Life under the euro

Whether we like it or not, whether it arrives on time or not at all, the euro is already a factor in financial markets. Laws have been made about it, and adapted to it. Government, companies and banks are spending millions, to be prepared for the Big Bang on January 4 1999. That preparation requires rigorous practicality and fantasy, because none of this has been seen before, let alone road-tested. Euromoney here makes a leap of foresight and fantasy. We asked writers and experts from all areas of the market to explore the issues as they see them - the dangers, the unresolved snags, the legal wrangles and the risks that all institutions are being forced to take. The intention is to offer an unbiased collection of the very latest ideas, remembering that the euro is a moving target.