Frances Gagua

J.P. Morgan boss predicts banks’ trading slump gone after pandemic: report

But shareholders may not share the same optimism once they see investment banks’ Q2 results.

South Korea mulls normalizing eased rules on banks’ FX derivatives: report

The country relaxed rules in March amidst a severe dollar crunch.

Hong Kong banks’ credit losses to revert to pre-COVID levels before end-2022

The increase in credit losses in 2020 was manageable compared globally.

Refinitiv launches electronic trading service in Indonesia

This is the country’s first interbank electronic marketplace for the trading of rupiah.

Real-time payment ties cash as preferred payment method in SEA markets

Three in five consumers from four markets name it as their favoured way of paying.

Citi APAC raises record $25b in sustainable funds for clients in H1 2021

Amongst the transactions is Alibaba Group’s $5b four-part offering in February.

Citi appoints 5 Singaporeans to senior positions across APAC

This includes the new head of Integrated Corporate Bank for its Taiwan business.

Southeast Asia’s neobank market to grow 50% in 2021

Funding and winding down of the pandemic’s impact on the economy will push this market.

Singapore extends ESG loan facility to banks, FIs

Since being launched in April 2020 it has disbursed S$13.3b to FIs in support.

Internet-only lender K-Bank’s users rise by over 2 million in Q2

As of end-June the banks said that it has over 6.19 million customers.

UOB Malaysia appoints new deputy CEO

Ng Wei Wei will retain her current role as head of wholesale banking alongside this promotion.

Goldman Sachs Japan gearing up for move to new Tokyo HQ: report

This is in line with CEO David Solomin’s commitment to return to the office.

Second wave of COVID infections impairs Indian banks’ performance through 2022

Recovery will be more subdued as households prioritize rebuilding their savings.

Grab-Singtel, iFAST apply for Malaysian digital bank license

Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to issue up to five licenses by Q1 2022.

Philippines’ Landbank, UCPB to merge

Post-merger, the bank will have $55.4b in combined assets, reports local media.