AI investments family offices are accelerating across Asia despite concerns over elevated valuations in US markets. Wealthy investors deployed USD24.3bn into private AI deals in 2025, nearly tripling the previous year, with another USD950m committed by early April. The surge in AI investments family offices reflects strong demand for exposure to leading firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic, although access challenges and valuation risks are pushing some investors toward Asian s

China GDP growth reached 5% year-on-year in the first quarter, surpassing forecasts and signalling resilience despite rising geopolitical risks. The expansion exceeded the 4.8% estimate and improved from 4.5% in the previous quarter. On a quarterly basis, China GDP growth stood at 1.3%, slightly above the prior quarter’s 1.2%. However, escalating risks linked to the Iran conflict threaten the outlook, particularly through rising oil prices that could disrupt trade, increase p

Family offices are increasingly turning to Asia as market volatility and geopolitical tension drive demand for stability. DBS said rising interest in family offices Asia reflects a shift by European and US clients seeking diversification and wealth management services. Private banking head Joseph Poon noted some clients are acquiring stakes in Asian businesses while others consider setting up secondary structures in the region. The growing appeal of family offices Asia is rei

Family offices are expected to play a key role in Singapore property investment growth in 2026 as Savills raised its forecast to SGD35bn–SGD40bn (USD25.9bn–USD29.6bn). The outlook reflects strong demand from family offices and private capital seeking stable returns and capital preservation. Singapore property investment continues to benefit from safe-haven status, transparent regulations and sustained capital inflows. While developers are expected to remain selective, office,

Hong Kong family offices are central to the city’s ambition to strengthen its global financial hub status, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said. He outlined plans for Hong Kong to become at least the world’s second-largest international financial centre within 10 to 15 years. The expansion of Hong Kong family offices is expected to support diversification beyond equities into fixed income, currencies, green finance and sustainable investments. Chan also highlighted rising mainl

The Hong Kong IPO market is showing renewed momentum as more than 10 international firms prepare to list, according to HKEX Chief Executive Bonnie Chan. IPO activity has reached 40% of last year’s total, with a record pipeline of listings. The rebound in the Hong Kong IPO market highlights the city’s role as a capital-raising hub, particularly for Southeast Asian firms, which have raised over USD4.3bn. Chan said HKEX would take a cautious approach to extending trading hours,

Labuan family office hub ambitions are gaining traction as rising wealth across Asia drives demand for structured solutions in investment, governance and succession planning. The Malaysian offshore financial centre is promoting its legal and regulatory framework as a flexible platform for wealth management vehicles, including trusts and foundations for asset protection and intergenerational transfer. Its proximity to key Asian markets and Malaysia’s relatively stable economy

Hong Kong family office incentives are becoming a central pillar of the city’s wealth strategy as it seeks to attract global capital and strengthen its asset management industry. Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui said enhanced tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest will be expanded to include funds-of-one and a broader range of investments from the 2025/26 assessment year. The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, launch

Coinone fine proceedings highlight South Korea’s tightening stance on cryptocurrency regulation, as authorities move to enforce stricter compliance standards. The Financial Intelligence Unit said it plans to fine the exchange KRW5.2bn (USD3.49m) and impose a three-month partial business suspension for verification failures and transactions with unregistered overseas platforms. Coinone failed to verify approximately 70,000 user accounts and facilitated around 10,000 transactio

Singapore GDP growth 2025 slowed to 4.6% year-on-year in the first quarter, missing forecasts and easing from 5.7% in the previous quarter as manufacturing momentum weakened, according to advance estimates. On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, the economy contracted 0.3%, reversing growth of 1.3% previously. The Ministry of Trade and Industry said manufacturing expanded 5.0% year-on-year, down sharply from 11.4% in the fourth quarter, while construction growth accelerate

Singapore family offices AI investment interest is rising, but many struggle to access attractive private deals due to limited opportunities and lack of technical expertise, industry executives said. JPMorgan Private Bank reported that 65% of family offices globally plan to prioritise AI investments, yet more than half lack exposure to venture and growth-stage firms driving the sector. Interest has been fuelled by strong valuations and potential listings from companies such a

Praxis Asia leadership expansion highlights its growing focus on family office and cross-border wealth structuring, with new senior appointments in Hong Kong. The firm named Tom Zierer as Senior Executive Director and promoted Cindy Cheng to Regional Head of Growth and Business Development for Asia. Zierer, who relocated from Guernsey to Hong Kong in 2025, will lead a 14-member multilingual team serving international clients, while Cheng will oversee regional expansion and in

China ChiNext reforms will allow pre-profit technology companies to list on Shenzhen’s startup board, as regulators move to support innovation and strengthen domestic capital markets. The China Securities Regulatory Commission said firms in emerging industries with a market value of at least RMB3bn (USD439m) and revenue of no less than RMB200m in the latest financial year can apply for initial public offerings. Authorities will also introduce market makers to improve liquidit

Philippines disclosure rules are under pressure to tighten after a corruption scandal linked to flood-control projects unsettled global bond investors, according to market sources. Asset managers including BNP Paribas Asset Management and Robeco have called for stricter reporting requirements for state-backed infrastructure projects. A group of 11 investors sent a letter to regulators in late March urging greater transparency on the use of proceeds from sustainable debt. Nati

Zhongzhi liquidation marks a major step in China’s efforts to address systemic financial risks, after a Beijing court ordered the winding up of Zhongzhi Enterprise Group and more than 300 affiliated entities. The Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court accepted the case on April 10 and set a June 10 deadline for creditors to submit claims. Zhongzhi filed for bankruptcy in 2024 after defaulting on multiple investment products and later revealing severe insolvency. The case h

Hong Kong stablecoin licences have been issued for the first time to HSBC and Anchorpoint Financial, marking a key milestone in the city’s regulated digital asset strategy. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority said it received 36 applications last year, though Deputy Chief Executive Daryl Ho noted that further approvals would remain “very limited.” Anchorpoint, a joint venture led by Standard Chartered with Animoca Brands and HKT, plans to expand access through selected distribut

Joe Tsai family office investment through Blue Pool Capital has led a Series A funding round in the Asian University Basketball League, as investors bet on the rapid growth of basketball across Asia. The family office-backed investor was joined by Avenue Capital Group, Nan Fung Group, HSG, Bolt Ventures and former Chinese Basketball Association chief Yao Ming, marking his first investment in an emerging sports league. The AUBL said its inaugural tournament in Hangzhou attract

Singapore family office advisory demand is increasing as the city’s rapid growth as a wealth hub drives need for succession, governance and tax expertise. Lawyer Vikna Rajah said he has helped establish more than 30 family offices in two years, with clients focused on wealth preservation, business continuity and fair distribution across generations. He noted challenges often arise when founders delay succession planning or resist handing over control. Singapore family office

Japan corporate bankruptcies rose for a fourth straight year in fiscal 2025 and could climb further from around this summer as the Middle East conflict drives up oil prices and squeezes company profits, research firm Teikoku Databank said. Japan corporate bankruptcies totalled 10,425 in the year ended March, up 3.5% from a year earlier and above 10,000 for a second straight year, as firms grappled with higher input costs and labour shortages. A government survey also showed b