But banking sources tell me it is highly improbable that - in these risk-averse times - the FSA will give a guarantee that NBNK would receive advanced status on any set timetable.

BBC: Co-op set to become big banker

MOSCOW, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Novatek , Russia's largest independent gas producer, is planning a Eurobond issue and is guiding investors towards a yield of 312.5 basis points area over 10-year US Treasuries, two banking sources told Reuters on Thursday.

FORBES: Leonid Mikhelson

Sources in the banking industry say he may be very close to roping in a large Asian coal consumer as an equity investor.

FORBES: India's Big Bet On Australian Coal

These revenue sources offset losses in investment banking and higher legal expenses related to mortgages.

FORBES: Stocks Surge On Surprisingly Strong Results From BAC, Morgan Stanley

In addition to Chinese sources of capital, international banking firms are now more than willing to support Chinese companies with global ambitions as well.

FORBES: China's Coming M&A Boom

Eager to curry favor with the next batch of global leaders, ensuring a future supply of investment banking fees, capital to expand abroad is now increasingly available from international sources.

FORBES: China's Coming M&A Boom

Market sources say the managing board would most probably have been aware of banking-book positions unless compliance controls had failed.

ECONOMIST: German Landesbanks

In recent years criticism of banking secrecy has centred on the risk of money laundering, the practice of disguising funds from illegal sources by passing them through secret accounts until their origins can no longer be traced.

ECONOMIST: Filthy lucre is out, clean lucre is in