Hong Kong overseas listings are set for a stronger promotional push as authorities seek more dual-primary and secondary listings from Southeast Asia and Belt and Road economies. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in his Policy Address that the city would step up efforts to attract overseas companies to its capital markets. The Securities and Futures Commission is expected to consult in 2027 on streamlining prospectus disclosure requirements to make it easier for overseas c

Hong Kong family office initiatives outlined in the city’s inaugural Five-Year Plan and 2026 Policy Address could strengthen its position as a global cross-border wealth management centre, according to Raffles Family Office. Group CEO Chi Man Kwan said preferential tax regimes for funds and single-family offices, combined with measures to attract global capital, would deepen the ecosystem supporting independent multi-family offices. Kwan also highlighted plans to broaden inve

The China wealth transfer market is entering a new phase as regulators and local authorities encourage development of family trusts and family offices to support intergenerational succession. An action plan issued in June by the People’s Bank of China, NDRC, NFRA, CSRC, SAFE and Shanghai government called for studying the orderly development of family trusts and family office businesses. A report from the Hurun Research Institute and Bank of East Asia estimated that around RM

ASEAN financial integration is set to deepen as regional central banks seek stronger cooperation and resilience against inflation, financial vulnerabilities, artificial intelligence-related disruption and fiscal pressures. The 32nd ASEAN Senior-Level Committee on Financial Integration, co-chaired by the State Bank of Vietnam and Bank Indonesia, reviewed progress across banking integration, capital markets, financial inclusion, payment systems and sustainable finance. Bank for

Hong Kong SFC raid guidance has been outlined to investment banks as the securities regulator increases scrutiny of the city’s booming share-sales market, Reuters reported. Securities and Futures Commission enforcement chief Kenneth Luk told executives from around 10 brokers at an Aug. 17 industry meeting how firms should prepare for regulatory searches, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Front-desk staff should be trained to recognise search warrants, inv

Hong Kong banks generative AI investment is accelerating as financial institutions make the technology and process automation their leading technology priority through 2030. A Hong Kong Association of Banks and Deloitte survey found that 53% of respondents ranked generative AI and process automation as their top technology investment priority, indicating a move towards broader adoption. The report found 52% of banks were optimistic about the industry’s development through 203

SGX crypto perpetual futures could soon become available to US institutional investors as Singapore Exchange expands its push into regulated cryptocurrency derivatives. SGX has filed with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to offer its Bitcoin and Ether perpetual futures to American institutions, Bloomberg reported. The contracts could become available if the regulator raises no objection within 10 days. SGX launched the products in November and has since recorded ar

Hong Kong insurers partnerships with technology, healthcare and professional-services companies are expanding as providers respond to changing client requirements and tighter mainland Chinese taxation of offshore investments. Prudential has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to develop an artificial intelligence underwriting tool that can help financial consultants make preliminary decisions using clients’ financial and medical information. Manulife has also signed agreements with

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Korea capital market reform will be a priority for finance minister nominee Lee Hyung-il as he seeks to address the “Korea discount” and strengthen corporate governance. Lee, currently first vice finance minister, outlined plans to revive potential growth, reduce economic inequality and advance market reforms ahead of his parliamentary confirmation hearing. He said the government would accelerate three national projects, promote regional growth hubs and increase investm

Singapore climate financial risks must be reflected in company accounts where they are material, despite extended timelines for some sustainability disclosures, according to guidance from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. Directors remain responsible under the Companies Act for ensuring financial statements provide a true and fair view of a company’s financial position and performance. Climate-related factors could affect asset valuations, useful lives, depre

The Forest City fintech tax incentive will give eligible financial technology companies and related service providers access to a 5% corporate tax rate in Malaysia’s Forest City Special Financial Zone. The incentive is available for 10 years and may be extended for a further decade, subject to approval and continued compliance. Eligible businesses include fintech companies, financial global business services providers and foreign payment system operators. Qualifying activitie