Book Description

This book examines the new and rapidly developing area of law relating to trade in financial services, with a particular focus on the rules contained in Chapter 14 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). After a detailed analysis of the relevant provisions and their effect on financial institutions in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the author examines the impact of the NAFTA rules on the legal position of banks operating in countries outside NAFTA, particularly in the context of the WTO financial services provisions. The book concludes with a chapter on the effects of a potential NAFTA expansion. The book aims to contribute to the development of a new legal and regulatory framework distinct from those of trade and financial services law, and offers a valuable insight into how trade in financial services within a regional trade agreement develops its own legal dynamic. Although the financial services provisions are seen as the cornerstone of NAFTA, until now there has been very little in-depth analysis of these provisions, or of the effects on those not party to NAFTA, in the literature in general. This book's unique approach will make it of considerable interest to practitioners and researchers in international banking, trade and economic law.