Hong Kong SFC auditor controls review has urged tighter oversight of listed companies’ internal controls and auditor resignations. The regulator said issuers should fully resolve material control weaknesses before trading resumes and recommended stronger audit committee scrutiny. It also proposed measures to manage abrupt auditor exits, including earlier fee discussions and potential shareholder approval. The Hong Kong SFC auditor controls review reflects efforts to strengthe

Thailand pension fund reform risk breach has intensified after the USD88bn Social Security Fund exceeded its value-at-risk limit for the first time in two years. The breach was driven by exposure to Thai equities amid market volatility linked to Middle East tensions. Executives said governance issues and limited global diversification have constrained returns. The fund aims to shift toward a 50-50 asset mix by 2027. The Thailand pension fund reform risk breach highlights stru

South Korea split listing ban Kosdaq reform aims to address the Korea discount and improve shareholder value. The Financial Services Commission said duplicate listings would be restricted and the Kosdaq market split into premium and standard tiers. Authorities will also push companies with low price-to-book ratios to improve valuations and introduce new indices and ETFs. The South Korea split listing ban Kosdaq reform signals efforts to strengthen market competitiveness.

Sumitomo Life private credit allocation is set to increase as the insurer considers investing about JPY300bn(USD2bn) in the asset class in the fiscal year starting April. The company already holds about JPY1.6tr in private credit, including CLOs, and sees the asset class as attractive due to higher spreads and long-duration matching with liabilities. It is also targeting about JPY700bn in ESG-related investments over three years. The Sumitomo Life private credit allocation hi

Singapore money laundering scandal banks have come under intensified scrutiny after authorities found more than SGD370m(USD274m) flowed through financial institutions linked to illegal gambling and unlicensed lending. Investigations uncovered assets including property, luxury goods and cryptocurrencies. The fallout led to tighter anti-money laundering enforcement, charges against former bankers and regulatory penalties. The Singapore money laundering scandal banks case unders

Ant Group Hong Kong brokerage acquisition has secured mainland regulatory approval, allowing the fintech firm to proceed with its purchase of a 50.55% stake in Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group for HKD2.81bn(USD360m). The deal marks Ant’s expansion into Hong Kong’s brokerage sector. Bright Smart, founded in 1995 and listed in 2010, built its business on low-cost online trading. The Ant Group Hong Kong brokerage acquisition is expected to complete on March 30 after c

China HK AI spending finance gap persists as more than 61% of financial institutions in mainland China and Hong Kong allocate 10% or less of their technology budgets to artificial intelligence, according to PwC. The survey of 201 professionals and 20 interviews found firms are using AI mainly to augment staff rather than cut jobs, with applications across anti-money laundering, compliance, customer service and portfolio management. Talent shortages and organisational rigidity

Asia private credit stress is prompting private bankers in Hong Kong and Singapore to manage client concerns as redemption pressures rise. The USD2tr US private credit market has seen curbs from major firms, unsettling investors. Asian regulators are increasing scrutiny, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority assessing exposure. Industry group AIMA said clients are encountering redemption queues for the first time, exposing liquidity risks. Asia private credit stress is testin

Southeast Asia conglomerates performance lagged pure-play companies between 2016 and 2025, according to Bain & Company. Conglomerates delivered 4% annual returns, trailing pure plays by five percentage points. Top performers posted 20% returns compared with 28% for focused firms. Bain said challenges include slower growth, leadership succession and weaker advantages in capital and talent. The Southeast Asia conglomerates performance gap underscores the need for strategic rest

Vietnam new businesses 2026 surged as nearly 35,500 enterprises were established in the first two months of the year, signalling a rebound in business formation. New firms registered capital of VND313.7tr(USD12bn) and more than 167,500 workers, with enterprise numbers rising 70.7% year-on-year. However, exits also increased to around 77,000 firms. Authorities said reforms would continue to support SMEs. The Vietnam new businesses 2026 trend reflects both recovery momentum and

Thailand banking profitability outlook is weakening as lenders face slower growth, high household debt and deleveraging trends. TMBThanachart Bank expects loan growth of just 0%-2% in 2026 and targets return on equity of around 10%, down from higher historical levels. Banks are unlikely to achieve previous ROE levels of 17%-18% and must rely more on fee-based income and advisory services. The Thailand banking profitability outlook reflects structural shifts in the sector.

Asia investors active funds shift is accelerating as investors move capital from money market funds into actively managed strategies, fixed income and alternatives, according to Wellington Management. The firm said the shift reflects growing appetite for opportunity amid market volatility. It also warned of concentration risks in passive investing, with the Magnificent Seven accounting for over 30% of the S&P 500. The Asia investors active funds shift highlights changing allo

Hong Kong five-year plan finance strategy is being accelerated as the city prepares to complete its first blueprint this year, aligning with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong will leverage strengths in finance and professional services to support technology innovation and cross-border integration in the Greater Bay Area. The Hong Kong five-year plan finance framework includes expanding full-chain financing, intellectual property service

China economic data rebound 2026 showed stronger-than-expected growth, with industrial output rising 6.3% and retail sales increasing 2.8% in the first two months of the year. Fixed-asset investment also grew 1.8%, supported by infrastructure spending and export strength. However, analysts warned the Iran war could raise oil prices, disrupt trade and pressure margins for manufacturers. The China economic data rebound 2026 highlights improving momentum but rising external risk

SMBC Philippines corporate banking head appointment sees Maria Angelica Balangue take leadership of the unit, subject to regulatory approval. Based in Manila, she will report to country head Hiroyasu Kanda and Asia Pacific corporate banking head Joyce Tee. Balangue joins from BDO Unibank and has more than 20 years of experience across corporate banking and capital markets. The SMBC Philippines corporate banking head move supports the bank’s expansion strategy in a growing Sou

Philippine overseas listings trend is gaining traction as companies seek deeper capital pools and higher valuations outside the domestic market. Analysts said weak liquidity and risk appetite are limiting fundraising prospects locally. Jollibee Foods plans to spin off and list its international business in the United States by 2027, while fintech firm Maya is pursuing a dual listing strategy. Experts said the Philippine overseas listings trend reflects both global ambitions a

Thailand stock market performance 2025 weakened as listed firms reported declining operating results due to slower economic activity. Total sales across 799 companies fell 7.2% to THB16.33tr(USD455bn), while core profit dropped 9.5% to THB1.08tr. Net profit rose 20.5% to THB1.10tr, supported by merger gains, investments and restructuring. The Stock Exchange of Thailand said weaker demand, lower oil prices and rate cuts weighed on energy and finance sectors, while food, health

Hong Kong money lending rules will be tightened to curb excessive borrowing, with new caps on debt-servicing ratios set at 35% for borrowers earning HKD6,000(USD770) or less monthly and 40% for those earning HKD6,001 to HKD12,000. Authorities will also ban loan referee requirements and mandate clearer risk warnings in contracts. From June next year, lenders must upload loan data every 30 days to the Credit Data Smart platform. Officials said the Hong Kong money lending rules

Hong Kong family office tax push is gaining momentum as the Iran war dents Dubai’s appeal as a safe haven, prompting renewed interest from wealthy investors. Lawyers and consultants said enquiries have surged, with near-daily discussions with families considering setting up in the city. The government proposed expanding concessions to cover assets including gold, cryptocurrencies, private credit and overseas real estate, with legislation expected by June. Despite the momentum

In This Issue: - The Fundamental Shift to Wealth Preservation Mindset - Modern Methods and Asset Allocation Strategies - Institutional Infrastructure and Succession Planning The Fundamental Shift to Wealth Preservation Mindset The primary objective of family offices has evolved dramatically, rather than serving as administrative centers for managing day-to-day wealth activities, majority of modern family offices now prioritize long-term wealth preservation, rather than rapi