Asia Pacific
Banking and finance news from China, Japan, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China's Big Banks Eye Profit Rebound on $8T Deposit Reset
China's top state-owned banks stand to recover profits in 2026 as nearly $8 trillion in high-cost time deposits mature and reprice lower, easing funding pressures amid economic headwinds. Analysts forecast net interest margin gains of 12 basis points, lifting three major lenders' earnings 2.3%-3.3%.
GTN Wins Hong Kong SFC Licence in Dual-Hub Asia Push
GTN has secured a Type 1 licence from Hong Kong's SFC, completing its Asia-Pacific dual-hub strategy with regulated hubs in Hong Kong and Singapore. The approval unlocks US$3 trillion in regional liquidity for global firms and enables fractional trading of HKEX stocks.
China's PBOC Launches Third 2026 Central Bank Bill Batch
The People's Bank of China has issued its third batch of central bank bills for 2026, totaling RMB 60 billion in six-month fixed-rate bonds via Dutch auction. This move signals steady liquidity management amid global tensions and domestic economic pressures.
China Authorizes 12 More Banks for Digital Yuan Expansion
Beijing is expanding its digital yuan network by approving 12 additional banks, including Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and China Everbright Bank, to boost domestic adoption and RMB internationalization amid surging transaction volumes nearing 17 trillion yuan.
OwlTing Group Hits No. 226 on FT Asia-Pacific High-Growth List
Taiwan-based fintech OwlTing Group (NASDAQ: OWLS) secures No. 226 on the Financial Times High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2026 list, boasting 42% CAGR and 189% revenue surge from 2021-2024. Partnerships with Circle and Visa fuel its cross-border digital payment push amid Nasdaq debut.
Adyen Boosts Cathay Pacific Payments in Six Key Markets
Adyen has expanded its partnership with Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific to deliver direct acquiring services across Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, US, Japan, and India, lifting India authorization rates by 10%. The move sharpens the airline's global commerce edge amid rising travel demand.
Singapore MAS Unveils AI Risk Toolkit for Financial Firms
Singapore's Monetary Authority has launched an industry-backed AI risk management toolkit to guide banks and insurers on safely deploying generative and agentic AI amid rising regulatory demands. The framework, born from Project MindForge, offers practical handbooks and case studies to bridge pri...
China's PBOC Vows Loose Policy to Bolster Growth
PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng pledged a moderately loose monetary policy at the China Development Forum, using tools like reserve ratios and interest rates to ensure ample liquidity amid RMB appreciation. The stance aims to support economic recovery and invite foreign investment. (187 characters)
HKMA Tracks Fed's Steady Rates Amid Uncertainty
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to monetary stability following the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep the federal
Taiwan Central Bank Maintains Rates as Inflation Pressures Mount
Taiwan's central bank kept interest rates unchanged Thursday, maintaining its restrictive monetary policy stance even as geopolitical tensions and energy price shocks complicate
HDFC Bank Chairman Chakraborty Resigns Over Values Clash
HDFC Bank's part-time Chairman Atanu Chakraborty has resigned suddenly, citing internal practices at the bank that clashed with his personal values and ethics.
MobiKwik Names Anis Pathan Chief Risk Officer Amid Fraud Probes
MobiKwik, the Gurugram-based fintech pioneer in digital payments, has appointed Anis Pathan as its Chief Risk Officer, a move signaling heightened focus on risk governance