Frances Gagua

HSBC’s profit dips to $12.7b in Q1; special dividend after Canada sale

A first interim dividend of $0.1 per share has been approved by the board.

Indonesian banks tout sound profitability and capitalisation

Only a fraction of restructured loans will become bad loans, Fitch said.

Depositors ‘flight to safety’ to benefit China Merchants Bank

Focus on wealth and deposits over loans has boosted its liquidity.

Japanese banks back fund to develop space industry

SMBC, MUFG, and Mizuho Bank are all named limited partners.

India changes criteria for small banks seeking to be universal banks

Net worth lowered, but must be profitable in the past two years.

Alipay+ enables 14 foreign e-wallets to pay in Hong Kong

About 90% of HK merchants now accept payments using foreign e-wallets.

PH banks maintained loan standards in Q1

An estimated 3 in 4 banks maintained credit standards for housing loans.

Indonesian banks gave out more new loans in Q1

But the number is lower than in Q4 2023 and will slow down further in Q2.

Alipay+ inks deal with Jeju tourism org for exclusive offers to foreign visitors

Foreign visitors can enjoy up to 50% discounts from ZeroPay merchants.

Thailand’s central bank appoints three new senior roles

Two deputy governors are rotating while one assistant governor is moving up.

Hong Kong SME’s funding gap at $21.7b

About 1 in 3 small businesses who need money choose not to get a loan.

South Korean banks’ loan delinquency rate rise in February

Corporate, SME, and household loans all saw their delinquency rates rise.

APAC finance professionals more confident on economy but talent risks rise

US economy resilience and improvements in China and Japan propped up their confidence.

PH’s BillEase clinched $5m investment from Credit Saison lending arm

BillEase has achieved profitability in 2023 and delivered 47% return on equity.

VPBank’s asset quality at risk amidst housing slowdown

About 1 in 5 of its loans are real estate loans.

Funding Societies, SGeBIZ to offer embedded finance solution for SG businesses

The solution aims to help businesses manage their cash flow.