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Despite enormous demand for cellular and broadband in Korea, the industry has still not agreed on a 3G standard, and remains divided over wireless protocol standards. Add to that the question of privatization, and the sector still has hurdles to overcome.

One of the most striking aspects of the Chinese financial services landscape has been the near-absence of consumer credit products. But with WTO membership looming, the government has boosted this area of the market – thus creating opportunities for domestic and overseas players. When Asiamoney's Pauline Loong invited Chinese and foreign bankers and credit specialists attending a Global Integrated Systems (GIS) seminar in Shanghai to join a credit assessment roundtable, uniquely Chinese issues – both cultural and legal – dominated the debate.

One of the most striking aspects of the Chinese financial services landscape has been the near-absence of consumer credit products. But with WTO membership looming, the government has boosted this area of the market – thus creating opportunities for domestic and overseas players. When Asiamoney's Pauline Loong invited Chinese and foreign bankers and credit specialists attending a Global Integrated Systems (GIS) seminar in Shanghai to join a credit assessment roundtable, uniquely Chinese issues – both cultural and legal – dominated the debate.

United Overseas Bank is in the courts for its handling of an IPO in Singapore. But many believe the bank's actions to be far from unusual, and that it was simply unlucky to be caught, reflecting a change in standards among equity transactions. At the root of it all is increased competition that drives not only banks but exchanges themselves to be less stringent. By Fiona Haddock.

"Ten ways to stuff up your start up," was the title of a talk given by Incubasia partner, Robert Kenny, at the Internet World Asia@Hong Kong conference in November. The tone of the title summed up the mood of the forum this year: times aren't easy – and they're not getting any easier. But although the number of attendees was down and the exuberance of last year was notably absent, there was some sound advice being given to aspiring corporates. Kenny, in particular, was keen to give proceedings a practical bent. "Start-ups are a stupendously stressful environment," he said. "Every single start-up goes through stages of absolute agony. Avoiding these crises is not an option. You need to deal with them."

The innovative KSO scheme, introduced in the mid-90s, boosted fixed line installation in Indonesia. Post-crisis, and post-cellular, will the same scheme work again?

The NTT group continues to dominate Japan's telecom sector - whether anyone (including the government) likes it or not.

The big global telecoms carve-up is underway and everyone wants a slice of Asia. Which sectors hold the most promise, and can regional operators hang on to the booty?

In Japanese firms, 'death by a thousand cuts' has come to signify a particular kind of corporate demise, in which the victim slowly finds his privileges withdrawn. As his power fades, his seat is moved ever nearer the window, and all active responsibility is taken from him. Was it the reason, asks Matthew Montagu-Pollock, why Jim Walker walked?

Corporates must be a bit tired of hearing how much spare change VCs have jingling in their pockets. With a dearth of IPOs and anyone involved in private equity looking decidedly disinterested, the pennies are staying right where they are, far from the pockets of internet start ups. Hardly the best time for IgniteAsia to launch its competition for internet business plans, one would assume. Especially as the award held no promise of cash but rather "a meeting with the partners of IngiteAsia... to discuss possible co-operation".

China and Hong Kong represent different propositions in the telecoms market. China is all about growth and potential; Hong Kong is about innovation and financing.

Despite a dreadful year, Telstra still dominates the telecoms market in Australia. And like it or not, the sector remains inextricably linked to the company's fortunes.