Financial Transparency Coalition

At the root of the public fascination with the fate of Michael Bryant is a question that lies at the heart of democracy: Do the rich and powerful get special treatment?

ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland and the UK have signed a new treaty giving British tax authorities more access to banking information and taking the Swiss one step closer to being taken off an international list of tax havens.

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada could pursue Swiss bank UBS (UBSN.VX) in court if bank officials refuse to disclose the names of Canadian clients who are evading taxes using UBS accounts, but even the government minister responsible believes stronger laws may be needed.

Bloomberg -- Deutsche Bank AG, Commerzbank AG and Sal. Oppenheim Jr. & Cie. defended international activities after Die Zeit reported German lenders are “deeply involved” in business with tax havens.