Hong Kong SFC REIT approval procedures have been shortened to four weeks as the Securities and Futures Commission launches a new one-stop channel to facilitate real estate investment trust (REIT) listings. The platform enables local and overseas issuers to consult the regulator confidentially, improving efficiency and market preparation. The SFC has also simplified authorisation requirements and documentation, streamlining the application timeline. Hong Kong currently hosts 1

Singapore Q3 GDP 2025 rose 2.9% year on year, outpacing economists’ forecasts of 2%, according to advance estimates from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. On a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP increased 1.3% quarter-on-quarter. Growth slowed as goods-producing industries expanded just 0.6% versus 4.8% in Q2, with manufacturing flat year on year but rebounding 6.1% from the previous quarter. Construction growth moderated to 3.1%, while services remained the main driver, rising

China’s commerce ministry US trade dialogue remains strained as Beijing urges Washington to “correct its wrongdoings” and show sincerity in ongoing economic talks. The statement followed US claims that China had postponed a planned call on rare earth export controls. A ministry spokesperson said Beijing had notified the US in advance of the new measures through their bilateral export control dialogue and held working-level talks as recently as Monday. The spokesperson added t

Hong Kong director pay 2024 data show thirty-one executives of listed firms each earning over HKD100m (USD12.8m), according to activist investor David Webb’s financial website Webb-site. Li Auto founder Li Xiang topped the ranking with nearly HKD680m, followed by JS Global Lifestyle chairman Wang Xuning and J&T Global Express founder Jet Li Jie, who each earned around HKD520m, mainly from share awards. HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery ranked 23rd with HKD130m, more than double his 2

Hong Kong Islamic finance initiatives are gathering pace as the city positions itself as North Asia’s hub for Shariah-compliant financial products. Companies are exploring sukuk bond issuance to attract Middle Eastern capital into the Greater Bay Area, officials and bankers said. Standard Chartered’s David Yim noted growing interest in sukuk listings following government roadshows in the region. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s legal framework alread

Singapore AI hub for finance has been launched by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption across the financial industry. Developed under the PathFin.ai programme, now involving more than 80 financial institutions, the hub offers peer-validated use cases in risk management, sales, and operations. It will be expanded to include new case studies, resources, and workforce planning tools to help institutions deploy AI efficiently. M

Hong Kong family office growth continues as regulators and wealth managers intensify efforts to serve increasingly sophisticated investors shifting allocations toward private markets and global diversification. The city now counts more than 2,700 single-family offices as of September 2025, after meeting its 2022 goal to attract at least 200, and aims to bring in another 220 between 2026 and 2028. Raffles Family Office, led by group CEO Chi Man Kwan, is expanding into the Midd

Malaysia family office tax incentives could deliver up to MYR10.7bn (USD2.5bn) in economic benefits, according to Juwai IQI Global Wealth Office head Haroon Anwar. The new package aims to attract single-family offices (SFOs) with assets of at least MYR30m, a threshold below Hong Kong’s and far under Dubai’s MYR211m. It requires MYR500,000 in annual domestic spending and offers up to 20 years of 0% income tax plus exemptions on stamp duty and capital gains. Anwar said long-ter

HSBC Hong Kong cross-border wealth hub ambitions were reinforced by chief executive Georges Elhedery, who reaffirmed Hong Kong’s centrality to the bank’s long-term growth. He described the city as a core market and gateway between mainland China and global capital, predicting it would become the world’s largest cross-border wealth hub by 2030. Elhedery noted that HSBC has been adding around 100,000 new clients a month in Hong Kong over the past two years, highlighting the cit

A new FedEx survey Asia-Pacific trade reveals that more than 40% of APAC businesses plan to pivot away from the United States within a year, as firms adjust to regulatory changes and supply-chain pressures. Of those surveyed, 22% will target Asian markets and 21% will shift toward Europe. The survey of 3,800 companies across nine regional economies follows the US ending its de minimis rule in August, which had exempted imports under USD800 from customs duties. The policy chan

Lioner Hong Kong leadership has been bolstered with the appointment of Gary Mak as general manager, reinforcing Lioner International Group Ltd.’s growth strategy in Asia. The firm, which offers insurance, trust, and family office services, said Mak will oversee Hong Kong operations, focusing on sales strategy, advisor engagement, and expansion into Asia’s wealth hubs. With more than 20 years of experience at Fubon Life, AXA, MetLife, and New York Life, Mak brings strong exper

Global family offices in Hong Kong gathered at the sixth World Family Office Forum | Asia, which opened on 9 October at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. The two-day event, hosted by Connect Group, convened family principals, office leaders, and investors for closed-door discussions on wealth, governance, and innovation. The forum focuses on multigenerational succession, global investment trends, venture capital, digital assets, and impact investing. Sessions also explore cybersecu

Raffles Family Office CEO Kwan Chi-man said that multi-family offices can leverage their scale to become influential market players and create lasting global impact. Speaking at the firm’s annual forum in Hong Kong, he noted that these organisations can expand assets under management, nurture local talent, and strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a top wealth management hub. Raffles Family Office also plans to broaden its Middle East presence and will host its first family of

HSBC Holdings has offered to purchase the remaining 37% of Hang Seng Bank that it does not already own for about USD37bn, reinforcing its long-term commitment to Hong Kong. The proposed cash offer of HKD155 (USD19.8) per share represents a 30% premium over Hang Seng’s previous closing price, the London-based lender said on Thursday. If approved, the transaction would see Hang Seng’s publicly traded shares cancelled, taking the bank private. HSBC, which currently holds a 63% s

IMF global economy outlook shows resilience but continuing fragility, according to Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva ahead of the Fund’s annual meetings in Washington. She said global growth is performing better than expected, supported by sounder policy fundamentals and private-sector adaptability. However, persistent uncertainty and trade tariffs continue to weigh on the outlook. The IMF projects medium-term global growth at around 3%, below pre-pandemic averages. Geor

Hong Kong family office incentives are being expanded as the city steps up its efforts to attract global wealth and strengthen its financial ecosystem. Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui announced that new legislation will be introduced next year to extend tax concessions to carbon credits and digital assets, while also expanding eligible investments to private credit. Hong Kong aims to help 220 family offices establish or expand operations between 2026 and 2028, su

Fasset Islamic crypto bank has received regulatory approval from Malaysia’s Labuan FSA, becoming the world’s first Shariah-compliant digital bank powered by stablecoins. The UAE-based fintech will expand from digital asset services to full-scale on-chain banking through its superapp, offering zero-interest accounts and access to US stocks, gold, and cryptocurrencies. With over 500,000 users across 125 countries, the platform currently handles USD6bn in annualised volume and a

The UK-Vietnam Business Summit 2025 will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation in finance and renewable energy. Scheduled for 5 November in Ho Chi Minh City, the event aims to strengthen collaboration in developing an international financial centre and advancing clean energy projects. UK Consul General Alexandra Smith said the partnership builds on the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s entry into the CPTPP, which removed tariffs on 99% of UK exports to Vietnam.

Growing AI investment anxiety in South Korea is driving fears among investors about missing out on new technology opportunities. A Korea Press Foundation survey of 1,000 respondents revealed that 59.1% felt uneasy about lagging behind in AI investment trends, with anxiety peaking among those in their 30s at 64.5%. Around 67.2% feared not gaining AI-related work skills, while 54.9% expressed concern over the fast-rising AI education boom. Researchers said the findings highligh

The World Family Office Forum Asia opens on 9–10 October at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, bringing together family principals, single and multi-family office leaders, and advisers for two days of private discussions focused on governance and investment strategy. The event, organised by Connect Group, aims for at least 70% participation from family offices to ensure peer-led dialogue. The sixth edition will feature sessions on global investment trends, public market allocations