Private markets data is set to become more transparent and standardised after MSCI and UBS announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving reporting quality, analytics and benchmarking across private assets. The collaboration responds to growing industry demand for more consistent performance measurement as private markets continue to expand. Under the agreement, UBS will adopt MSCI's artificial intelligence-powered private markets platform, contributing expertise from i

Singapore expat wealth continues to grow despite higher living costs and currency volatility, with most expatriates saying overseas employment has accelerated both their financial independence and retirement plans. According to a survey by St James's Place Asia, 93% of respondents believed relocating abroad had brought financial freedom closer, while 83% said it had helped them retire sooner than expected. The study found that 96% earned more than they would in their home cou

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