In Focus

DBS and OCBC seen lifting buffers as credit costs rise

DBS and OCBC seen lifting buffers as credit costs rise

Both banks’ managements will review macroeconomic variables related to the Middle East.

In Focus

How China wallets crush cards in 2025 payments race

Alipay reached 85% of surveyed users whilst WeChat Pay stood at 73%.

In Focus

Taiwan SME loans rise to $520.63m in February

The average NPL ratio is the same as in January.

In Focus

Hong Kong’s gig workers face loan hurdles despite 95% holding prime credit status

About 82% of gig workers met payment obligations vs 80% of the city’s general population.

In Focus

Commercial banking dominates M&A with 179 deals worth $190b

The segment captured 38% of the 2025 value.

In Focus

Philippine loan relief helps banks avoid NPL spike despite profit hit

Credit losses remain elevated.

In Focus

Philippines flags financial gaps as 48% lack emergency buffer

The majority claim financial awareness, yet many show a disconnect in capability.

In Focus

How can HSBC and StanChart-backed stablecoins change HKD payments?

Different target users may determine whether bank-led tokens gain everyday traction.

Expert Opinion

APAC banks face additional $180b losses as oil shock hits credit

Currently, Middle East exposures are low and indirect exposures are manageable, said S&P.

In Focus

Why Asian borrowing rises as lower rates lift demand

CareEdge says liquidity support is helping domestic activity and loan expansion across select markets

In Focus

Chinese banks grow earnings 2.3% in 2025 as margin pressures ease

State-owned enterprises outperformed joint stock banks in revenue, net profit, and fee income growth.

In Focus

Indonesia card payments to reach $61.3b in 2026

Inclusion and policy support fuel growth.

In Focus

Where do Malaysians spend their e-money the most?

Spending at dining outlets posts the fastest climb, gaining 15 percentage points year on year.

In Focus

High fuel costs and supply chain disruptions weigh on South Asia and SEA banks

The Philippines, India, and Thailand would see increased pressure from a prolonged conflict.

In Focus

Why APAC cross-border payments lag revenue despite $400b flows

Region delivers 18% of global volume but only 14% of earnings in 2025.

In Focus

Cambodia’s bank runs expose fragile depositor confidence

The exit of these weak small banks is unlikely to improve sector resilience, S&P said.

In Focus

Stablecoin volumes may hit $719t by 2035 on wealth transfer and POS adoption

Up to $100t will be transferred to Gen Z and Millennials over the coming decades.

In Focus