Hong Kong shareholding concentration is attracting increased regulatory scrutiny as the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) warns that highly concentrated ownership can expose small- and mid-cap stocks to sharp price movements. The SFC had flagged 13 cases by August, compared with 15 during all of 2025 and just one in 2023. The regulator warns that when controlling shareholders and a small number of investors hold most of a company's issued shares, relatively small transa

New China offshore insurance tax enforcement is increasing pressure on Hong Kong financial institutions serving mainland Chinese customers. Chinese tax authorities have begun imposing a 20% personal income tax on returns generated by offshore insurance policies, including dividends and interest earned on prepaid premiums, according to Caixin. The enforcement relies on information exchanged through the Common Reporting Standard, which gives mainland authorities access to overs

Asia-Pacific CFO resilience remains strong despite growing geopolitical and economic risks, with finance leaders investing in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and operational efficiency. A Deloitte Taiwan survey found that chief financial officers were more optimistic about their own organisations than about the global economy, reflecting confidence in their ability to withstand external shocks. Companies are prioritising cash-flow management, supply-chain resi

The South Korea stock market remains supported by solid economic fundamentals despite a sharp recent sell-off, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said. Koo cited resilient economic growth, strong exports, manageable inflation and improving consumer and business confidence while pledging additional measures to deepen capital markets and support emerging industries. His comments followed a Bloomberg Opinion column describing South Korea as increasingly “uninvestable” because of ext

The AllianzGI UOB Asset Management transaction will expand Allianz Global Investors’ presence across Southeast Asia and strengthen its investment capabilities in several high-growth Asian markets. AllianzGI has agreed to acquire UOB Asset Management from Singapore’s UOB Group for SGD555m (USD433m), subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to close in 2027 and includes a long-term distribution agreement enabling AllianzGI to offer investment products through

The proposed South Korea T+1 settlement transition may be too rapid for international financial institutions to implement safely, according to foreign investment banks consulted by regulators. South Korea is considering shortening its equity settlement cycle from two business days after execution to one, with an implementation period of only eight to nine months. Foreign banks said comparable transitions generally require at least 18 months of preparation. The Financial Servi

Rising Singapore business costs have become the leading concern for local companies as global uncertainty, weaker demand and supply-chain disruption weigh on profitability. A Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey of 540 businesses found that 80% were concerned about higher operating expenses, up from 65% a year earlier. Although 78% expected to remain profitable in 2026, 56% anticipated lower earnings than in the current year. Companies said they were resp

Indonesia Q2 growth slowed from the previous quarter but remained stronger than economists expected, supported by government expenditure and stimulus measures. Gross domestic product expanded 5.29% year on year during the April-to-June period, exceeding the 5.1% median forecast in a Reuters poll but easing from 5.61% in the first quarter. Government spending increased 15.97%, partly because of expenditure on civil servants, although this was slower than the 21.81% rise record

Family office impact investing is increasing as younger wealth holders seek measurable social and environmental outcomes alongside competitive financial returns. A report by The Venture Network and 220dots said traditional philanthropy remains widespread, with 71% of family offices globally supporting charitable activities. However, many families are expanding into investments designed to generate both financial performance and broader societal benefits. Global impact investi

The Korea Post venture fund mandate is seeking up to three asset managers to oversee a KRW60bn (USD41m) domestic venture capital allocation for the state-run postal agency's insurance unit. The blind fund will have a five-year investment period and primarily target South Korean startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and high-technology companies, according to a request for proposals issued on 30 July. Korea Post did not disclose detailed selection criteria for participa

Taiwan brokerage accounts increased by 118,840 during July to a record 14.61 million, led by younger investors despite extreme stock-market volatility. Taiwan Stock Exchange data showed that account holders aged 19 and below recorded the largest increase, rising by 43,116 to 828,674. Investors aged between 20 and 30 increased by 32,813 to 1.89 million. Together, these two age groups accounted for almost 64% of the monthly increase. Investors aged 61 and above remained the lar

ASEAN infrastructure investment should be driven by private capital and commercial discipline, supported by predictable government policies and deeper regional integration, according to Singapore Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Chan Chun Sing. Speaking at the ASEAN & Asia Forum, Chan said investors choose Singapore for its consistent delivery and global connectivity rather than the size of its domestic market. Policy certainty is particularly important f

Thailand family offices are expanding as rising private wealth increases demand for specialised investment management, succession planning, tax structuring and philanthropic services. A recent report said affluent families are increasingly adopting formal family office structures to manage more complex financial needs and preserve capital across generations. Thailand's growing wealthy population, expanding middle class and continued foreign investment are creating favourable

Family business succession should focus on developing capable stewards rather than automatically transferring management control to an heir, according to Angela Koh, UOB Private Bank's head of wealth planning and family office advisory services. Koh said future leaders need sound judgement, emotional maturity, resilience and a commitment to preserve and grow family capital. Families can reduce conflict by separating ownership from management and creating clear governance stru

The Hong Kong growth forecast for 2026 has been raised by UBS to 4.5% from 3.3%, placing the bank's outlook above the market consensus of 3.5%. Hong Kong's economy expanded 4.3% year on year during the second quarter, below expectations of 4.9%. Nevertheless, UBS expects steady growth to continue, supported by the development and implementation of China's next Five-Year Plan. Song Yu, chief China economist at UBS Securities, said policy priorities have shifted towards support

AI skills in finance are becoming more valuable than traditional business qualifications, with 86% of US finance executives saying AI training is more useful than an MBA for many new employees, according to PwC. The survey of more than 1,000 executives found that 91% of companies were increasing compensation for workers with artificial intelligence capabilities. Employers are particularly seeking professionals able to build, deploy and manage AI agents across financial operat

Hong Kong SME credit conditions remained broadly stable during the second quarter of 2026, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's latest survey of small and medium-sized businesses. Excluding respondents who were uncertain about banks' lending stance, 78% viewed credit approval conditions as similar to or easier than six months earlier, up from 73% in the first quarter. The proportion reporting more difficult conditions declined to 22%. Among SMEs with existing credi

China and Hong Kong capital markets cooperation is set to deepen through new measures supporting cross-border listings, offshore yuan products and faster exchange-traded fund approvals. The Securities and Futures Commission and the China Securities Regulatory Commission said eligible mainland companies would continue receiving support for Hong Kong listings, while qualifying Hong Kong-listed firms could seek listings on mainland exchanges. Hong Kong companies may also issue b

Paragon family office coverage is expanding following the appointment of Thitaree “Pat” Natthikawong as vice-president and partner at Singapore-based wealth management boutique Paragon Capital Management. Natthikawong brings experience in fund distribution, capital raising and merchant banking across Southeast Asia, supported by relationships in Singapore, Hong Kong and other regional financial centres. Paragon said her network and Thailand-focused expertise would strengthen

The ASEAN and China free trade agreement is expected to be upgraded by the end of 2026 as both sides seek to deepen cooperation in digital trade, green commerce and regional supply chains. Officials attending the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee meeting discussed completing negotiations on ACFTA 3.0 before a leaders' summit scheduled for November. The revised framework will introduce new commitments covering digital trade, environmental goods and services, and