News

Chinese banks’ interest margins to compress up to 18 basis points in 2025

State-owned banks’ fee income growth is likely to be steady through 2029.

Chinese state banks’ loan growth slows as policy loans lose steam

Growth in policy loans fell below 15% in June 2025, noted by Morningstar.

Rate cuts heighten reinvestment risk for wealthy clients

Investors are seeking growth in equities, crypto, and diversified strategies.

Singapore banks introduce safeguard for large digital withdrawals

Accounts losing over 50% of balance may enter a 24-hour cool-off period.

CIMB unveils new wealth management platform in Malaysia

This is reportedly the first CIO domiciled in Malaysia to serve affluent customers.

SMBC Group establishes offshoring hub in Chennai, India

The offshore hub will ensure stable systems development and operations, the bank said.

NAB has given out $2b in new green business loans

Demand has surged from businesses related to energy, EVs, property, and agriculture.

MUFG sets up equity fund to invest in middle, late-stage startups in Japan

Japanese startups struggle to achieve sufficient growth due to lack of support.

Private lenders step in as Hong Kong banks cut real estate loan growth

Knight Frank expects Hong Kong to remain a distressed-refinancing rather than growth-lending market.

Citi poaches BofA banker for vice chair of tech investment banking

Ric Spencer was global co-head of technology investment banking in BofA.

Singapore’s investment banking fees rise 31.5% in 9M 2025

ECM underwriting fees and M&A advisory fees have more than doubled.

Singapore’s private banking industry seeks to strengthen philanthropy advisory

They want to enhance advisors’ capabilities related to making philanthropic decisions.

State Street completes transfer of Mizuho’s $850b custody business

Mizuho will collaborate with State Street for global custody and related services.

EFG Bank AG names Robin Heng as vice chairman of SEA

Heng was most recently co-head of private banking at Bank of Singapore.

Westpac mobile app rated best in Australia by Forrester

Actionable recommendations and prompts to avoid fees helped propel it to the top spot.