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

Singapore supply chain resilience is stronger than in other major developed markets, with local businesses better prepared to withstand prolonged disruptions, according to Proxima's 2026 Global Supply Chain Resilience Outlook. The findings highlight Singapore's continued focus on operational resilience and business continuity amid increasing geopolitical and technology-related risks. The survey found that 23% of Singapore companies could continue operating for between four an

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

Singapore wealthy individuals continue to face the world's highest cost of living, with the city retaining its position as the most expensive location globally for high-net-worth individuals for a fourth consecutive year, according to Julius Baer's latest Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report. The Swiss private bank ranked Singapore ahead of Zurich and Monaco, while Hong Kong placed fourth, Shanghai sixth, Sydney eighth and Bangkok tenth. Asia-Pacific cities accounted for five o

Indonesia is considering sweeping tax incentives to support a proposed international financial centre as the government seeks to attract global capital, financial institutions and family offices. The Indonesia financial hub proposal includes extensive fiscal incentives aimed at strengthening the country's competitiveness as a regional investment destination. Lawmakers discussed legislation that would provide a 100% corporate income tax reduction for qualifying businesses and

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

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

Hong Kong wealth remains among the world's highest after the city ranked fourth globally for wealth per adult in the latest UBS Global Wealth Report, highlighting its continued strength as an international financial and wealth management centre. The report underscores Hong Kong's importance for private banks, family offices and investment managers serving affluent clients across Asia. UBS reported average wealth per adult in Hong Kong of USD648,267, placing the city behind on

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

China family wealth has reached RMB145tr (USD20.2tr), with Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong remaining the country's leading centres for affluent households, according to a report by Bank of East Asia and the Hurun Research Institute. The findings underline the concentration of wealth in China's major financial hubs and reinforce the importance of the Greater Bay Area as a key market for private banks, family offices and wealth managers. Hong Kong recorded around 521,000 afflue

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

The APAC banking outlook remains broadly stable despite growing geopolitical risks, although Asia-Pacific banks could face an additional USD180bn in credit losses if conflict in the Middle East persists, according to S&P Global Ratings. The warning forms part of the agency's latest midyear assessment of regional banking conditions. S&P said that 92% of Asia-Pacific bank ratings continue to carry stable outlooks, reflecting expectations that credit ratings will remain largely

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

China's new outbound investment rules, effective from July 1, are expected to reshape rather than reduce overseas expansion by Chinese companies using Singapore as their regional base, according to entrepreneurs, investors and advisers. The China outbound investment rules introduce more comprehensive supervision while maintaining support for international business expansion. The regulations establish "full-process supervision" over outbound investments and extend national sec

Shanghai should strengthen its role as China's principal financial centre for companies expanding internationally, potentially increasing competition with Hong Kong, according to Shanghai Finance Institute vice-president Liu Xiaochun. The Shanghai financial hub proposal argues that growing outbound investment requires broader financial support than a single international centre can provide. Liu acknowledged Hong Kong's established position as a mature global financial hub but

Japan's private equity market maintained strong momentum during 2025, with deal value reaching JPY4.8tr (USD29.8bn), marking the fifth consecutive year above JPY3tr, according to Bain & Company's Japan Private Equity Report 2026. The Japan private equity market continues to benefit from governance reforms, larger buyout transactions and improving operational performance. Exit value reached a record JPY2.4tr as sponsors disposed of older investments, while transactions exceedi

Asia has become the world's dominant centre for wealth creation, now accounting for 58% of the global billionaire population, according to Josh Gardner, chief executive of data consultancy Kung Fu Data. The Asia wealth creation trend highlights the region’s growing influence on global entrepreneurship, investment and family wealth. Gardner said New York remains the world's leading billionaire city, but Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing now occupy the next three positions, while