Asia First

AF Website - New header AD 18 Nov 2024.jpg

TOP NEWS

Global-Asia Family Office Summit Returns to Singapore in October

The Global-Asia Family Office Summit 2026 – Partners Forum will be held in Singapore on Oct. 6, bringing together family principals, investors, entrepreneurs and industry specialists to examine priorities shaping family capital. The event at the Grand Hyatt Singapore will focus on investment strategies, wealth governance and approaches to managing capital across generations. Organisers said participants will hear directly from family principals and practitioners with experien

FAMILY OFFICES

6 hours ago

FOCUS

27 July 2026

Hong Kong Has 3,380 Family Offices. Your Real Market Is Much Smaller.

The family-office boom is real. The opportunity for any one provider depends on which families have unfinished work, a reason to act and a route…

VIDEO RECAP
w/e

07th Aug 2026

China Market Regulator Chief Luo Wen Removed After Hebei Appointment

China market regulator chief Luo Wen has formally left the State Administration for Market Regulation following his appointment as Communist Party chief of Hebei province. China's human resources ministry confirmed Luo's removal from the regulatory position after the 61-year-old was named Hebei's top official on July 31, replacing Ni Yuefeng. Hebei surrounds Beijing and forms an important part of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei economic region, making its provincial leadership an i

REGULATION

6 hours ago

Singapore Wealth Management Fees Hit Records as Private Capital Inflows Grow

Singapore wealth management fees reached record levels at the country's three largest banks during the second quarter as continued inflows from affluent clients supported higher fee income. DBS Group's wealth management fees jumped 42% to SGD919m (USD716m), while fees at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation increased 44% and United Overseas Bank recorded growth of more than 29%. The results highlight Singapore's continued attraction of regional and international wealth as the

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

6 hours ago

South Korea Investor Leverage Unlikely to Return to Previous Highs

South Korea investor leverage is unlikely to return to levels seen during the Kospi's first-half rally even if equities resume their advance, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Rena Kwok. Investors who borrowed heavily to pursue stock-market gains are reassessing their tolerance for risk following sharp market corrections and substantial losses, Kwok said. Regulators have tightened controls covering leveraged exchange-traded funds, while brokerages, banks and insuran

ASSET MANAGEMENT

7 hours ago

Hang Seng Tech Index Expansion Could Increase Benchmark to 50 Stocks

A proposed Hang Seng Tech Index expansion would increase the Hong Kong technology benchmark to 50 constituents from 30 and introduce revenue growth as an additional selection criterion. Hang Seng Indexes Company has proposed a dual-selection framework under which the 40 largest eligible companies by market capitalisation would qualify, while another 10 constituents would be selected according to revenue growth. The index compiler said the changes would improve representation

ASSET MANAGEMENT

2 days ago

Asia Millionaire Migration Drives Demand for Second Passports and Residency

Asia millionaire migration is increasing demand for second passports and overseas residency as wealthy families incorporate geographic diversification into broader wealth and succession strategies. An estimated 165,000 millionaires could relocate globally in 2026, compared with a record 142,000 expected in 2025, according to private wealth migration estimates. Singapore has become a major destination for internationally mobile wealth, supported by its private banking, asset m

FAMILY OFFICES

2 days ago

Hong Kong & Dubai Climate Finance Cooperation Expands with September Conference

Hong Kong & Dubai climate finance cooperation will deepen when financial regulators from the two centres hold their third Joint Climate Finance Conference in Hong Kong on Sept. 10. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) will bring together corporate leaders, investors and policymakers to discuss partnerships, financing solutions and innovations supporting the transition towards lower-carbon economies. HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Y

REGULATION

2 days ago

China US Tariffs Expected to Rise by Most Chinese Executives, UBS Finds

China US tariffs are expected to increase by the end of 2026, according to more than half of Chinese corporate executives surveyed by UBS, while 40% anticipate tariff reductions. The UBS China C-Suite survey, conducted from May to mid-June, found that 57% of respondents expected bilateral relations to deteriorate, compared with only 12% anticipating improvement. Despite trade concerns, exporters reported improving demand. A net 14% said orders had strengthened from a year ear

ECONOMY

2 days ago

Hong Kong Shareholding Concentration Draws Increased SFC Scrutiny

Hong Kong shareholding concentration is attracting increased regulatory scrutiny as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) warns that highly concentrated ownership can expose small- and mid-cap stocks to sharp price movements. The SFC had flagged 13 cases by August, compared with 15 during all of 2025 and just one in 2023. The regulator warns that when controlling shareholders and a small number of investors hold most of a company's issued shares, relatively small transa

REGULATION

2 days ago

China Offshore Insurance Tax Enforcement Hits Hong Kong-Linked Stocks

New China offshore insurance tax enforcement is increasing pressure on Hong Kong financial institutions serving mainland Chinese customers. Chinese tax authorities have begun imposing a 20% personal income tax on returns generated by offshore insurance policies, including dividends and interest earned on prepaid premiums, according to Caixin. The enforcement relies on information exchanged through the Common Reporting Standard, which gives mainland authorities access to overs

REGULATION

2 days ago

Asia-Pacific CFO Resilience Strengthens Through AI and Digital Investment

Asia-Pacific CFO resilience remains strong despite growing geopolitical and economic risks, with finance leaders investing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and operational efficiency. A Deloitte Taiwan survey found that chief financial officers were more optimistic about their own organisations than about the global economy, reflecting confidence in their ability to withstand external shocks. Companies are prioritising cash-flow management, supply-chain resi

ECONOMY

2 days ago

South Korea Stock Market Defended After Sharp Volatility and Sell-Off

The South Korea stock market remains supported by solid economic fundamentals despite a sharp recent sell-off, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said. Koo cited resilient economic growth, strong exports, manageable inflation and improving consumer and business confidence while pledging additional measures to deepen capital markets and support emerging industries. His comments followed a Bloomberg Opinion column describing South Korea as increasingly “uninvestable” because of ext

ECONOMY

2 days ago

AllianzGI, UOB Asset Management Deal Expands Southeast Asia Footprint

The AllianzGI UOB Asset Management transaction will expand Allianz Global Investors’ presence across Southeast Asia and strengthen its investment capabilities in several high-growth Asian markets. AllianzGI has agreed to acquire UOB Asset Management from Singapore’s UOB Group for SGD555m (USD433m), subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close in 2027 and includes a long-term distribution agreement enabling AllianzGI to offer investment products through

ASSET MANAGEMENT

5 days ago

EVENTS

INSIGHTS

PEOPLE MOVES

China Market Regulator Chief Luo Wen Removed After Hebei Appointment

6 hours ago

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

RBC Wealth Management Asia Expands with Six Senior Private Banking Hires

Jul 29

Asia Private Equity Faces Executive Talent Shortage as Fundraising Rebounds

Jul 27

UOB Private Bank Hong Kong Appoints Judy Chan to Strengthen Wealth Business

Jul 23

Deutsche Bank Southeast Asia Strengthens Private Banking Team with Jennifer Tay

Jul 17

Singapore Wealth Management Boom Intensifies Competition for Financial Talent

Jul 16

South Korea T+1 Settlement Timeline Draws Warning from Foreign Banks

The proposed South Korea T+1 settlement transition may be too rapid for international financial institutions to implement safely, according to foreign investment banks consulted by regulators. South Korea is considering shortening its equity settlement cycle from two business days after execution to one, with an implementation period of only eight to nine months. Foreign banks said comparable transitions generally require at least 18 months of preparation. The Financial Servi

REGULATION

5 days ago

Singapore Business Costs Become Top Concern as Profit Outlook Weakens

Rising Singapore business costs have become the leading concern for local companies as global uncertainty, weaker demand and supply-chain disruption weigh on profitability. A Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey of 540 businesses found that 80% were concerned about higher operating expenses, up from 65% a year earlier. Although 78% expected to remain profitable in 2026, 56% anticipated lower earnings than in the current year. Companies said they were resp

ECONOMY

5 days ago

Indonesia Q2 Growth Slows to 5.3% but Beats Market Forecasts

Indonesia Q2 growth slowed from the previous quarter but remained stronger than economists expected, supported by government expenditure and stimulus measures. Gross domestic product expanded 5.29% year on year during the April-to-June period, exceeding the 5.1% median forecast in a Reuters poll but easing from 5.61% in the first quarter. Government spending increased 15.97%, partly because of expenditure on civil servants, although this was slower than the 21.81% rise record

ECONOMY

5 days ago

Family Office Impact Investing Rises as Younger Wealth Holders Seek Results

Family office impact investing is increasing as younger wealth holders seek measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside competitive financial returns. A report by The Venture Network and 220dots said traditional philanthropy remains widespread, with 71% of family offices globally supporting charitable activities. However, many families are expanding into investments designed to generate both financial performance and broader societal benefits. Global impact investi

FAMILY OFFICES

6 days ago

Korea Post Venture Fund Mandate Seeks Three Domestic Managers

The Korea Post venture fund mandate is seeking up to three asset managers to oversee a KRW60bn (USD41m) domestic venture capital allocation for the state-run postal agency's insurance unit. The blind fund will have a five-year investment period and primarily target South Korean startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and high-technology companies, according to a request for proposals issued on 30 July. Korea Post did not disclose detailed selection criteria for participa

ASSET MANAGEMENT

6 days ago

Taiwan Brokerage Accounts Reach Record as Young Investors Join Market

Taiwan brokerage accounts increased by 118,840 during July to a record 14.61 million, led by younger investors despite extreme stock-market volatility. Taiwan Stock Exchange data showed that account holders aged 19 and below recorded the largest increase, rising by 43,116 to 828,674. Investors aged between 20 and 30 increased by 32,813 to 1.89 million. Together, these two age groups accounted for almost 64% of the monthly increase. Investors aged 61 and above remained the lar

ASSET MANAGEMENT

6 days ago

ALL NEWS

TOP NEWS

Global-Asia Family Office Summit Returns to Singapore in October

VIDEO RECAP w/e

07th Aug 2026

China Market Regulator Chief Luo Wen Removed After Hebei Appointment

Singapore Wealth Management Fees Hit Records as Private Capital Inflows Grow

South Korea Investor Leverage Unlikely to Return to Previous Highs

Hang Seng Tech Index Expansion Could Increase Benchmark to 50 Stocks

Asia Millionaire Migration Drives Demand for Second Passports and Residency

Hong Kong & Dubai Climate Finance Cooperation Expands with September Conference

China US Tariffs Expected to Rise by Most Chinese Executives, UBS Finds

Hong Kong Shareholding Concentration Draws Increased SFC Scrutiny

China Offshore Insurance Tax Enforcement Hits Hong Kong-Linked Stocks

Asia-Pacific CFO Resilience Strengthens Through AI and Digital Investment

South Korea Stock Market Defended After Sharp Volatility and Sell-Off

AllianzGI, UOB Asset Management Deal Expands Southeast Asia Footprint

EVENTS

INSIGHTS

PEOPLE MOVES

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

RBC Wealth Management Asia Expands with Six Senior Private Banking Hires

Asia Private Equity Faces Executive Talent Shortage as Fundraising Rebounds

UOB Private Bank Hong Kong Appoints Judy Chan to Strengthen Wealth Business

Deutsche Bank Southeast Asia Strengthens Private Banking Team with Jennifer Tay

Singapore Wealth Management Boom Intensifies Competition for Financial Talent

South Korea T+1 Settlement Timeline Draws Warning from Foreign Banks

Singapore Business Costs Become Top Concern as Profit Outlook Weakens

Indonesia Q2 Growth Slows to 5.3% but Beats Market Forecasts

Family Office Impact Investing Rises as Younger Wealth Holders Seek Results

Korea Post Venture Fund Mandate Seeks Three Domestic Managers

Taiwan Brokerage Accounts Reach Record as Young Investors Join Market

VIDEO RECAP
w/e