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 allocations are expected to increase toward private equity and digital assets over the next three years, according to a report by the Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research. The study found rising interest in private credit and venture capital as family offices expand alternative investment exposure. Based on a survey of 101 family offices conducted between October 2024 and April 2025, 44% of respondents managed at least USD1bn. Hong K

Hong Kong stablecoin licence regime could include Standard Chartered, HSBC and crypto exchange OSL in the first batch of issuers under new digital‑asset rules. Local media reported the licences could be announced as early as next week under a framework introduced in August 2025. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has said only a limited number of licences will initially be granted. Reuters previously reported Standard Chartered’s Hong Kong unit was preparing a joint venture wit

Hong Kong IPO pipeline growth has prompted Morgan Stanley to hire contract staff to manage increased listing activity while keeping costs flexible. Reuters reported the bank recruited one‑year contractors for IPO due diligence work, with the support team numbering around 10 people. The hiring comes as Hong Kong’s listings market rebounds strongly, raising about USD37.4bn across 119 IPOs in 2025 to reclaim the global top ranking. Exchange data also showed a pipeline of 530 mai

FNZ APAC leadership appointment sees Peter Hiom named group head of Asia Pacific while retaining his role as group head of markets at the wealth technology platform. In the expanded position, Hiom will oversee strategy, growth and client delivery across the region. FNZ said the appointment forms part of a broader leadership reshuffle alongside Anthony Habis as group head of North America and Alasdair Munro as chief communications officer. The FNZ APAC leadership appointment s

Hong Kong family office investment survey findings show 91% of surveyed family offices have already invested in the city, highlighting its role as a major regional wealth hub. The study surveyed 101 institutions and interviewed more than 30 industry stakeholders, finding that over 80% managed at least USD50m while 44% oversaw portfolios exceeding USD1bn. Hong Kong had more than 3,380 single‑family offices by the end of 2025, up more than 25% in two years. The Hong Kong family

KKR Asia infrastructure investing remains attractive despite infrastructure not acting as a traditional crisis safe haven, according to the firm’s global head of real assets Raj Agrawal. Investors suffered losses during both the global financial crisis and the COVID‑19 pandemic as assets such as toll roads, ports and airports were closely linked to economic cycles. KKR has since shifted its strategy toward assets with contracted cash flows and stronger downside protection, in

Deutsche Bank Asia wealth strategy is targeting affluent clients in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines as investors diversify away from heavy US asset exposure. Senior executive Claudio de Sanctis said the shift creates strong opportunities for the lender’s private banking business, particularly in Hong Kong which he described as the region’s most dynamic wealth hub. Hong Kong and North Asian markets are expected to account for most of Deutsche Bank’s plann