Staff Reporter

Hong Kong credit card values up 8.4% to $34.91b in Q1

The number of debit card transactions fell although the value rose.

EY’s Saurabh Dhingra outlines how to drive value through tech, cost control, and customer focus

He advises that fintechs must align tech investments with business goals and evolving customer expectations.

Thailand names three successful virtual bank applicants

They will need to begin business operations by June 2026.

Hong Kong, China launch Payment Connect for faster cross-border payments

Supported services include instant remittance services, amongst others.

Citi Singapore almost triples wealth transactions after digital revamp

Four of five clients use the bank’s mobile app regularly. 

dLocal gets green light to operate in three new markets

It has expanded its presence in the Philippines, Turkey, and the UAE.

BEA property risks persist but capitalisation, funding offer buffers

Its impaired loan ratio is expected to remain high in 2025.

Shoko Chukin Bank face high problem loans but profitability improving

The higher problem loans ratio may be due to its focus on the SME segment.

HSBC names Ishan Sarkar as head of WPS, Singapore

He is tasked with driving a differentiated wealth strategy for Singapore.

Card payments remain top choice of South Koreans

Nearly half of surveyed Koreans use credit cards for payments.

India’s new gold-backed loan rules changes competitive landscape

Lenders will have to gauge repayment capability using income and cash flows.

Nomura adds Allspring Income Fund to private banking lineup

The fund will be offered to private banking clients in Singapore and Hong Kong.

MUFG’s APAC transaction banking team names three new MDs

Two head the transaction banking teams in India and Indonesia, respectively.

Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank well-buffered to withstand market volatility

Asset quality of corporate lending will weaken moderately, however.

HSBC and Mastercard roll out mobile virtual corporate card in Hong Kong

HSBC’s commercial customers can issue virtual cards through a portal.