News

Hong Kong banks will encourage customers engaged in trade between Hong Kong and Mainland China to settle trade transactions in renminbi.

HSBC Vietnam opened its first regional branch in Vietnam in Binh Duong—its first full service branch in operation outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Korea Exchange Bank wants to enhance its competitiveness in mergers and acquisitions and in acquisition financing through partnership with Samsung Securities Co.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation hopes to have 400 branches the soonest possible time by acquiring medium-sized banks.

Krung Thai Bank is going to expand ATM installation points to facilitate the clients nationwide including the four southern-most border provinces.

KTB injected money through loans to over 40,000 retail clients with credit line of US$30 million, enabling total personal loans to grow to US$8.8 billion.

The net income of the UnionBank of the Philippines rose to US$28.97 million during the January-May period, or a 44 percent growth from US$20 million a year ago.

Metrobank ranked first in “Financial Reputation” in the Philippines by readers of The Wall Street Journal Asia, according to Asia 200. The report was based on the survey of over 2,000 executives in Asia and the Pacific.

BEA has concluded a series of business cooperation agreements with Criteria CaixaCorp and Caja de Ahorros y Pensiones de Barcelona.

HSBC is adding US$516 million to its SME loan fund in Hong Kong, the second increase this year, for a total of US$1.548 billion in lending since December 2008.

Bangkok Bank has introduced a new fixed deposit account with increasing interest rates, from 1 to 1.5 percent per annum, over a period of 18 months. Interest will be paid every six months. Customers can enjoy the “Step Plus” offer up to 20 July 2009 by opening an account with a minimum deposit of US$14.65.

Metrobank added 25 new automated teller machines in key areas to increase its network to over a thousand ATMs nationwide.

Sundarganj Branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited at Janata Market, College Road was inaugurated as its 199th Branch.

ACLEDA Bank has again raised its total registered capital share by US$8.15 million.

The Investment Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan has approved BEA's move to acquire AIG Wealth Management Services Taiwan Limited.

Over the next few months Members Equity Bank will gradually introduce a new logo and colours to remind bankers that it is theirs.