Frances Gagua

Alipay+ now connects over 1.6 billion users of 35 e-wallets, banks

The platform recently welcomed Kaspi.kz and BigPay.

Hong Kong’s total loans down 2.8% in 2024

Loans for use outside Hong Kong dropped by 1.3% in December.

Home loans in negative equity dropped to $25.03b in Dec 2024

The number of cases fell, but the three-month delinquency ratio rose.

Hong Kong’s total deposits up 7.1% in 2024

Renminbi deposits fell, whilst RMB remittance rose in December.

Bangkok Bank nets 8.6% net profit rise in 2024

It attributed this to the recovery of tourism and exports.

RHB kiosks replace debit cards on the spot

The machines have handled 70% of the Malaysian lender’s card replacements.

Southeast Asian banks’ face mixed outcomes from shallower rate decline

Philippine and Singapore banks will be key beneficiaries if rates are higher.

HDFC Bank’s profit after tax up 12.3% for 9M FY2024/25

For the quarter ended Dec 2024, consolidated PAT was 13.6% higher.

RBI supersedes board of Aviom India Housing Finance

Punjab National Bank’s ex-CGM Shri Ram Kumar appointed as administrator.

Hong Kong banks to focus on resilience, costs in 2025: KPMG

Interest rate reductions are likely to be slower.

MUFG Bank reprimanded for securities-related lapses

MUMSS also received a strict warning from the Japan’s Association of Real Estate Securitization.

Hang Seng Bank fined HK$66.4m for overcharging, sales misconduct

It reportedly received HK$22.4m in excess benefits and fees, the HKMA and SFC said.

Hong Kong fintech association unveils AI advisory council

It will serve as the industry voice to share best practices, amongst others.

Toh Su Mei exits ANEXT Bank; Kai Qiu is new CEO

Ant International in the process of rolling out credit solutions for Thai MSMEs.

Firms turn cautious over gen AI amidst fears of obsolescence, fragmented regulations

Of 47 APAC jurisdictions, about 16 have AI regulations or guidance in place.