Economy

How bigger deals pushed financial services acquisitions to $499b

Global transactions reached 612 in 2025 compared with 605 in 2024.

Philippine account ownership sinks as microfinance access weakens

E-money wallets stayed at 36% whilst bank access held at 23%.

Chinese banks climb as HDFC Bank sinks in Q1 2026 rankings

Agricultural Bank of China rose 36.5% on stimulus and infrastructure support.

Citi, India review push to accelerate solar, hydrogen growth

Citi CEO Jane Fraser met Indian PM Narendra Modi ahead of the bank’s 125th year in India in 2027.

How are banks strengthening buffers against oil price shocks?

China-based banks will likely bear the largest impact.

Taiwan deposits hit $2.1t as forex falls

Foreign currency holdings were NT$8.91t versus NT$9.11t in March 2025.

Indian banks hit 1.4% ROA as profit pressure builds

The 2025 return on assets was the sector’s highest level in over a decade

Singapore banks and insurers expect slower profits in 2026

Finance confidence slipped to 54.3 in Q4 2025, whilst the wider economy rose to 52.1

APAC dominates financial centre list but growth slows

Eight of 15 centres tipped to rise are based in the region.

Singapore banking sentiment slips in Q4 2025

Banking and insurance posted 55.7 whilst the wider business reading climbed to 53.4.

Financial-services M&A rises 40% as APAC recovery stays cautious

Average transaction size climbed to $815m as larger deals dominated the market.

Singapore finance hiring outlook drops to 11% in Q2 survey

Finance job demand weakens even as national hiring expectations climb to 24%.

How much salary should banking job seekers expect in 2026?

Front office recruitment rose slightly, but risk compliance and legal demand increased.

Singapore finance firms struggle as 72% face talent gap

Survey shows 94% are revising financial and operational plans to secure workers.

Finance Ministry raises idle fund bank cap to 60%

After that, the funds will remain in banks until maturity.