LSTA hosts inaugural European conference in London.(Loan Syndications & Trading Association )

LONDON - Last week The Loan Syndications & Trading Association (LSTA) hosted its inaugural London conference. A room full of European and U.S. players gathered to discuss the increasing cross-border business and to explore the differences between the U.S. and European markets. Participants focused on how these disparities could be bridged to encourage a more global and liquid leveraged loan market.

Clearly, participants said, the market is becoming more liquid. According to the LSTA, in 2004, the actual average trade size was estimated at $3.2 billion; by the third quarter of 2006, trading had surpassed the $2.1 billion mark. The LSTA said it would be hosting its …