Asia-Pacific venture capital delivered the region's strongest private-market performance in 2025, although investors remain cautious about increasing allocations amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Reports from MSCI and Coller Capital showed global venture capital generated returns of 22%, ahead of private equity's 13.3%, while Asia-Pacific venture capital produced regional returns of 15.3%. Globally, venture capital achieved a 19% internal rate of return, helped by its st

Asia wealth transfer is becoming a strategic priority for private banks as an estimated USD5.8tr in family wealth is expected to pass to the next generation across the region. Morgan Stanley is responding by expanding efforts to engage future wealth owners through a week-long programme in Hong Kong developed with the University of Hong Kong. The initiative combines education and networking to build long-term relationships with younger family members before they inherit signif

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

Korean insurance acquisitions are accelerating as banks, insurers and securities firms compete for strategic assets to strengthen earnings and diversify their financial services businesses. Several major sale processes involving Lotte Non-Life Insurance, KDB Life Insurance and Yebyeol Non-Life Insurance are expected to reach important milestones during July and August. Banks are seeking to expand non-bank revenue streams, while securities firms are pursuing insurance licences

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

Singapore AML guidance has been refined to clarify that property developers should apply enhanced anti-money laundering checks only to higher-risk home buyers, reinforcing a risk-based approach to customer due diligence rather than blanket scrutiny across all property transactions. In a circular, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said standard identity verification and database screening would generally be sufficient for most purchasers. Additional due diligence, includ

Family office technology is becoming a defining factor in the next stage of Hong Kong's wealth management development as increasingly sophisticated portfolios require stronger operational infrastructure alongside investment expertise. A commentary published on Wednesday said technology and operating capability, rather than capital alone, will determine how effectively family offices manage growing cross-border complexity. The report said family offices are increasingly adopti

Taiwan's financial sector is set for further consolidation after the Financial Supervisory Commission approved two significant transactions involving banking and insurance groups. The approvals cover the merger of Bank SinoPac and King's Town Bank, together with E.Sun Financial Holding's acquisition of Mercuries Life Insurance. Bank SinoPac will become the surviving entity when the merger takes effect on 1 January next year, creating a lender with 189 branches, the second-lar

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

Atlas Capital family office services have expanded following the appointment of former DBS Bank (Hong Kong) institutional banking head and alternate chief executive Alex Cheung as strategic adviser. The move supports the firm's evolution from a single-family office into an investment-led wealth management platform serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices across Asia. Hong Kong-based Atlas Capital Asset Management said it has broadened its multi-family offic

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

The Hong Kong wealth hub is reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading centres for offshore wealth management, supported by rapid growth in family offices, recovering capital markets and stronger cross-border investment flows. According to Boston Consulting Group, Hong Kong managed USD2.95tr in offshore assets at the end of 2025, overtaking Switzerland to become the world's largest offshore wealth centre. Government figures showed the number of family offices incr

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

State Street has renewed its long-standing mandate to provide asset servicing for South Korea's National Pension Service (NPS), reinforcing its role as a strategic partner to one of the world's largest institutional investors. The renewed State Street NPS agreement supports the pension fund's expanding international investment programme as overseas allocations continue to increase. The mandate covers a comprehensive range of back- and middle-office services, including custody

Hong Kong family office services are continuing to expand as law firm Oldham, Li & Nie (OLN) launches a dedicated practice to support the growing needs of international families using the city as a base for wealth planning and succession. The new multidisciplinary offering reflects rising demand for integrated legal, tax and governance advice as Hong Kong strengthens its position as a regional wealth management hub. OLN said the practice will advise clients on family office e

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