A major Vietnam capital markets reform programme aims to expand outstanding bonds to around 60% of gross domestic product by 2045 while making capital markets a significantly larger source of long-term financing. Under Decision 1413/QD-TTg, Vietnam will tighten credit-rating requirements, broaden bond products and modernise market infrastructure after outstanding bonds reached around 34% of GDP during 2025, below earlier targets. Planned reforms include infrastructure, ESG an

The Hong Kong IPO market could stage one of its strongest years on record, with BDO raising its forecast to between 180 and 200 initial public offerings capable of raising HKD400bn (USD51bn) during 2026. The accounting firm previously expected between 150 listings raising HKD300bn to HKD350bn but upgraded its outlook after approximately 100 companies had already completed flotations, generating HKD260bn. During the first two weeks of July alone, 16 companies collectively rais

Hong Kong GDP is forecast to expand by 4.3% in 2026 as artificial intelligence investment, recovering capital markets and stronger domestic demand support the city's economic outlook, according to Standard Chartered. Senior economist Tommy Wu said Hong Kong is well positioned to benefit from Asia's AI-driven investment cycle through its logistics and trading sectors, noting that more than 70% of electronic products imported into mainland China pass through Hong Kong. Recoveri

A review of HKEX trading hours could significantly extend access to Hong Kong's equity market as the exchange explores earlier openings, continuous daytime trading and a new evening session to improve international competitiveness. According to Bloomberg, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing is considering beginning cash equity trading at 9 a.m., eliminating the existing one-hour lunch break and introducing an after-hours trading session between 8 p.m. and midnight. The tradition

The Southeast Asia IPO market delivered stronger fundraising during the first half of 2026 despite a decline in new listings, as larger transactions in Malaysia and Singapore offset subdued activity elsewhere, according to EY. The region completed 35 initial public offerings that raised USD2.5bn, representing an 85% increase in proceeds despite deal volume falling 30% compared with a year earlier. Malaysia dominated activity with 28 IPOs raising USD1.4bn, while Singapore gene

The outlook for Hong Kong wealth management remains positive as the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) expects compliant mainland Chinese capital inflows and increasing listing activity from emerging markets to reinforce the city's position as a leading international financial centre. Board member Amy Lo said tighter controls on illicit capital outflows from mainland China could encourage more investment to flow through legitimate Hong Kong channels. The FSDC is al

Hong Kong is on course for one of its strongest initial public offering performances in recent years, with EY forecasting that the Hong Kong IPO market will deliver 84 listings raising HKD209.8bn (USD26.8bn) during the first half of 2026. The projected fundraising would rank Hong Kong second globally and represents proceeds 92% above the average first-half level recorded over the past five years. EY maintained its full-year forecast of HKD320bn in IPO proceeds, citing a robus