The Senate gave the green light to a second reading of the bill that creates the Programa Excepcional de Prevencion del Riesgo para las Entidades de Intermediacion Financiera, a financial risk legislation, said to be one of the prerequisites for resuming the stand-by arrangement with the IMF. The bill calls for the creation of a fund that would assist troubled banks to prevent their collapse and reduce risk to the banking system. The bill also incorporates provisions to strengthen the role of the Superintendence of Banks. The Chamber of Deputies is expected to pass the bill prior to the 12 January recess date.