Asia-Pacific
Banking and finance news from China, Japan, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
Canara Bank launches FCNR(B) special deposit scheme for NRIs in India
Canara Bank launched an FCNR(B) Special Deposit Scheme offering up to 6.50% per annum on US dollar deposits, with tax benefits for NRIs and a loan facility against the deposits.
APRA opens consultation on major governance overhaul including draft CPS 510
APRA launched the final phase of its governance review, releasing an updated draft of CPS 510 that would combine five existing prudential standards into one for banks, insurers and super trustees.
HDFC Bank issues USD 750 million five-year senior unsecured bonds via GIFT City IFSC
HDFC Bank issued USD 750 million of five-year senior unsecured bonds through its GIFT City IFSC Banking Unit, tapping the international dollar market from India.
Indian PSU banks report sharp rise in green deposits in FY26
Eight state-owned banks raised ₹3,733.11 crore through green deposits in FY26, up from ₹1,831.79 crore a year earlier; State Bank of India raised ₹189.08 crore in the year, taking its cumulative total to ₹317.39 crore.
India's 10-year G-Sec yield edges down to 7% in May
The benchmark 6.48% GS 2035 closed May two basis points below its April level, and Crisil expects it to trade in a 6.93–7.03% range over the next three months.
Bank of Japan raises policy rate to 1.0% in landmark normalisation step
The BoJ lifted its policy rate 25 bp to around 1.0%, a 31-year high, in a 7-1 vote as higher energy costs linked to the Middle East situation raised inflation risks; Governor Ueda was absent.
Hong Kong credit card originations see rising Gen Z share in Q1 2026
TransUnion reported that in Q1 2026 Hong Kong credit card balances and personal loan originations grew while revolving-line originations contracted, and the Gen Z cohort increased its share of new card originations.
Arki Finance in Singapore receives MAS licence to offer investment services
Singapore wealthtech Arki Finance received a Capital Markets Services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, enabling it to provide regulated advisory and portfolio management to retail investors.
Choco Up secures US$15 million credit facility to boost Singapore SME lending
Choco Up secured a US$15 million credit facility from AlteriQ Global, completed its first drawdown, and expected to finance growth and working capital for about 500 Singapore small and medium sized enterprises.
Thailand's central bank says branch closures set to hit bank staff more than AI
Thailand's central bank governor said AI adoption had limited short-term impact on banking employment, and that branch closures, rather than AI, would be the main driver of staff reductions.
HDFC Bank plans dollar bond sale under subsidised scheme, eyes at least $500 million
HDFC Bank planned to sell a five-year dollar bond under a new subsidised scheme and was looking to raise at least $500 million, with sources expecting strong demand.
Singapore announces gold clearing system and central bank vaulting services
Singapore announced an over-the-counter gold clearing system and central bank vaulting services, with the Singapore Exchange to set up Loco Singapore clearing as the city-state sought to deepen its gold market role.