The buoyancy in the sector is being driven by multiple factors, including regulatory shifts, policy support, and debt capital market activity in the city.

Hong Kong payment platform Wonder has raised $12m in venture debt from HSBC Innovation Banking to accelerate its regional expansion.

The global law firm has promoted regional managing partner William Liu to drive regional strategy as it marks 50 years in the region.

Chinese transactions are benefitting from a booming IPO market in Hong Kong, which is driving Asia growth from a low base.

Despite challenges, regional opportunities exist in structured credit, defensive corporate exposures, high-yield bonds, and emerging market sovereigns, according to MFS Investment Management's Pilar Gomez-Bravo.

Coller Capital is a global secondaries firm with around $50bn in AUM and six Apac offices. EQT's CEO believes Coller's business can double in size in under four years; the PE giant is paying up to $3.7bn. In Japan, EQT has launched a bid for Mamezo.

The southeast Asian country continues its diversified sovereign fundraising, while its fiscal deficit for 2025 widened to 2.92%.

Entries are now open for the 30th edition of the FinanceAsia Awards which celebrate the best banks, brokers, consultants, rating agencies, law firms and other financial institutions across the region.

In a positive year for the region's banks, 2025 ECM fees in Apac, ex Japan, were up 45% from 2024, DCM fees saw 11% growth, amid a record year for bonds, while M&A advisory fees climbed 43%.

Sydney-based Ellis has been leading the Australia & New Zealand rates sales franchise and will continue in this role.