This new volume presents leading international analyses of some of the most dynamic issues in the financial sector. Venture capital in the Singapore as well as the evolution of family firms are examined. The potential conflict of banks as shareholders is scrutinised as well. Other topics here include: interest rates and their predictability and smoothing, e-banking services, ownership of financial institutions and its potential impact on profitability. In addition, the predominance or lack thereof of foreign banks and the effect of them is viewed from an economic perspective.