Singapore

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has two.

Financial institutions scrambling to get more flexible.

Eyes are on its outsize investment book.

But challenges are looming.

Thanks to strong internal buffers.

Blame it on lower client activity.

RMB-readiness gives advantage in China trade.

Four other branches also planned in 2014.

The currency, though, is likely to rebound.

200 bankers from almost 30 countries came in droves to receive their plaques.

On the sanctions front, the EU recently lifted all sanctions against Myanmar (the UN does not sanction Myanmar at all), however, the US approach is still complicated. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets and Controls (OFAC) regulations still “does not authorise, in connection with the provision of security services, the exportation of financial services to the Burmese Ministry of Defense, state or non-state armed groups (which includes the military) or entities owned 50% or more by any of the foregoing.”1

Cybercrime has become a major global issue that is seeing increased sophistication with cybercriminals striving to find new and improved ways to access networks. The result is a sizable financial loss to individuals and organisations with serious damage to brand image and reputation.

This was last witnessed 11 years ago.

It’s the lowest start since 2011.

Guess who followed closely.

The lowest first half period since 2012.