The book is the first comprehensive consideration, since the UK Cadbury Report recommended a voluntary Corporate Governance Code, of the question whether Corporate Governance Codes are the most effective way of ensuring adherence to good corporate governance principles. There is no doubt that the idea of voluntary compliance with good corporate governance practices, based on the principle of ‘comply or explain’, has captured the imagination of the world. It is probably one of the best and most comprehensive examples of ‘self-regulation’ ever seen in any area where the society could be affected significantly, for current purposes by corporations.However, is this the most effective way of ensuring that corporations act responsibly and adhere to good corporate governance principles? Have these Codes really improved corporate governance practices significantly? Is it time for a rethink and, at least in certain areas, start to rely more on ‘hard law’ and clearer expectations to ensure compliance? All these issues are addressed in the book.

Financial Markets in Hong Kong is a unique guide to the workings and the legal framework governing all aspects of Hong Kong's financial markets. Drawing upon the extensive experience of its contributors to present a lucid insight into the intricacies of the matrix behind the functioning of financial markets, it is possibly the only book to cover the spectrum ranging from a discussion on the regulatory framework to the various measures implemented to facilitate the further development of the markets to the important role assumed by professional advisers. Given the width of coverage, its clarity and readability, it will prove to be the ideal reference text for those with an interest in the financial sector of Hong Kong. Contributors include Templeton Asset Management Limited, Hong Kong; Standard & Poor's, Hong Kong; Ernst & Young, Hong Kong; Arthur Anderson & Co., Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, among others.

The book is the first comprehensive consideration, since the UK Cadbury Report recommended a voluntary Corporate Governance Code, of the question whether Corporate Governance Codes are the most effective way of ensuring adherence to good corporate governance principles. There is no doubt that the idea of voluntary compliance with good corporate governance practices, based on the principle of 'comply or explain', has captured the imagination of the world. It is probably one of the best and most comprehensive examples of 'self-regulation' ever seen in any area where the society could be affected significantly, for current purposes by corporations.However, is this the most effective way of ensuring that corporations act responsibly and adhere to good corporate governance principles? Have these Codes really improved corporate governance practices significantly? Is it time for a rethink and, at least in certain areas, start to rely more on 'hard law' and clearer expectations to ensure compliance? All these issues are addressed in the book.