BANKING

Papers Filed to Block Extradition of Trader: Nicholas Leeson’s attorneys filed a 160-page brief demanding Leeson’s release in their attempt to prevent the extradition to Singapore of the young trader accused of bringing about the collapse of Barings investment bank. Prosecutor Hans-Hermann Eckert said the arguments presented in the brief were “very carefully” constructed. Leeson, 28, is charged with forgery and fraud in Singapore, where he was based when his trading on Asian futures markets were blamed for bringing down Barings. In London, Leeson attorney Stephen Pollard said representatives of the Serious Fraud Office will meet Leeson on Wednesday at Frankfurt’s Hoechst Prison.