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

China short-term trading rules have been tightened by the China Securities Regulatory Commission to sustain momentum in the country’s USD13.5tr equity market. The rules cover stocks, depositary receipts and convertible bonds across major exchanges and the over-the-counter market. Authorities said violators may face lighter penalties if they self-report and return gains. The China short-term trading rules update follows intensified enforcement, with regulators handling 701 mis

Emerging markets financing IMF analysis shows economies now rely heavily on foreign funding from portfolio investors such as hedge funds, pension funds, and insurers, leaving them more exposed to sudden capital flight during crises, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest Global Financial Stability Report. The emerging markets financing IMF data show portfolio investors now account for 80% of debt inflows into emerging markets, double the share 20 years ago, with c

Asia family office succession risks are rising as wealthy families become more mobile, with heirs studying, working and inheriting assets across multiple jurisdictions. Data from Hurun Report show 23% of Chinese high-net-worth families already have children studying abroad at high school level, while 46% have children overseas for higher education, with 74% planning to do so. Henley Wealth Report estimates 142,000 millionaires relocated globally in 2025, rising to 165,000 in

East Asia growth outlook World Bank projections show regional growth slowing to 4.2% in 2026 from 5% in 2025 as Middle East conflict, higher energy prices and trade disruption weigh on the region. Growth is expected to edge up to 4.4% in 2027. China’s economy is forecast to expand 4.2% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027. The World Bank said weak domestic demand, China’s property downturn and softer exports remain key drags. The East Asia growth outlook World Bank also highlights that n

Hong Kong AI adoption banking is accelerating as major financial institutions deepen deployment of artificial intelligence across operations. Manulife has moved its Asia chief AI officer to Hong Kong and created a new AI leadership role, while HSBC appointed its first chief AI officer and now reports over 100 generative AI use cases, with 85% of staff using AI tools. Industry executives said Hong Kong AI adoption banking is focused on customer service, underwriting, claims pr

ASEAN financial cooperation 2026 discussions are advancing as finance ministers and central bank governors explore ways to strengthen regional resilience at the 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting. Talks cover infrastructure finance, taxation, customs integration and climate finance, alongside progress on the ASEAN Single Window and Customs Transit System. Philippine Deputy Finance Minister Joven Balbosa said ASEAN financial cooperation 2026 must

Family offices March dealmaking slowed as ultra-wealthy investors pulled back on direct transactions during a month marked by market volatility linked to the Iran conflict, according to Fintrx data. Family offices made 39 direct investments in companies during March, down 25% from February after adjusting for the difference in month length. Even so, deal sizes increased, with a quarter of those transactions qualifying as mega-rounds of more than USD100m. Bezos Expeditions co-

External asset managers Singapore are gaining traction as wealthy clients seek more customised and transparent advice, according to research by Bank of Singapore. More than half of managers surveyed are expanding into new markets and partnerships, while nearly two-thirds said improving client experience was a priority. Demand is shifting towards fixed income as investors adopt a more defensive stance, alongside growing interest in alternatives and ETFs. Industry executives, i

South Korea crypto acquisitions are gathering pace as securities firms pursue purchases and stake investments in cryptocurrency operators while tokenised securities legislation remains delayed. Korea Investment & Securities is reviewing a potential acquisition of Coinone, while Mirae Asset Securities raised its stake in Korbit to 92% in February, securing management control. The shift highlights brokerages’ efforts to find new revenue streams as growth in traditional business

Thailand CEO confidence PwC survey findings show sentiment has fallen to its weakest level in three years, with only 24% of chief executives expressing strong confidence in revenue growth this year, down from 47% in 2023. PwC Thailand said business confidence was weighed down by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, rising costs, cyber risks and rapid technological change. Only 34% of Thai CEOs expect the domestic economy to improve this year, below the 55% global aver

Family offices Asia recycling fund backing helped Circulate Capital secure a USD220m first close for Circulate Capital Asia II, giving the Singapore-based investment manager more than 70% of its USD300m target for a vehicle focused on scaling circular supply chains and recycling businesses across South and Southeast Asia. Backers include Builders Vision, Stella, Clotho Family Office, Wire Group and Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco. The first close exceeds Circulate Capita

Taiwan China exposure reduction deepened in February as Taiwanese financial institutions’ aggregate exposure to China fell 13.44% year-on-year to NTD781.26bn(USD24.44bn), according to Financial Supervisory Commission data. The ratio of China exposure to combined net worth declined to 14.7% from 18% a year earlier. Banks accounted for the largest drop, with exposure down 13% to NTD723.68bn, reflecting concern over China’s slowing economy, local government debt and property mar

Danantara asset manager acquisition plans are moving ahead as Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund agreed to buy controlling stakes in four affiliated fund managers for about IDR2.7tr(USD159m). Through PT Danantara Asset Management, the fund signed deals on April 1 to acquire BRI Manajemen Investasi, Mandiri Manajemen Investasi, BNI Asset Management and PNM Investment Management, according to stock exchange disclosures. The transactions would give Danantara majority or near-full

Hong Kong MPF monthly loss is set to exceed HKD100bn(USD12.8bn) for March, the worst monthly decline in dollar terms since the retirement scheme was launched 25 years ago, as global market turmoil linked to the Middle East conflict hit pension assets. MPF Ratings estimated that the city’s 378 MPF funds lost HKD103.3bn in the first three weeks of March, or 6.33%, with each of the scheme’s 4.8 million members losing an average of HKD21,542. The pension regulator urged members t

Digital yuan programme China expansion accelerated after the People’s Bank of China added 12 new banks to the roster of institutions authorised to handle the state-backed currency, taking the total number of operators to 22. Newly approved banks include China CITIC Bank, China Everbright Bank, China Guangfa Bank and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The central bank said the move is intended to improve the inclusiveness of digital yuan services and meet demand for safer and m

Full Vision EnerVenue investment has led a USD300m Series B+ preferred stock financing round in US energy storage firm EnerVenue Holding, backing the battery maker it originally incubated as it expands manufacturing and commercial operations. The investment brings California-based EnerVenue’s total funding to USD445m. The company develops aqueous metal cell batteries for long-duration grid storage, a technology adapted from aerospace applications. Proceeds will support resear