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EU leaders seek finance oversight EU leaders seek finance oversight
(about 1 hour later)
European leaders have agreed in Berlin on the need to regulate all financial markets including hedge funds, according to Reuters. European leaders in Berlin have agreed on the need to regulate all financial markets including hedge funds.
"All financial markets, products and participants must be subject to appropriate oversight," said a statement obtained by the news agency. Leaders of major economies said there was a need for a global solution to the current financial crisis.
This is especially true of private pools of capital, such as hedge funds that "may present a systemic risk". German Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted that leaders faced an "extraordinary international crisis".
The news comes as leaders from Europe's biggest economies meet in Berlin. But leaders including UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned against reverting to protectionism in such a difficult economic climate.
The comments in Berlin come amid ongoing uncertainty in world financial markets and uncertainty over the future of some of the world's key banks.
Hedge funds, which typically attract wealthy private investors, have been criticised for their lack of transparency and oversight.Hedge funds, which typically attract wealthy private investors, have been criticised for their lack of transparency and oversight.
The comments come amid ongoing uncertainty in world financial markets and uncertainty over the future of some of the world's key banks. A summary of the meeting, which is being chaired by the German chancellor, described financial markets as "fraught" said Reuters.
A summary of the meeting, which is being chaired by Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, described financial markets as "fraught" said Reuters.
On Saturday, Ms Merkel said: We want to make sure that in the future there are no gaps in the world regarding financial products, market participants or instruments."On Saturday, Ms Merkel said: We want to make sure that in the future there are no gaps in the world regarding financial products, market participants or instruments."
A final version of the agreement on financial oversight is not expected to be made available on Sunday.A final version of the agreement on financial oversight is not expected to be made available on Sunday.
Car sectorCar sector
French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, UK and German leaders, are hoping to take a common approach at a world financial summit in London in six weeks' time.French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, UK and German leaders, are hoping to take a common approach at a world financial summit in London in six weeks' time.
The G20 developed a plan on how to address the world financial crisis at a meeting in Washington in November; the meeting on 2 April is intended to build on that.The G20 developed a plan on how to address the world financial crisis at a meeting in Washington in November; the meeting on 2 April is intended to build on that.
But analysts say reaching agreement among EU powers will not be easy.But analysts say reaching agreement among EU powers will not be easy.
The current Czech presidency of the EU, as well as and the European Commission, have voiced concern at attempts by France, Italy and Spain to shelter their car industries from the effects of the downturn.The current Czech presidency of the EU, as well as and the European Commission, have voiced concern at attempts by France, Italy and Spain to shelter their car industries from the effects of the downturn.
Capitalism must be given new moral foundations Nicolas SarkozyFrench President Protectionist forces bedevil EUCapitalism must be given new moral foundations Nicolas SarkozyFrench President Protectionist forces bedevil EU
The BBC's Rob Cameron in Berlin says Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek - who is also in Berlin - will have a private meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, following a very public row between the two countries.The BBC's Rob Cameron in Berlin says Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek - who is also in Berlin - will have a private meeting with French President Nicholas Sarkozy, following a very public row between the two countries.
Mr Sarkozy has suggested that in order to secure government aid, French carmakers should move production out of their East European factories and back to France.Mr Sarkozy has suggested that in order to secure government aid, French carmakers should move production out of their East European factories and back to France.
Such disagreements are threatening to prevent Europe speaking with one voice, our correspondent adds.Such disagreements are threatening to prevent Europe speaking with one voice, our correspondent adds.
Rewriting the rulesRewriting the rules
Ahead of the Berlin meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel renewed her calls for tighter oversight of financial markets.Ahead of the Berlin meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel renewed her calls for tighter oversight of financial markets.
Germany's Angela Merkel wants stricter financial regulationsGermany's Angela Merkel wants stricter financial regulations
There should be no more gaps in international controls, she said on Saturday.There should be no more gaps in international controls, she said on Saturday.
Germany's finance ministry is pushing for stricter rules for hedge funds and better rating systems to avoid future meltdowns.Germany's finance ministry is pushing for stricter rules for hedge funds and better rating systems to avoid future meltdowns.
However some members - such as Britain - are less keen on a radical tightening of regulations, correspondents say.However some members - such as Britain - are less keen on a radical tightening of regulations, correspondents say.
Mr Sarkozy stressed he would not accept "a weak compromise, a cheap fix" in establishing the European position.Mr Sarkozy stressed he would not accept "a weak compromise, a cheap fix" in establishing the European position.
"Capitalism must be given new moral foundations," he said."Capitalism must be given new moral foundations," he said.
The agenda of the Berlin summit also includes strengthening international accounting standards, reform of the IMF and other financial institutions, as well as moves to restrict executive pay.The agenda of the Berlin summit also includes strengthening international accounting standards, reform of the IMF and other financial institutions, as well as moves to restrict executive pay.
The London meeting in April will bring together leaders of the G20 group of major developed and developing economies, in an effort to rewrite the rules of the global financial system.The London meeting in April will bring together leaders of the G20 group of major developed and developing economies, in an effort to rewrite the rules of the global financial system.