Asia First

AF Website - New header AD 18 Nov 2024.jpg

TOP NEWS

Raffles Family Office Taps Ex-Rwanda Official to Lead Africa-Asia Push

Raffles Family Office Africa expansion is gaining momentum with the appointment of former Rwandan government official Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye as principal for emerging markets and business development. Uwihanganye will be based in Hong Kong and report to Group CEO Chi Man Kwan as the multi-family office seeks to deepen its engagement across the Africa-Asia investment corridor. He previously served as Rwanda’s minister of state for infrastructure and as the country’s high com

FAMILY OFFICES

5 hours ago

FOCUS

11 September 2026

More Heirs Fewer Owners

How families can reset ownership before inheritance turns a business into disagreements among cousins. Family ownership grows almost automatically. One founder becomes several children, then…

VIDEO RECAP
w/e

11th Sep 2026

Singapore Family Office Philanthropy Sends USD30m-Plus to Overseas Causes

Singapore family office philanthropy channelled more than USD30m to overseas causes during 2024 and 2025 under a tax incentive designed to encourage regional charitable giving. The Monetary Authority of Singapore said there are currently eight approved recipients of incentives under the Philanthropy Tax Incentive Scheme, according to a written parliamentary reply from Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong. Introduced in 2024, the scheme provides a

FAMILY OFFICES

5 hours ago

Thailand Says Monetary Policy Space Remains as Recovery Stays Uneven

Thailand monetary policy should remain accommodative as the country’s economic recovery remains low and uneven, with scope for further interest-rate cuts if necessary. Minutes from the Bank of Thailand’s Aug. 26 meeting showed the monetary policy committee unanimously kept its one-day repurchase rate at 1% for a third consecutive meeting. Policymakers said further easing outside a crisis could produce limited benefits relative to potential side effects. Preserving policy spac

ECONOMY

5 hours ago

Asia Family Offices Widen Global Investment Focus, Ascentivelab Says

Asia family office global investment strategies are becoming more diversified as wealthy investors seek opportunities across regions and asset classes, according to private capital markets firm Ascentivelab Group. The New York-based firm is expanding its investor coverage into Asia, the UK and Europe as family office capital becomes increasingly international. A UBS survey cited by Ascentivelab found that 60% of family offices plan to change strategic asset allocations within

FAMILY OFFICES

5 hours ago

Indonesia’s Richest Family Deploys USD1.4bn Abroad

Hartono family overseas investments have reached at least USD1.4bn through nine Singapore- and London-based entities as Indonesia’s wealthiest family diversifies beyond its domestic holdings, Bloomberg reported. The Hartono family, estimated to be worth around USD30bn, has traditionally kept most of its wealth in Indonesia but is increasingly acquiring businesses overseas. Transactions include the purchase of a US specialty paper company for USD669m and an Austrian cigarette-

FAMILY OFFICES

1 day ago

Hong Kong Expands Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to Spur Green Capital

The Hong Kong sustainable finance taxonomy is being expanded as authorities seek to direct more private capital towards green and transition investments. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Phase 2B prototype increases the number of covered economic activities to 39 from 25, adding areas across transportation, manufacturing and waste management while introducing measures addressing climate adaptation. The taxonomy provides criteria for determining whether particular economic a

REGULATION

1 day ago

China State Bank Capital Injection Reaches USD54bn as Beijing Strengthens Financial Sector

A China state bank capital injection programme worth around RMB360bn (USD54bn) is being rolled out as Beijing strengthens major financial institutions and seeks to support economic growth. Agricultural Bank of China plans to raise up to RMB160bn through a private placement, while Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is targeting up to RMB100bn. China Life Insurance is set to receive RMB35bn, while Export-Import Bank of China will receive RMB30bn. Other institutions covered

ECONOMY

1 day ago

CapitaLand Investment Targets USD500m for Third Asia-Pacific Credit Fund

The CapitaLand Asia-Pacific credit fund platform is expanding as CapitaLand Investment seeks USD500m for its third regional private-credit programme, Bloomberg reported. The new vehicle, ACP III, will focus on senior secured and asset-backed investments and is expected to target mainly existing investors. A first close is planned by the end of 2026. The fundraising follows the USD320m close of ACP II, which added around USD600m to CapitaLand Investment’s funds under managemen

ASSET MANAGEMENT

1 day ago

Hong Kong Eyes Kazakhstan as Gateway for Investment into Central Asia

Hong Kong Kazakhstan investment ties are set to deepen as the two markets pursue a “hub-to-hub” model designed to connect Asian capital with Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Under the proposed approach, Hong Kong would provide Kazakh businesses with greater access to mainland China and wider Asian markets, while Kazakhstan would act as a gateway for Hong Kong investors seeking opportunities across Central Asia. The two sides are also pursuing institutional arrangements to sup

ECONOMY

3 days ago

Xi Plans Rare CEO Delegation for Washington Summit

A Xi Washington CEO delegation is being prepared for the Chinese president’s Sept. 24 summit as Beijing seeks to signal support for commercial and investment ties with the United States, Reuters reported. Xi Jinping rarely travels overseas with large groups of corporate executives, and Reuters said it had not determined which business leaders would participate. His last sizeable corporate delegation to the US was in 2015 and included Alibaba founder Jack Ma and Tencent founde

ECONOMY

3 days ago

Singapore Younger Wealthy Clients Drive Banks’ Next-Generation Push

Singapore younger wealthy clients are becoming an increasingly important target for banks as millennials and Generation Z investors start investing earlier and progress more quickly into higher wealth segments. DBS said the number of millennial retail customers entering its Treasures segment, which covers clients with SGD350,000 (USD277,000) to SGD1.5m in investible assets, tripled in the first half of 2026 from a year earlier. OCBC recorded an almost 50% increase in customer

FAMILY OFFICES

3 days ago

Wang Jianjun Life Sentence Follows Bribery Conviction of Former China Securities Regulator

Wang Jianjun life sentence proceedings have ended with the former China Securities Regulatory Commission vice chairman receiving life imprisonment for accepting more than RMB93m (USD13m) in bribes. State broadcaster CCTV reported that the court found Wang had used his positions between 2005 and 2019 to secure benefits for companies and individuals. The benefits involved company listings, corporate financing and business contracts, with Wang accepting money and property in ret

REGULATION

3 days ago

Japan’s Stronger Q2 Growth Keeps BOJ Tightening on Track

Japan Q2 GDP growth was stronger than initially estimated, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of Japan will continue raising interest rates. Gross domestic product expanded at an annualised 1.4% in April-June from the previous quarter, revised up from an initial 1.1% estimate. Non-annualised quarterly growth was 0.4%, government data showed. Capital expenditure fell 0.9%, a smaller decline than the previously estimated 1.2%, while private consumption was unchanged. Separa

ECONOMY

4 days ago

EVENTS

INSIGHTS

PEOPLE MOVES

Raffles Family Office Taps Ex-Rwanda Official to Lead Africa-Asia Push

5 hours ago

Raffles Family Office Names Ken Peng as First CIO

Sep 1

Singapore Family Office Legal Services Expand with New Boutique Firm

Aug 28

B2C2 Family Office Expansion Strengthened by Jason Lai Appointment

Aug 18

Hong Kong Finance Talent Returns as Capital Markets Recover

Aug 17

China Market Regulator Chief Luo Wen Removed After Hebei Appointment

Aug 12

AI Skills in Finance Overtake MBAs in Hiring Value, PwC Finds

Aug 5

Paragon Family Office Coverage Expands with Senior Partner Appointment

Aug 4

Societe Generale Strengthens Asia Transaction Banking with Joseph Chia Appointment

Jul 31

HSBC Singapore Hiring Adds 200 AI and Wealth Management Roles

Jul 29

Singapore Accounting Body Opens Regional Pathway for Smaller Firms

Singapore accounting firms Asia expansion could become easier under a regional professional-services network being developed by the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants. ISCA’s Professional Services Centre network allows smaller Singapore firms to work with local providers for regulated services, market expertise and business connections without incurring the full cost of establishing overseas offices. A newly launched Jakarta centre joins existing locations in Singap

ECONOMY

4 days ago

Singapore and Hong Kong Banks Set to Gain as Asian Wealth Shifts to Markets

Asian wealth management growth could increasingly favour banks in Singapore and Hong Kong as household assets shift from deposits and property towards equities, bonds, funds and alternative investments, according to Morgan Stanley. The trend is expected to increase demand for private banking, investment management and advisory services as household wealth across Asia continues to expand. Morgan Stanley said Singapore should benefit from its position as a centre for family off

FAMILY OFFICES

4 days ago

Philippine CEOs Stay Upbeat Despite Mounting Business Risks

Philippine CEO confidence remains strong despite growing concerns over regulatory uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate change and technological disruption. A PwC Philippines and Management Association of the Philippines survey of 176 CEOs and business leaders found that 83% were confident about their industry prospects over the next 12 months, while 81% expected company revenues to grow. Domestic consumption was the most frequently cited growth driver, followed by infr

ECONOMY

4 days ago

UBS Targets Family Offices with USD5m Institutional Funds Programme

The UBS family office funds programme is giving wealthy Asian investors access to strategies typically reserved for institutions, with a minimum overall commitment of USD5m. The Exclusive Manager Access Fund Program will initially launch in Singapore and Hong Kong before expanding to Taiwan, targeting high-net-worth individuals, ultra-high-net-worth investors and family offices. Clients must allocate at least USD500,000 to each underlying fund. The programme will begin with s

FAMILY OFFICES

4 days ago

OCBC Rally Lifts Lee Family Fortune to USD13.8bn

The OCBC Lee family fortune has risen to USD13.8bn as shares in the Singapore bank nearly doubled over the past year, supported partly by expansion of its wealth-management business. The family, whose largest asset is its OCBC holding, ranked fourth among Singapore’s wealthiest and recorded the largest increase in both absolute and percentage terms. OCBC’s wealth-management business grew 11% in the first quarter and accounted for 39% of total revenue. The bank has been expand

FAMILY OFFICES

4 days ago

Barclays Targets Family Offices with Singapore Private Bank Booking Centre

Barclays Singapore private bank capabilities are expanding with the launch of a new booking centre aimed at family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients across Asia. The move marks Barclays’ return to an onshore private banking booking model in Singapore, around a decade after the British lender sold its regional private banking business to OCBC. The centre combines local booking capabilities with Barclays’ international network, giving clients access to banking, lending,

FAMILY OFFICES

4 days ago

ALL NEWS

TOP NEWS

Raffles Family Office Taps Ex-Rwanda Official to Lead Africa-Asia Push

VIDEO RECAP w/e

11th Sep 2026

Singapore Family Office Philanthropy Sends USD30m-Plus to Overseas Causes

Thailand Says Monetary Policy Space Remains as Recovery Stays Uneven

Asia Family Offices Widen Global Investment Focus, Ascentivelab Says

Indonesia’s Richest Family Deploys USD1.4bn Abroad

Hong Kong Expands Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to Spur Green Capital

China State Bank Capital Injection Reaches USD54bn as Beijing Strengthens Financial Sector

CapitaLand Investment Targets USD500m for Third Asia-Pacific Credit Fund

Hong Kong Eyes Kazakhstan as Gateway for Investment into Central Asia

Xi Plans Rare CEO Delegation for Washington Summit

Singapore Younger Wealthy Clients Drive Banks’ Next-Generation Push

Wang Jianjun Life Sentence Follows Bribery Conviction of Former China Securities Regulator

Japan’s Stronger Q2 Growth Keeps BOJ Tightening on Track

EVENTS

INSIGHTS

PEOPLE MOVES

Raffles Family Office Taps Ex-Rwanda Official to Lead Africa-Asia Push

Raffles Family Office Names Ken Peng as First CIO

Singapore Family Office Legal Services Expand with New Boutique Firm

B2C2 Family Office Expansion Strengthened by Jason Lai Appointment

Hong Kong Finance Talent Returns as Capital Markets Recover

China Market Regulator Chief Luo Wen Removed After Hebei Appointment

AI Skills in Finance Overtake MBAs in Hiring Value, PwC Finds

Paragon Family Office Coverage Expands with Senior Partner Appointment

Societe Generale Strengthens Asia Transaction Banking with Joseph Chia Appointment

HSBC Singapore Hiring Adds 200 AI and Wealth Management Roles

Singapore Accounting Body Opens Regional Pathway for Smaller Firms

Singapore and Hong Kong Banks Set to Gain as Asian Wealth Shifts to Markets

Philippine CEOs Stay Upbeat Despite Mounting Business Risks

UBS Targets Family Offices with USD5m Institutional Funds Programme

OCBC Rally Lifts Lee Family Fortune to USD13.8bn

Barclays Targets Family Offices with Singapore Private Bank Booking Centre

VIDEO RECAP
w/e