Asia-Pacific
Banking and finance news from China, Japan, India, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
Mynt priced $845 million Philippine GCash IPO after strong demand
Mynt priced the GCash parent’s Philippine IPO at PHP6.60 a share, targeting about PHP53 billion in proceeds before the fintech company’s scheduled 20 October market debut.
Three northern Japan banks began merger talks targeting April 2028
Procrea Holdings, Akita Bank and Bank of Iwate began management integration talks, targeting April 2028 and combining groups with ¥13.34 trillion in assets at March 2026.
Mizuho and IFC launched $1 billion Asia-Pacific supply-chain finance facility
Mizuho Bank and IFC launched a three-year $1 billion risk-sharing facility for Asia-Pacific supply-chain finance, with IFC providing up to $500 million to support suppliers and distributors.
Bank of Japan summary revealed debate over faster rate increases
Bank of Japan policymakers discussed accelerating rate increases after September’s hike to 1.25%, while government representatives urged caution before another move, according to the meeting summary.
Vietnam’s HDBank set 30% stock distribution and October record date
HDBank fixed 12 October as the record date for a 25% stock dividend and 5% bonus share issue, lifting paid-up capital from VND50.05 trillion to about VND65.07 trillion.
Vietnam’s central bank set phased Basel III liquidity rules for lenders
Vietnam’s central bank raised the loan-to-deposit ceiling to 95% and scheduled LCR and NSFR requirements from October 2028 under Circular 50, with full ratios phased in by 2033.
India’s RBI eased approval rules for institutional stakes in banks
India’s central bank allowed eligible mutual funds, insurers and pension funds to seek one-time approval for aggregate bank shareholdings of up to 10%, replacing repeated approvals around the 5% threshold.
Bangladesh Bank Held Policy Rate at 9.50% as Inflation Risks Persisted
Bangladesh Bank kept its policy rate at 9.50% for October to December, citing persistent inflation risks while warning that banking-sector weakness was impairing monetary-policy transmission.
Hong Kong Priced HK$20 Billion Multicurrency Digital Green Bond Offering
Hong Kong priced about HK$20 billion of digital green bonds across four currencies, setting a new issuance record while introducing tokenised deposits into settlement for the local-currency tranche.
India’s HDFC Bank Appointed Anup Bagchi CEO for Three-Year Term
India’s HDFC Bank appointed Anup Bagchi as managing director and chief executive for three years from 27 October, after the Reserve Bank of India approved the succession.
Commonwealth Bank Extended Regional Branch Moratorium Across Australia Through 2030
Commonwealth Bank committed to keep 281 regional branches open until at least December 2030 and invest A$140 million in FY27 upgrades across its Australian branch network.
Kotak Mahindra Bank appointed Anup Kumar Saha for three-year CEO term
Kotak Mahindra Bank appointed Anup Kumar Saha as managing director and CEO for three years from 1 January 2027, succeeding Ashok Vaswani after Reserve Bank of India approval.