Frances Gagua

RACQ Bank insulated from parent group stress after insurance unit sale

There are also no intra-group deposits or loans between RACQ Bank and the RACQ Group.

China and Azerbaijan’s central banks ink cooperation MOU

They aim to strengthen bilateral financial cooperation, amongst others.

Firms cut paper, seek speed in trade finance shift

Rapid onboarding lets firms pivot quickly as tariffs force changes in supplier markets.

Thailand’s SCBX joins AI research initiative as a founding member

It aims to explore how AI is shaping the future of global financial systems.

Japan’s megabanks may increase foreign bond purchases to meet income goals

Upcoming US Fed rate cuts may raise bond prices, increasing urgency to buy.

China Merchant Bank profit rebounds in Q2 on lower costs

Net profit grew 2.7% in Q2 from a 2.1% decline in Q1.

Hang Seng Bank appoints HSBC’s Luanne Lim as new chief executive

Diana Cesar will return to HSBC as vice chairman, Hong Kong.

Bangkok Bank’s deputy CEO apologises due to system disruption

It caused an inaccurate display of balance in some accounts.

Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank’s profitability likely to be stable through 2026

The bank still faces high asset risk, although it has built up strong buffers.

UnionBank of the Philippines rolls out pilot for easier retirement account opening

Users can now open PERA accounts using their bank or e-wallet data.

Airwallex acquires OpenPay, to compete directly with Stripe Billing

Billing capabilities will be rolled out by Q4, Airwallex said.

Ant International’s Antom launches agentic payment solution

Antom can specifically connect AI agents to APMs using Antom EasySafePay. 

India’s HDFC Bank invests in quantum-safe cybersecurity firm QNu Labs

QNu Labs was founded in 2016 and incubated at ITT Madras Research Park.

Australia’s Westpac to hire 350 bankers by 2027: report

It aims to enhance business banking and expand its market share in regional Australia.