With increased uncertainty in the markets, driven by a mixture of political dithering and low global growth expectations, asset allocation continues to play a key role in the decision-making process for clients. The best performing asset class in 2011 was UK gilts, and yet the most widely backed

With increased uncertainty in the markets, driven by a mixture of political dithering and low global growth expectations, asset allocation continues to play a key role in the decision-making process for clients.

China has launched a pilot program which allows Chinese yuan raised by Hong Kong subsidiaries of Chinese domestic fund management companies to be invested in China's domestic securities markets. Bingham McCutchen outline the program's expected effect and RQFII qualification requirements.

Despite the European Council's invitation to the Spanish Presidency to start negotiations with the European Parliament in March, progress has faltered for a number of reasons and the impact of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive on the private equity industry remains uncertain.