Frances Gagua

South Korea’s household lending rate soars to highest in 10 years: report

The household lending rate hit 5.57% per annum on average in November.

UOB to issue S$850m perpetual capital securities with 5.25% rate per annum

The distribution rate will reset on 19 January 2028 and every five years thereafter.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) warns of fake website

Customers who logged in the fake website are advised to immediately contact the bank.

Indian banks’ lending to NBFCs up 150% from pre-COVID levels

In November, banks' outstanding credit to NBFCs rose 33% from 2021.

Banks must amp up management of nature risks in net zero policies: WWF

Science-based decarbonisation targets must be set to improve their energy sector portfolios.

Financial stability a priority for Hong Kong: finance secretary

Chan expects more support from mainland China as the latter’s economy recovers.

Steering a bank through geopolitical rapids

Bank boards need to reassess their understanding of the impact that geopolitical risk can have on both their business and their clients, says Derek Leatherdale, Managing Director at GRI Strategies and Visiting Scholar at The London Institute of Banking & Finance.

Indonesia’s Bank Danamon expected to hit $245m profits in 2023: analyst

Synergy with parent company MUFG will help grow its corporate and SME loans.

Hong Kong’s ZA Bank launches debt consolidation program Debt Changer

Users can defer payment for a month for every 12 month tenor they take.

Chart of the Week: Taiwan’s card payments market value to hit $172.8b in 2026

Usage will rise to 64 uses per card per year, from 45 annual uses a card in 2022.

Buy now, pay later gains traction in Asia

BNPL brand Afterpay served 20 million customers in Australia alone.

Mastercard names Gautam Aggarwal as division president for South Asia

Aggarwal will oversee the card payment provider’s activities across South Asia and India.

Robinsons Retail to buy 4.4% stake in BPI

Robinsons Retail will purchase 4.4% interest in the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Hong Kong’s ZA Bank unveils short-term savings plan with up to 5.25% p.a. return

It has an 18 month lock-in period and offers a 0.65% discount for a limited time.

Bank of Singapore names ex-Goldman Sachs SG CEO as new chief

Jason Moo served as CEO of Goldman Sachs Singapore from 2017 to 2019.