis, countries in the Middle East had begun to deregulate various sectors and industries as part of their economic development strategies. During the past year, as in many other countries, governments throughout the Middle East have been evaluating domestic financial regulations and oversight structures. Michael Essex and Ahmed Saeed offer current, on-the-ground perspectives on regulatory reform discussions and policies, and the impact on business and investment and economic growth in the region. Join them in discussing financial regulatory reform in the Middle East and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.