Retail Banking
Australia floats removing surcharge on card payments, lowering interchange fee cap
Australia floats removing surcharge on card payments, lowering interchange fee cap
Lowering the cap could save businesses $1.2b in fees per year.
GXS Invest embeds insurance coverage with Singlife
Coverage will be up to three times the investment amount capped at S$100,000.
GoTyme Bank reaches $525.7m in deposits, expands into the SM Store
By Q3 2025, it will have kiosks in over 70 locations of the department store.
Japan’s SMFG eyes $1.1b additional investment in India’s Yes Bank: report
The Japanese megabank may raise its stake to 25%, sources said.
Chinese banks’ loan growth forecast lowered to 6% by 2028
Economic data likely indicates continued weak credit demand in the coming months.
Bangladesh’s banking sector strained by structural problems
Asset quality strains are expected to extend through 2026.
Cambodian banks face pressures from real estate and weak tourism
Bad loans may rise to up to 10% of outstanding loans by 2026.
India’s banks supported by infrastructure push and demand
Weak loans are projected to rise to 3.1% in March 2026.
Taiwanese banks to maintain sufficient buffers and stable fund
But tariff shifts may push up nonperforming assets.
Japanese banks seek higher interest incomes on rising rates, tamed deposit costs
Credit costs and nonperforming loans remain stable for the banking sector.
OCBC to maintain Great Eastern support despite failed full acquisition: report
GEH is expected to maintain its healthy capitalization and profitability, says S&P.
Japan’s megabanks brace for lower earnings growth on US uncertainties
They only expect a 7.9% net income growth, lower than the 25.3% previously.
SMBC invests in space transport and satellite integration startup
The megabank seeks to help grow Japan’s space industry.
Krungthai Bank to perform ATM system maintenance
ATM and ATM+ services won’t be available on certain dates and times in July.
SEA fintechs’ funding drops 22% to $776m in H1 2025
Late-stage investments rose but seed stage and early-stage funding both fell.
Beyond the code: How mobile banking is weaving a new financial narrative in Asia
For too long, banks have treated their mobile apps as mere extensions of their physical branches.
Stablecoins bill brings stricter oversight, opportunity to Hong Kong
The digital tokens could support cross-border payments and smart escrow.
Commentary
Navigating liquidity challenges for VCs in Asia Pacific
Show, don’t tell: Asian banks need to prove simplification works – here’s how