News
SMEs, crypto regulations key to Bahrain’s fintech ambitions
SMEs, crypto regulations key to Bahrain’s fintech ambitions
Stablecoins and crypto payments are areas of interest for the central bank.
JPMorgan Chase Bank fined $2.4m for oversight lapses in bond transactions
The bank had already paid the civil penalty.
Philippine bank loans up 10.6% in October
Consumer loans grew by 23.6% in the same month.
Mizuho Bank absorbs subsidiary to streamline operations
This aims to enhance the bank's call centres and online services.
MUFG Bank to acquire robo-advisor WealthNavi for $662m
The bank is offering 1,950 yen per share.
MUFG Bank sells 25% stake in Home Credit PH for JPY26.5b
Security Bank, which is 20% MUFG-owned, is buying the HCPH stake.
Malaysia logs 5.1% non-bank sector credit growth in October
Business loans and corporate bonds boosted credit for the month.
Hong Kong total deposits up 5.8% YTD in October
Hong Kong dollar deposits grew, but renminbi remittances fell.
CIMB Group’s profit rise 12.57% in 9M 2024; EPS is MYR18.98 for Q3
The group expects its net interest margin to normalise and see some pressure in Q4.
Mastercard, ADB promote financial inclusion in APAC MSMEs
Mastercard’s fund is allotting $5m to the ADB.
Thailand’s banking system loans contract 2% in Q3
Loans to petrochemical, electronic, and automotive sectors fell.
Vietnam’s central bank urges credit firms to reduce loan fees, simplify process
Credit institutions are asked to review fees with view of possible exemptions.
Three Indian banks penalized for lending violations
Two banks sanctioned loans to its directors, the RBI stated in separate notices.
HKMA launches digital bond grant scheme to boost digital securities market
Issuers of eligible digital bonds may receive a maximum grant of $2.5m.
GCash eyes 2025 IPO, looking to raise up to $1.5b
If successful, this is slated to be the biggest IPO in the Philippines.
Siam Commercial Bank offers 0% interest solar panel installation packages
The package includes solar panels, inverter equipment, and installation.
HSBC Hong Kong’s real estate risks to persist through 2025
The bank should see good profitability, strong capitalization, and adequate liquidity, however.
Commentary
Built to last: How Japan is approaching the cross-border payments challenge
Asia’s 20% advantage: The simplification strategy rewriting banking from Singapore to Shanghai
Perth is emerging as an unlikely testbed for the future of global finance