In Focus
China’s new foreign-friendly financial market brimming with opportunities, but limits still abound
If authorities remove the “execution-only” restriction in WM Connect, money flows in the channel could grow ten times bigger than the $22.5b quota, says EY’s Christine Lin.
China’s new foreign-friendly financial market brimming with opportunities, but limits still abound
If authorities remove the “execution-only” restriction in WM Connect, money flows in the channel could grow ten times bigger than the $22.5b quota, says EY’s Christine Lin.
Citi Commercial Bank bridges cultural gap with China Desk initiative
The desk opens Singapore to mid-sized Chinese firms seeking to penetrate ASEAN.
How Hong Kong’s livi bank aims to make banking more rewarding
They are amongst the first bank in the city to roll-out buy now, pay later services.
UOB simplifies and amplifies Singaporeans' green energy journeys with U-Energy
The bank seeks to help address the energy crisis and rising electricity costs, says UOB’s Jasper Wong.
Profits of Japan's megabanks to rise in next 12-18 months
All three banks’ profits jumped over 60% for the first six months of the current fiscal year.
ASEAN fintech funding achieves record $3.5b in 2021: study
Funding to investment tech and cryptocurrency firms grew by over 5x since 2020.
Hong Kong mulls launching own digital currency: financial secretary
This is part of HKMA's initiative to 'push all banks to go fintech'.
What’s in store for the decentralised crypto industry with China’s growing antagonism?
China's stance may be concerning today, but won't affect the global industry in the long run.
China deems 19 banks 'too big to fail'
These banks face new capital and regulatory requirements.
FIs need to set clear net-zero goals else loans, assets deteriorate: Moody’s
Delayed goals and actions would hurt banks’ asset and loan quality in the future.
More mergers in the horizon for Islamic banks in South Asia, SEA
For smaller players, this may be their best bet to protect their assets.
How accelerated innovations in tech will lead to open banking
It’s a mixed bag for most SEA markets, but regulator support illuminates the future of open banking.
Loan forbearance extension clouds Indonesian banks’ asset quality for longer
The extension is a positive for their asset quality and profits, but credit costs will remain elevated.
Expect failures amongst Hong Kong’s virtual-only banks: S&P
Digital lenders are currently at a loss-making and some may fold over the next few years.
SMEs mull switch to fintechs, digital banks as main finance service provider
More than one in three APAC SMEs consider switching to fintech.
Improved outlooks on the horizon for Chinese finance companies
Policies to slow debt growth and control property prices appear to be working, abating economic risks.
Singapore banks post robust net profit results
All three major banks reported net profits of more than $2b for the first six months of 2021.
Commentary
Beyond the Hype: Building Trust in Generative AI for a Secure Financial Future
Empowering green growth through sustainable finance in Bangladesh
The Transformative Power of Finance for the People