Morrison & Foerster Webcasts

Financial institutions are facing a number of significant challenges that will require careful analysis in the coming months. A number of provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will affect foreign banks that conduct business in the United States. Regulatory reforms underway in the EU also will need to be factored into the business plan of any internationally active foreign bank. Finally, international bank regulators continue to discuss the Basel III framework. Panelists will discuss:
- An overview of the Dodd-Frank Act;
- The categorization of institutions as “systemically important financial institutions”;
- Application of the new resolution mechanism to the U.S. operations of a foreign bank;
- Volcker Rule restrictions;
- The effect of regulations relating to OTC derivatives;
- Resolution plans requirements;
- Regulations affecting regulatory capital, which would affect U.S. intermediate bank holding companies of international banks;
- Foreign fund exception to the private fund registration rule;
- Executive compensation and governance requirements applicable to foreign issuers;
- The Basel III Framework; and
- Regulatory reforms affecting financial institutions doing business in the EU.

Morrison & Foerster and FTI Consulting Webcast

On May 26, 2010, the FASB released for comment its proposal to change the accounting requirements for financial instruments and hedging activities. The proposed rules contain a comprehensive new model that would significantly increase the use of fair value accounting for financial instruments. Market participants, especially banks and other financial institutions, have noted that the proposed rules would have significant effects on their financial statements and business practices. The proposal is open for comment until September 2010.

The panel will:

- Provide an overview and background information about the proposal;
- Discuss the FASB/IASB joint project on financial instruments accounting and the significance of this proposal on the timeline for convergence;
- Provide an overview of the proposed changes to the recognition and measurement requirements for various financial instruments;
- Discuss the new impairment rules;
- Comment on the impact of the proposed changes to hedge accounting aspects;
- Highlight differences in the current and proposed accounting and tax treatments for certain financial instruments; and
- Comment on the proposed timeline.

Morrison & Foerster's Cleantech practice group and Silicon Valley Bank presented the Annual Cleantech Roadshow Seminar in Palo Alto on June 17, 2010.

Program Overview:

Financing is a crucial component of any successful renewable energy project, especially during difficult economic times. For many capital intensive technologies in the wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal sectors, innovative project finance techniques make large scale deployment possible. The program discussion focuses on the various financing structures available and the current and future financing trends.

Renewable energy projects rely on traditional financing methods, such as debt and private equity sources, but they often incorporate innovative new approaches to these transactions. In addition, renewable energy financing is increasingly drawn from government resources, through Department of Energy grants, loan guarantees, and tax incentives. The panel explains the existing renewable finance options, discusses the benefits and disadvantages of various financing methods, and provides guidance on the efficient use and monetization of tax and other government incentives. In addition, the panel explores how renewable energy finance has been impacted by the economic recession and makes predictions about future financing trends that are expected to accompany the economic rebound.

The program consists of a moderated panel of finance experts who provide insight from the legal, investor, and company perspectives.

Speakers:
Tim Walsh, Head of Structured Products, Silicon Valley Bank
Bill Baker, Director, GCA Savvian
Jill Feldman, Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP (Finance)
Robert Cudd, Partner, Morrison & Foerster LLP (Tax)