Asia wealth transfer is becoming a strategic priority for private banks as an estimated USD5.8tr in family wealth is expected to pass to the next generation across the region. Morgan Stanley is responding by expanding efforts to engage future wealth owners through a week-long programme in Hong Kong developed with the University of Hong Kong. The initiative combines education and networking to build long-term relationships with younger family members before they inherit signif

Chinese banks continue to dominate the global banking industry, occupying seven of the world's top 10 positions by Tier 1 capital in The Banker magazine's 2026 Top 1000 World Banks ranking. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China retained the top four positions globally, while Postal Savings Bank of China entered the top 10 for the first time. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citi were the only non-Chin

Korean insurance acquisitions are accelerating as banks, insurers and securities firms compete for strategic assets to strengthen earnings and diversify their financial services businesses. Several major sale processes involving Lotte Non-Life Insurance, KDB Life Insurance and Yebyeol Non-Life Insurance are expected to reach important milestones during July and August. Banks are seeking to expand non-bank revenue streams, while securities firms are pursuing insurance licences

Taiwan's financial sector is set for further consolidation after the Financial Supervisory Commission approved two significant transactions involving banking and insurance groups. The approvals cover the merger of Bank SinoPac and King's Town Bank, together with E.Sun Financial Holding's acquisition of Mercuries Life Insurance. Bank SinoPac will become the surviving entity when the merger takes effect on 1 January next year, creating a lender with 189 branches, the second-lar

Hong Kong overseas expansion remains a strategic priority for local companies despite weaker business confidence, according to UOB's Business Outlook Study 2026. The survey found that nearly four in five businesses intend to expand internationally during the next three years as they strengthen resilience and pursue long-term growth opportunities. Business sentiment declined to 63% in 2025 from 73% a year earlier, reflecting a more challenging economic environment. Nevertheles

Yuan investment continues to gain acceptance among institutional investors, with 87% of portfolios now including yuan-denominated assets, according to an HSBC survey covering more than 120 Asia-Pacific investors. The findings highlight growing confidence in China's financial markets and the expanding role of the yuan in global portfolio diversification. The survey found that 63% of respondents primarily accessed offshore yuan markets, while 54% invested through Connect progra

The South Korea growth outlook has strengthened after major global investment banks raised their average 2026 economic growth forecast to 3%, supported by booming semiconductor exports driven by artificial intelligence demand. The revised projections reflect growing confidence in the country's export-led recovery. Data from the Korea Center for International Finance showed the average forecast from eight investment banks, including JP Morgan and Citi, increased from 2.8% in M

The Hong Kong wealth hub is reinforcing its position as one of the world's leading centres for offshore wealth management, supported by rapid growth in family offices, recovering capital markets and stronger cross-border investment flows. According to Boston Consulting Group, Hong Kong managed USD2.95tr in offshore assets at the end of 2025, overtaking Switzerland to become the world's largest offshore wealth centre. Government figures showed the number of family offices incr

The Hong Kong business outlook remains resilient despite increased economic uncertainty, with companies continuing to prioritise overseas expansion, digital transformation and supply-chain resilience, according to UOB's Business Outlook Study 2026. The survey suggests businesses remain cautiously optimistic about future growth despite softer current sentiment. Among 255 business owners and senior executives surveyed, 63% viewed current business conditions positively, compared

Bond Connect will receive significant policy support after China's central bank announced measures to increase mainland investment into Hong Kong's bond market and broaden the programme's product offering. The Bond Connect enhancements form part of Beijing's continuing efforts to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre. People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng said the annual net investment quota for the southbound segment will increase to RMB800

State Street has renewed its long-standing mandate to provide asset servicing for South Korea's National Pension Service (NPS), reinforcing its role as a strategic partner to one of the world's largest institutional investors. The renewed State Street NPS agreement supports the pension fund's expanding international investment programme as overseas allocations continue to increase. The mandate covers a comprehensive range of back- and middle-office services, including custody

China refinancing rules could become more flexible after the China Securities Regulatory Commission proposed changes designed to help listed companies raise capital more efficiently while strengthening investor protection. The proposed reforms form part of Beijing's broader efforts to improve financing channels for high-quality companies pursuing innovation and business expansion. Under the draft measures, eligible companies would be allowed to conduct multiple share issuance

APAC private credit fundraising is expected to slow during the next 12 to 18 months as higher interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic pressures reduce investor appetite for illiquid assets, according to Moody's Ratings. Despite the softer outlook, the agency believes long-term demand for private credit across Asia-Pacific will remain supported by economic growth and structural financing needs. Moody's said increased redemption requests affecting global priv

Singapore family offices are attracting growing inflows of wealth from Taiwan as high-net-worth families diversify assets in response to rising geopolitical tensions across the Taiwan Strait, according to advisers and wealthy investors interviewed by Bloomberg News. The trend reflects increasing demand for politically stable jurisdictions offering sophisticated wealth management, succession planning and cross-border investment capabilities. An E.Sun Bank and KPMG Taiwan repor

The Philippines upper-middle income classification has been restored by the World Bank after the country's gross national income per capita increased to a record USD4,850, reflecting several years of sustained economic expansion. The milestone is expected to enhance the country's international investment profile while strengthening confidence among foreign investors and financial institutions. The Philippines had remained in the lower middle-income category since 1987 and nar

Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2026 will bring together global investors, technology companies and financial institutions when it takes place at Hong Kong's Hopewell Hotel on July 23-24. Organisers describe the event as Asia's largest conference dedicated to financial technology, foreign exchange and cryptocurrency, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for digital finance and innovation. The event is expected to attract more than 12,000 participants from over 120 c

Singapore China capital markets cooperation has been reinforced after the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the China Securities Regulatory Commission reaffirmed their commitment to closer supervisory and regulatory collaboration during their 10th annual supervisory roundtable held in Singapore on June 29. Officials reviewed developments in both equity markets, including Singapore's Equity Market Development Programme and reforms to China's STAR Market and ChiNext exchanges

Global financial institutions are increasingly prioritising South Korea for regional expansion while adopting a more cautious approach towards China and India, according to a joint survey by the Asia Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association and KPMG. The South Korea financial sector has become one of the region's fastest-growing destinations for international financial firms. Approximately two-thirds of the 34 institutions surveyed plan to expand across Asia-Pacifi

Family offices across Asia-Pacific are adopting a more institutional investment approach, moving beyond traditional trophy properties and wealth preservation strategies into sectors offering stronger long-term growth and recurring income, according to the Asia Pacific Real Assets Association (Aprea). The shift in family office real estate investment reflects growing demand for diversified portfolios supported by professional governance and specialist investment teams. The rep

Ares Management is seeking commitments for a new Asia private credit fund as global alternative asset managers compete to capture expanding lending opportunities across the region. The proposed Asia private credit vehicle, Asia Direct Lending II, is expected to finance leveraged buyout transactions throughout Asia-Pacific and could exceed the USD1.7bn raised by its predecessor. People familiar with the fundraising said details remain under discussion and Ares declined to comm