The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) has recently issued the final draft of proposed regulations that will introduce treasury shares into UK treasury practice during 2003. Treasury shares have been permitted in other jurisdictions such as Japan, Germany and the US for some time, but many UK treasuries will be exploring the opportunities offered by this tool for the first time. Therefore, Treasury Essentials this month offers students of The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) a brief beginner’s guide to treasury shares.