A successful Malaysia family office hub will depend on far more than generous tax incentives, with economists arguing that regulatory quality, infrastructure and investor confidence will ultimately determine whether Forest City can emerge as a regional wealth management centre. The initiative offers qualifying single family offices tax concessions for up to 20 years and positions Forest City, within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, as a lower-cost alternative to Sin

LEAP East Hong Kong has secured a long-term future in the city after organisers confirmed a three-year partnership that will keep the technology and innovation summit in Hong Kong through 2029. The inaugural three-day event attracted approximately 25,000 participants, including 600 investors overseeing more than USD6.5tr in assets, alongside 340 speakers, 450 exhibitors and 300 startups. Organiser Tahaluf, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Innovation, Technolo

The Malaysia IPO market led Southeast Asia during the first half of 2026 after recording 36 new listings that raised USD1.3bn, according to Deloitte. Across the region, 47 initial public offerings generated USD3.07bn, more than doubling the USD1.41bn raised from 53 listings during the corresponding period a year earlier. Average deal size increased significantly to USD65m from USD26m, reflecting stronger investor demand for larger and more established issuers. Three transacti

GPIF asset allocation is unlikely to undergo a major overhaul despite recent government calls for Japan's state pension funds to increase investment in domestic assets, according to people familiar with the matter. The comments ease speculation that the Government Pension Investment Fund could significantly redirect capital into Japanese financial markets. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama recently suggested pension funds should substantially increase investment in domestic a

Singapore expat wealth continues to grow despite higher living costs and currency volatility, with most expatriates saying overseas employment has accelerated both their financial independence and retirement plans. According to a survey by St James's Place Asia, 93% of respondents believed relocating abroad had brought financial freedom closer, while 83% said it had helped them retire sooner than expected. The study found that 96% earned more than they would in their home cou

Chinese banks continue to dominate the global banking industry, occupying seven of the world's top 10 positions by Tier 1 capital in The Banker magazine's 2026 Top 1000 World Banks ranking. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China retained the top four positions globally, while Postal Savings Bank of China entered the top 10 for the first time. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citi were the only non-Chin

Singapore supply chain resilience is stronger than in other major developed markets, with local businesses better prepared to withstand prolonged disruptions, according to Proxima's 2026 Global Supply Chain Resilience Outlook. The findings highlight Singapore's continued focus on operational resilience and business continuity amid increasing geopolitical and technology-related risks. The survey found that 23% of Singapore companies could continue operating for between four an

Hong Kong overseas expansion remains a strategic priority for local companies despite weaker business confidence, according to UOB's Business Outlook Study 2026. The survey found that nearly four in five businesses intend to expand internationally during the next three years as they strengthen resilience and pursue long-term growth opportunities. Business sentiment declined to 63% in 2025 from 73% a year earlier, reflecting a more challenging economic environment. Nevertheles

Yuan investment continues to gain acceptance among institutional investors, with 87% of portfolios now including yuan-denominated assets, according to an HSBC survey covering more than 120 Asia-Pacific investors. The findings highlight growing confidence in China's financial markets and the expanding role of the yuan in global portfolio diversification. The survey found that 63% of respondents primarily accessed offshore yuan markets, while 54% invested through Connect progra

The South Korea growth outlook has strengthened after major global investment banks raised their average 2026 economic growth forecast to 3%, supported by booming semiconductor exports driven by artificial intelligence demand. The revised projections reflect growing confidence in the country's export-led recovery. Data from the Korea Center for International Finance showed the average forecast from eight investment banks, including JP Morgan and Citi, increased from 2.8% in M

Singapore wealthy individuals continue to face the world's highest cost of living, with the city retaining its position as the most expensive location globally for high-net-worth individuals for a fourth consecutive year, according to Julius Baer's latest Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report. The Swiss private bank ranked Singapore ahead of Zurich and Monaco, while Hong Kong placed fourth, Shanghai sixth, Sydney eighth and Bangkok tenth. Asia-Pacific cities accounted for five o

Indonesia is considering sweeping tax incentives to support a proposed international financial centre as the government seeks to attract global capital, financial institutions and family offices. The Indonesia financial hub proposal includes extensive fiscal incentives aimed at strengthening the country's competitiveness as a regional investment destination. Lawmakers discussed legislation that would provide a 100% corporate income tax reduction for qualifying businesses and

The Hong Kong business outlook remains resilient despite increased economic uncertainty, with companies continuing to prioritise overseas expansion, digital transformation and supply-chain resilience, according to UOB's Business Outlook Study 2026. The survey suggests businesses remain cautiously optimistic about future growth despite softer current sentiment. Among 255 business owners and senior executives surveyed, 63% viewed current business conditions positively, compared

Bond Connect will receive significant policy support after China's central bank announced measures to increase mainland investment into Hong Kong's bond market and broaden the programme's product offering. The Bond Connect enhancements form part of Beijing's continuing efforts to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre. People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng said the annual net investment quota for the southbound segment will increase to RMB800

China refinancing rules could become more flexible after the China Securities Regulatory Commission proposed changes designed to help listed companies raise capital more efficiently while strengthening investor protection. The proposed reforms form part of Beijing's broader efforts to improve financing channels for high-quality companies pursuing innovation and business expansion. Under the draft measures, eligible companies would be allowed to conduct multiple share issuance

Hong Kong wealth remains among the world's highest after the city ranked fourth globally for wealth per adult in the latest UBS Global Wealth Report, highlighting its continued strength as an international financial and wealth management centre. The report underscores Hong Kong's importance for private banks, family offices and investment managers serving affluent clients across Asia. UBS reported average wealth per adult in Hong Kong of USD648,267, placing the city behind on

The Philippines upper-middle income classification has been restored by the World Bank after the country's gross national income per capita increased to a record USD4,850, reflecting several years of sustained economic expansion. The milestone is expected to enhance the country's international investment profile while strengthening confidence among foreign investors and financial institutions. The Philippines had remained in the lower middle-income category since 1987 and nar

China family wealth has reached RMB145tr (USD20.2tr), with Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong remaining the country's leading centres for affluent households, according to a report by Bank of East Asia and the Hurun Research Institute. The findings underline the concentration of wealth in China's major financial hubs and reinforce the importance of the Greater Bay Area as a key market for private banks, family offices and wealth managers. Hong Kong recorded around 521,000 afflue

Singapore China capital markets cooperation has been reinforced after the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the China Securities Regulatory Commission reaffirmed their commitment to closer supervisory and regulatory collaboration during their 10th annual supervisory roundtable held in Singapore on June 29. Officials reviewed developments in both equity markets, including Singapore's Equity Market Development Programme and reforms to China's STAR Market and ChiNext exchanges

The APAC banking outlook remains broadly stable despite growing geopolitical risks, although Asia-Pacific banks could face an additional USD180bn in credit losses if conflict in the Middle East persists, according to S&P Global Ratings. The warning forms part of the agency's latest midyear assessment of regional banking conditions. S&P said that 92% of Asia-Pacific bank ratings continue to carry stable outlooks, reflecting expectations that credit ratings will remain largely