Asia-Pacific
Banking and finance news from China, Japan, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
SEBI Issues Master Circular for ESG Rating Providers, Mandating Six Rating Products for Indian Listed Companies
India's SEBI issued a Master Circular on 11 July 2025 requiring ESG Rating Providers to offer six specified products, including a transition (Parivartan) score, and core versions of each rating.
Bank Negara Malaysia Cuts Overnight Policy Rate to 2.75% in First Reduction Since July 2020
Bank Negara Malaysia reduced its overnight policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% in July 2025, the first cut in five years, in a pre-emptive move against global trade headwinds.
Singapore Sustainable Finance Association Publishes SAT Practical Guidance for Green and Transition Financing
The SSFA published practical guidance on 9 July 2025 to help financial institutions apply the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy for green and transition financing, developed by its industry-led Taxonomy Workstream and welcomed by MAS.
Reserve Bank of Australia Holds Cash Rate at 3.85%, Surprising Markets Expecting a Third Cut
The Reserve Bank of Australia kept its cash rate at 3.85% in July 2025, defying expectations of a third cut in the easing cycle as a 6-3 board majority chose to wait for more information confirming that inflation remains on track.
MAS Fines Nine Financial Institutions S$27.45 Million Over AML Failures Linked to 2023 Money Laundering Case
Singapore's MAS announced on 4 July 2025 S$27.45 million in penalties on nine firms including Citi, UOB, and Credit Suisse Singapore Branch.
ANZ Group Appoints Nuno Matos as Chief Executive, Succeeding Shayne Elliott After Nine Years
Nuno Matos assumed the role of ANZ Group CEO on 3 July 2025, succeeding Shayne Elliott who retired after nine years leading one of Australia's four major banks.
MAS Imposes S$960,000 in AML Penalties on Five Singapore Payment Institutions
Singapore's MAS fined five payment institutions S$960,000 in total for AML/CFT breaches in cross-border money transfers.
Tyme Group named to TIME100 companies list with 17.5 million customers across two markets
TIME's 2025 list of the most influential companies included Tyme Group, parent of TymeBank and GoTyme Bank, which it said adds about 450,000 customers a month as it plans to enter Indonesia.
India's Sustainable Debt Market Reaches USD 55.9 Billion as Green Bonds Dominate Issuance
India's cumulative GSS+ debt market reached USD 55.9 billion by end-2024, a 186% rise since 2021, with green debt accounting for 83% of total sustainable issuance.
NPCI Posts 42% Profit Rise in FY2025 as India's Digital Payments Volume Hits 213 Billion Transactions
India's NPCI reported a 42% rise in profit to Rs 1,552 crore in FY2025, with revenue up 19% and total transaction volumes rising 33% to 213 billion.
Thailand Approves Ascend Money Virtual Bank Application
CP Group's Ascend Money, parent of fintech unicorn TrueMoney, has won approval to establish one of Thailand's first virtual banks after Thailand's finance minister, on the Bank of Thailand's advice, approved three of five applicants.
Bank of Japan Holds Policy Rate at 0.50% in June 2025 and Slows Pace of JGB Purchase Cuts
The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged at 0.50% in June 2025, and decided to slow the pace of its JGB purchase reductions from April 2026.