In Focus
Indian banks hit decade-high returns but profit set to soften
Indian banks hit decade-high returns but profit set to soften
Some of the more recent reforms are untested through a down-cycle, said Fitch.
Indonesian banks’ credit costs may stay high in 2026 on weather risk
Major banks should still be able to deliver positive earnings growth of 1%-7%.
Indian banks set to benefit from tighter oversight in 2026
The RBI’s multiple reforms over the next year will allow banks to provision more effectively.
How investment banks can raise transaction banking value by 50%
Partnering with fintechs or making front office changes can raise profit by 3%-10%.
APAC investment banking fees jumped 19% YoY in 2025
The region accounted for 18% of global investment banking fees during the year.
Private capital gives CIBs advisory and financing opportunities
The largest players require support at the fund level, says McKinsey & Co.
CIBs advised to create ‘nerve centers’ and ‘no regret moves’ against risks
Banks should ensure organisation readiness and identify four to five elements that matter most.
MUFG plans role-based AI for the workplace
Humans will remain in control.
Singapore keeps retail out of crypto for now
The central bank is unlikely to change its stance in the next two to three years.
Banks shift deposit strategy from rates to relationships
Wealth management is a key focus.
Hong Kong banks race to hire AI-ready talent as skill gap widens
Software development will be the biggest talent shortfall by 2030.
Japanese megabanks set for better conditions in 2026
In contrast, Chinese banks and Hong Kong banks face “deteriorating” sector outlooks.
CIB units confront new rivals as specialised firms gain scale
Independent investment banks and private credit firms are moving into their space.
Malaysian banks see lending growth soften ahead of year end
Deposit growth improved whilst loan growth may be around 5% for 2025.
Indonesia banks see NPLs climb on mortgage and vehicle loan strain
CGSI said that banks should be more cautious of auto loans than mortgages.
Wholesale lending to lift Indonesian banks’ loan growth
Average loan growth is expected to rise to 9% in 2026.
APAC banks in stronger capital positions than global peers
Regulators have more conservative local rules.
Commentary
Energy price volatility highlights structural gaps for managing FX risk in APAC
Asia’s electronic markets reach an inflection point of transformation
Tokenisation in the Philippines: The consumer is ready, but is the infrastructure?
Asian firms need to get ready for digital assets and currencies
AI can build your plan, but can it hold you to it?
Built to last: How Japan is approaching the cross-border payments challenge