News
Cybercriminals exploit identities across APAC finance
Cybercriminals exploit identities across APAC finance
Deepfakes, phishing and stolen credentials are driving banks to overhaul authentication.
MUFG’s profit up 3.7% to $11.5b in 9M 2025 as operating profit nearly triples
Net operating profit and net income have reached over 80% of full-year targets.
MUFG launches Artemis Ventures with $318.9m equity fund target
It will invest in mid-to-late stage startups, primarily those based in Japan.
ANZ rolls out agentic AI CRM tool that will save bankers 1 month of time
The new CRM consolidates data from 20 different platforms.
Citi hires Kriss Pachauri to lead ANZ global asset manager coverage
Citi says it has a “strong pipeline” in the financial sponsors segment.
Mizuho hits 90% of profit target in 9 months as net income tops $6.4b
Its expanded share buyback shows confidence in its capital base.
Malaysian bank loan growth to stabilise at 4.5% to 5.5% in 2026
The 2025 slowdown to 4.8% seen as normalisation after 2024’s 5.5% expansion.
Techcombank net profit climbs 17.5% to $973.36m in FY2025
Q4 net profit nearly doubled on higher interest income and fee income.
Mastercard launches Fleet: Next Gen to streamline fleet payments in APAC
It offers acceptance in a million locations and data gathering capabilities.
Close gov’t supervision driving Evergrowing Bank risk upgrades
S&P flags legacy loan strain despite Shandong oversight push.
Westpac hikes home loan rates as it flags budget pressure
Westpac's consumer chief executive recognized that the increase may add pressure to households.
Japan Post Bank flags $23.47b unrealised securities losses to Dec
The book value of the securities is JPY29.86t.
Norinchukin fortifies JA Mitsui Leasing after $968m fraud allowance
Norinchukin is in talks with SMBC and other major banks to provide loans to JAML.
MUFG launches the Slim Course pension plan in iDeCo system
It offers zero management fees and aims for the industry’s lowest operating costs.
SMBC signs SBI pact to back India sunrise sector project finance
They aim to grow India’s “sunrise sectors”.
Philippine banks signal credit squeeze as tightening bias grows in Q1
About 12.8% of banks expect to tighten credit standards for household loans.
SMFG profit up 22.8% to $8.99b in 9M on higher income
It forecasts an annual cash dividend of JPY157 for the fiscal year.
Commentary
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