In Focus

Bank’s access to SDAs curbed by Philippine government

Total cuts now more than 200 basis points since July 2012.

Japanese megabanks predict lower profits this year

Says monetary easing made loans less profitable.

Chinese banks should do more online business

Ernst & Young also recommends they develop their intermediary business.

BOC Hong Kong backs SME financing

Launches privileged guarantee fee subsidy.

Philippine banking system deposits rise 10.7%

Government says it highlights ability of banks to provide credit to the economy.

China pledges to forge ahead with banking reform

Also promises increased flexibility in managing exchange and interest rates.

BOC cuts business ties with North Korean bank

Foreign Trade Bank accused of funding North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.

ICBC Thai focusing on retail market

Wants retail to account for 50% of total income by 2016.

Bad loans up, asset quality down for big Chinese banks

Fourteen of 16 banks report rise in bad loans.

Westpac reports record first-half profit

First half profit to March 31 hits $3.3 billion.

Indian banks’ retail credit rises 14.5%

Economic slowdown forces banks to push retail loans.

Weak deposit growth hammers China’s banks

Loans exceed deposits at a faster pace.

India to deposit government cash in commercial banks

Move will add liquidity and make it easier for banks to cut lending rates.

Yudhoyono calls for quick end to Bank Danamon takeover

Move suggests possible political intervention in the high-profile takeover.