JPMorgan Asset Management Asia plans to double its assets under management in the region to USD600bn within five years, building on strong growth in active exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and new market entries. The firm managed USD302bn in Asia at end-2024 — more than double its 2019 level — according to Asia-Pacific CEO Dan Watkins. Key drivers include the launch of its first active ETF in Taiwan in September and a SGD1.1bn (USD0.8bn) mandate from the Monetary Authority of Sin

Hong Kong SFC REIT approval procedures have been shortened to four weeks as the Securities and Futures Commission launches a new one-stop channel to facilitate real estate investment trust (REIT) listings. The platform enables local and overseas issuers to consult the regulator confidentially, improving efficiency and market preparation. The SFC has also simplified authorisation requirements and documentation, streamlining the application timeline. Hong Kong currently hosts 1

Hong Kong Islamic finance initiatives are gathering pace as the city positions itself as North Asia’s hub for Shariah-compliant financial products. Companies are exploring sukuk bond issuance to attract Middle Eastern capital into the Greater Bay Area, officials and bankers said. Standard Chartered’s David Yim noted growing interest in sukuk listings following government roadshows in the region. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s legal framework alread

Singapore AI hub for finance has been launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across the financial industry. Developed under the PathFin.ai programme, now involving more than 80 financial institutions, the hub offers peer-validated use cases in risk management, sales, and operations. It will be expanded to include new case studies, resources, and workforce planning tools to help institutions deploy AI efficiently. M

Hong Kong family office growth continues as regulators and wealth managers intensify efforts to serve increasingly sophisticated investors shifting allocations toward private markets and global diversification. The city now counts more than 2,700 single-family offices as of September 2025, after meeting its 2022 goal to attract at least 200, and aims to bring in another 220 between 2026 and 2028. Raffles Family Office, led by group CEO Chi Man Kwan, is expanding into the Midd

HSBC Hong Kong cross-border wealth hub ambitions were reinforced by chief executive Georges Elhedery, who reaffirmed Hong Kong’s centrality to the bank’s long-term growth. He described the city as a core market and gateway between mainland China and global capital, predicting it would become the world’s largest cross-border wealth hub by 2030. Elhedery noted that HSBC has been adding around 100,000 new clients a month in Hong Kong over the past two years, highlighting the cit

Lioner Hong Kong leadership has been bolstered with the appointment of Gary Mak as general manager, reinforcing Lioner International Group Ltd.’s growth strategy in Asia. The firm, which offers insurance, trust, and family office services, said Mak will oversee Hong Kong operations, focusing on sales strategy, advisor engagement, and expansion into Asia’s wealth hubs. With more than 20 years of experience at Fubon Life, AXA, MetLife, and New York Life, Mak brings strong exper

Global family offices in Hong Kong gathered at the sixth World Family Office Forum | Asia, which opened on 9 October at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. The two-day event, hosted by Connect Group, convened family principals, office leaders, and investors for closed-door discussions on wealth, governance, and innovation. The forum focuses on multigenerational succession, global investment trends, venture capital, digital assets, and impact investing. Sessions also explore cybersecu

Raffles Family Office CEO Kwan Chi-man said that multi-family offices can leverage their scale to become influential market players and create lasting global impact. Speaking at the firm’s annual forum in Hong Kong, he noted that these organisations can expand assets under management, nurture local talent, and strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a top wealth management hub. Raffles Family Office also plans to broaden its Middle East presence and will host its first family of

HSBC Holdings has offered to purchase the remaining 37% of Hang Seng Bank that it does not already own for about USD37bn, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Hong Kong. The proposed cash offer of HKD155 (USD19.8) per share represents a 30% premium over Hang Seng’s previous closing price, the London-based lender said on Thursday. If approved, the transaction would see Hang Seng’s publicly traded shares cancelled, taking the bank private. HSBC, which currently holds a 63% s

Fasset Islamic crypto bank has received regulatory approval from Malaysia’s Labuan FSA, becoming the world’s first Shariah-compliant digital bank powered by stablecoins. The UAE-based fintech will expand from digital asset services to full-scale on-chain banking through its superapp, offering zero-interest accounts and access to US stocks, gold, and cryptocurrencies. With over 500,000 users across 125 countries, the platform currently handles USD6bn in annualised volume and a

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation in finance and renewable energy. Scheduled for 5 November in Ho Chi Minh City, the event aims to strengthen collaboration in developing an international financial centre and advancing clean energy projects. UK Consul General Alexandra Smith said the partnership builds on the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s entry into the CPTPP, which removed tariffs on 99% of UK exports to Vietnam.

The World Family Office Forum Asia opens on 9–10 October at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, bringing together family principals, single and multi-family office leaders, and advisers for two days of private discussions focused on governance and investment strategy. The event, organised by Connect Group, aims for at least 70% participation from family offices to ensure peer-led dialogue. The sixth edition will feature sessions on global investment trends, public market allocations

Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) surpassed HKD1.5tr (USD192bn) in total assets for the first time at the end of September, reaching a record HKD1.53tr, according to provisional data from the MPF Schemes Authority. Equity and mixed-asset funds, which account for nearly 80% of total assets, posted average net returns of 18.8% and 10.6%, respectively, over the past year. The Core Accumulation Fund under the Default Investment Strategy achieved a 9.8% return for the sam

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