China economic policy support is set to strengthen as the State Council seeks to sustain growth and achieve the government’s 4.5%-5% target amid signs of weakening momentum. The cabinet, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, called for more effective implementation of existing measures and faster issuance and deployment of government bonds, according to a state media readout. Authorities also want major infrastructure projects included in the 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan to begin construc

Hong Kong economic growth remains on track to reach the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for 2026, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, who highlighted strong exports and demand for artificial intelligence-related products. The economy expanded 5.1% during the first half, its strongest half-year performance in almost five years. Goods exports surged 53% year-on-year in August to HKD667.9bn (USD85.1bn), while exports during the first eight months increased 42.5%, put

Asia-Pacific hotel investment increased 21% year-on-year to USD8bn during the first half of 2026 as strong travel demand and constrained new supply supported investor interest, according to CBRE. Japan, mainland China and South Korea led activity, while investors increasingly targeted existing properties for repositioning and conversion as higher construction and financing costs restricted new development. Hotel supply across Asia-Pacific is expected to grow by around 2.3% an

Singapore AI safeguards proposals include exploring a United Nations framework convention to establish international principles and institutions governing rapidly developing artificial intelligence technologies. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told the UN General Assembly that attempts to pause AI development were unlikely to succeed given US-China competition and powerful commercial incentives, making international rules and institutions increasingly important. He propo

Family office cybersecurity has emerged as the leading operational concern for wealthy families even as they remain optimistic about investment returns, according to a 2026 report from RBC Wealth Management and Campden Wealth. The survey of 155 single- and multi-family offices, representing average wealth of USD2.25bn, found 56% ranked cybersecurity and data breaches as their biggest near-term risk, up sharply from 16% a year earlier. Half reported experiencing phishing attem

New Philippines structured warrants rules have established a regulatory framework allowing broker-dealers and investment houses to offer products linked to listed shares, bonds, indices and exchange-traded funds. Under Securities and Exchange Commission Memorandum Circular No. 27, Series of 2026, issuers and guarantors must maintain at least PHP400m (USD6.4m) in unimpaired paid-up capital while structured warrants remain outstanding. Non-collateralised warrants generally requ

China wealthy individuals tax enforcement is intensifying, with authorities establishing specialist teams to track and collect liabilities from some of the country’s richest people, Bloomberg reported. The teams reportedly include government officials, inspection specialists and regulators, with some assigned to individual billionaires. The initiative is intended to strengthen authorities’ ability to examine sophisticated financial structures established with assistance from

APAC family office returns are outperforming global peers, with 26% reporting year-to-date investment gains above 15%, double the worldwide proportion, according to Citi Wealth. Citi’s 2026 Global Family Office Report also found that 22% of Asia-Pacific family offices target annual returns exceeding 15%, almost twice the global average. Asia-Pacific family offices were particularly bullish on artificial intelligence. Some 80% identified AI as a primary sector for direct inves

Hong Kong digital green bonds could reach HKD20bn (USD2.55bn) as the government prepares what could become the world’s largest digital green bond transaction, Bloomberg reported. The planned offering is expected to total between HKD15bn and HKD20bn and comprise US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro and offshore yuan tranches. The transaction could be priced as early as Monday, according to people familiar with the plans. The government has asked several banks to arrange fixed-inc

ASEAN next-generation wealth clients are increasingly choosing financial institutions independently of their parents, creating a challenge for private banks seeking to retain assets through intergenerational wealth transfers. A WealthSummit study of 1,049 clients across Southeast Asia found that 71% had their main banking relationship with a different institution from their parents. Some 68% maintained relationships with at least three banks, reflecting demand for investment

Bank of Singapore donor-advised funds are being offered through a new philanthropic platform designed to give wealthy families greater flexibility over how assets supporting charitable giving are invested. The OCBC private banking arm’s Legacy of Giving platform allows clients to shape the investment approach applied to their philanthropic capital, potentially increasing the assets available for future charitable grants. The model differs from many donor-advised fund arrangem

EMEA family offices China investment plans are strengthening, with China emerging as the leading market where ultra-wealthy families in Europe, the Middle East and Africa intend to increase exposure, according to Citi. Citi’s 2026 Global Family Office Report found that 29% of EMEA respondents planned to increase investments in China. The rest of Asia-Pacific followed at 26%, with North America at 25%. The report surveyed 351 family offices across more than 40 countries. Conce

HSBC Asia family wealth advisory capabilities are being strengthened with the appointment of former UBS executive Francesca Chan as regional head of family and philanthropy advisory for Asia-Pacific. Chan will take up the Hong Kong-based position on Sept. 29 and report to Ann Ling, regional head of wealth planning and advisory. She will lead teams advising ultra-high-net-worth clients on succession planning, family office establishment, family governance and philanthropy. Cha

Hong Kong Indonesia cross-border payments could become faster and cheaper under an agreement between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Bank Indonesia to explore interoperability between their QR code-based payment systems. The two authorities signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on cross-border payments as digital payment adoption continues to expand across Asia. Under the agreement, the HKMA and Bank Indonesia will hold discussions cover

Singapore listed company disclosure rules will become more demanding from Jan. 1, 2027, as regulators seek greater transparency over executive remuneration, dividends and shareholder engagement. Under changes announced by Singapore Exchange Regulation, companies will have to explain the financial and non-financial indicators used to determine executive pay and how those measures support long-term value creation. Annual reports will also have to include dividend and investor-r

Hong Kong family business succession services are becoming a greater focus as the city seeks a larger role in Asia’s generational transfer of family wealth and cross-border assets. Financial Services Undersecretary Joseph Chan said Hong Kong’s legal system, capital mobility, low-tax regime and links with mainland China provide a strong base for wealthy families managing global portfolios. At a South China Morning Post conference, speakers said younger family members are incre

Deutsche Bank Hong Kong wealth business is recording strong growth as increasing Chinese client activity makes the city the private bank’s best-performing emerging-market region this year. Marco Pagliara, head of emerging markets at Deutsche Bank Private Bank, said activity had increased across trading, lending against physical assets and real estate. Chinese clients have been particularly active in trophy property transactions, reflecting broader demand for investment and fi

Hong Kong economic growth could exceed 3% annually over the medium term if the city successfully strengthens its “super-connector” role under China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, according to Citi Research. Citi said the framework could reduce policy uncertainty and channel capital towards finance, trade, innovation and technology, with the Northern Metropolis providing an important platform for advanced industries. Rapid expansion of Hong Kong’s offshore yuan business was identified

The Taiwan asset management centre initiative is moving forward as the government seeks to attract international capital while directing more domestic wealth towards local industries. President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would continue easing financial regulations to give institutions greater scope to develop asset management operations and strengthen cross-border financial services. The initiative builds on a pilot asset management zone in Kaohsiung and includes areas such as

The proposed Hong Kong CEPA revision could give foreign companies establishing operations in the city the same preferential mainland China market access available to qualifying local businesses. Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau said foreign companies manufacturing in Hong Kong could qualify for zero-tariff entry into mainland China if their products satisfy “Made in Hong Kong” origin requirements. The changes would form the third revision of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer E