Vietnam forex rules are set for overhaul as the central bank proposes easing procedures for foreign investors while strengthening oversight of capital flows. The draft circular would allow eligible investors to open investment capital accounts before receiving registration approval, although usage would initially be limited. Investors may also open multiple foreign-currency accounts for different currencies. The revised Vietnam forex rules aim to align with recent legal chang

Hong Kong IPO market activity remains strong, with listings raising more than HKD140bn (USD18bn) so far this year, maintaining the city’s position as the world’s top fundraising venue. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said average daily turnover has exceeded HKD280bn since last month, reflecting renewed market momentum after volumes reached a four-year high in 2025. The rebound in the Hong Kong IPO market is boosting investment banks and intensifying competition for dealmakers,

Middle East family offices are increasingly shifting capital toward Hong Kong and broader Asia as geopolitical tensions drive diversification away from the conflict zone. HSBC Private Bank said some affluent Middle Eastern families are using Asia as part of global portfolio diversification, with Hong Kong benefiting from its role as a gateway to mainland China. HSBC’s wealth balances in Asia rose 16.3% to USD1.05tr last year, reflecting sustained inflows. Market participants

China offshore financing conditions are tightening as regulators lengthen approval timelines for bonds and loan quotas with maturities of one year or more. Reviews now take four to six months, with some extending up to nine months, as authorities increase scrutiny on repayment plans and use of proceeds. The shift comes as companies face around USD100bn in offshore bond maturities this year. To avoid delays, some firms are turning to shorter-term issuance below 12 months, whic

Asia investment banking activity remains resilient as Citigroup plans to add senior bankers in Japan and China to strengthen its regional deal pipeline. The hiring push follows a global restructuring and reflects continued demand for cross-border mergers and acquisitions despite geopolitical uncertainty. Citi said Japan offers strong opportunities as governance reforms, restructuring and activism drive deal activity, while in China the bank is targeting high-growth sectors as

Family office succession dynamics are shifting as younger heirs take a more active role in shaping investment strategies, according to a global study by Ocorian. The survey found that 79% of respondents reported increased next-generation involvement, while 97% said heirs’ priorities differ from founders. Key areas of divergence include private markets, digital assets, physical assets, risk appetite, geopolitics and even office location. The study covered 200 family office mem

China bond futures access is expanding as regulators allow qualified foreign investors to trade government bond futures, widening participation in the country’s capital markets. The China Securities Regulatory Commission said approved QFII investors may trade the contracts strictly for hedging purposes, providing additional tools to manage interest-rate risk. The move comes as global investors seek refuge in yuan-denominated assets amid geopolitical tensions, with the currenc

Japan shareholder rules are set to tighten as policymakers respond to growing pressure from activist investors. Lawmakers from the ruling party plan to propose higher thresholds and limits on shareholder proposals involving business execution, with recommendations expected to be submitted next month. Currently, investors can submit proposals after holding either 1% of voting rights or 300 voting units for six months, a requirement critics say has become easier to meet due to

Singapore brokerage expansion is advancing as Robinhood receives in-principle approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to offer a range of investment services. The approval allows the US fintech firm to potentially provide trading in securities, exchange-traded derivatives, custody, product financing and collective investment schemes once conditions are met. Robinhood said Singapore brokerage expansion will position the city as its Asia-Pacific headquarters, supporte

Hong Kong family offices are seeing strong momentum, with around 160 firms preparing to establish or expand operations in the city, according to Financial Services and the Treasury Secretary Christopher Hui. He pointed to a rise in enquiries and site visits from overseas investors as evidence of sustained global interest. The growth in Hong Kong family offices is supported by the city’s strong connectivity, regulatory framework and established role as a regional wealth manage

Family office crypto strategy is evolving as Chinese billionaire Li Lin shifts part of his trading operations into Hong Kong-listed Bitfire Group to scale digital asset activities and tap institutional capital. The transaction, valued at USD1.6m, will see Bitfire acquire a trading system and investment team from Avenir Group, Li’s single-family office. The deal effectively transfers part of Avenir’s in-house trading capabilities into a regulated, publicly listed platform, pro

Northern Metropolis financing is advancing as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Association of Banks establish a joint taskforce to support one of the city’s largest development projects. The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce includes representatives from the HKMA, HKAB and 15 banks with expertise in large-scale infrastructure finance, while the Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong will participate as an observer. Following a site visit to

Malaysia capital market growth reached 2.4% in 2025, bringing total size to MYR4.3tr (USD1.09tr), supported by stronger corporate bond issuance and rising assets in the fund management sector, according to the Securities Commission Malaysia. Corporate bond issuance increased to 26 deals worth MYR64.33bn, up from 23 issues valued at MYR48.8bn in 2024, while assets under management rose 6.9% to MYR1.14tr. The Malaysia capital market remained resilient despite global volatility,

Family office philanthropy is expanding as Raffles Family Office launches the Raffles Family Office Foundation to consolidate its charitable initiatives under a unified platform. The foundation was officially unveiled alongside the opening of the firm’s new Singapore office, marking a formal step in structuring its long-standing philanthropic work. Group CEO Chi Man Kwan said the new entity brings together years of giving focused on education, talent development and knowledge

Asia investment flows are strengthening as global investors increasingly turn to the region amid geopolitical uncertainty, according to Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. Chief Executive Bonnie Chan said global investment in Asia doubled to around USD6tr between 2014 and 2024, underscoring the region’s growing importance in global portfolios. She added that Asia’s capital markets have expanded fourfold since 2000 to exceed USD34tr by the end of 2024. The rise in Asia investmen

Singapore business impact is deepening as two-thirds of companies report moderate to severe disruption from the Iran war, according to a survey by the Singapore Business Federation. In a poll of 254 firms, 66% identified rising energy prices as the most significant pressure, followed by higher shipping and logistics costs, as well as weakening customer demand. The Singapore business impact is particularly acute among smaller firms, with one in three SMEs reporting significant

South Korea financial groups are reshaping headquarters strategies as they seek to improve operational efficiency and strengthen capital positions. Hana Financial is set to relocate later this year to a new integrated headquarters in Cheongna, Incheon, bringing together around 2,800 employees from various affiliates currently spread across Seoul. Shinhan Financial is pursuing a similar consolidation strategy, with plans for a centralised headquarters in Seoul targeted for com

Hong Kong safe haven appeal is strengthening as international investors seek stability amid geopolitical tensions, according to the Financial Services Development Council. Chairman Benjamin Hung said investors are increasingly exploring office openings, capital allocation and investment opportunities in the city. The Hong Kong safe haven trend is reflected in IPO activity, where major cornerstone investors last year were largely from Western countries, indicating capital real

HNWI Asia investments remain resilient as wealthy individuals continue allocating capital despite a broader global shift by retail investors into cash. Schroders said the divergence emerged after Middle East tensions pushed oil prices above USD100 per barrel, triggering risk aversion among retail investors. In contrast, HNWI Asia investments are focused on long-term opportunities including private credit, digital assets and alternative strategies. Schroders also highlighted g

Active ETFs China expansion is gaining momentum as JPMorgan seeks regulatory approval to launch fully active exchange-traded funds in mainland China. The move would mark the firm’s first entry into the segment, which remains restricted to enhanced index strategies with limited benchmark deviation. JPMorgan Asset Management currently manages about USD257bn in active ETF assets globally and sees strong growth potential in the region. The active ETFs China initiative aligns with