CTC preps global equities mandates

Tomoyuki Sasai is stepping up to replace Marc Saffon, who becomes Japan country head at the French bank.

Philippines’ Aboitiz Equity Ventures has agreed for BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners to take a 40% stake in Aboitiz InfraCapital; the Philippines government is ramping up infrastructure investment.

The US firm will invest in Japanese PE funds and direct co-investments.

China had robust import and export growth in May despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Fitch has upgraded China's GDP forecast to 4.6% this year after "surprisingly good" Q1 data. In a volatile market, SpaceX is set to go public on June 12.

Amid a structural shift towards Asia, Insilico Medicine's IPO in December was a significant moment for the exchange, while French biotech TheraVectys is understood to be considering a listing.

Global ESG sukuk increased by 12% in H1 2025 to about $50bn equivalent outstanding. The GCC accounted for over half of this, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while Malaysia and Indonesia together represented 40%. Pakistan made a market debut as an issuer.