Nishtha Asthana

As tokenised assets surge, institutions, innovators and regulators, are converging to rewrite how global capital moves, including in Apac, according to a high-level panel discussion at Token2049 in Singapore.

Hari Janakiraman, head of industry and innovation, transaction banking at ANZ, discussed legal frameworks, digital standards and tokenisation pilots, including Australia's Project Acacia, with FA in an exclusive interview.

Banks are looking to overhaul risk frameworks as US tariff actions collide with Asia’s export dependence. Experts shared their views on how regulators are embedding geopolitical shocks into stress scenarios, while banks turn to tech and client engagement to prepare for strains likely to surface in 2026.

FA spoke to Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills Middle East, about recent shifts in Dubai’s real estate landscape. He shared insights on foreign capital flows, the impact of infrastructure and regulatory reforms, and how new ownership models are influencing long-term investor activity.

Amid rising geopolitical fragmentation and tightening capital, infrastructure is emerging as a resilient asset class. Philippe Valahu discussed how a shift towards climate-smart, gender-inclusive, and blended finance-backed projects is redefining long-term value.

Cultural readiness, not just code, is emerging as the biggest barrier — and opportunity — in scaling AI across financial services, according to MAS and AWS.

Amid volatility, dollar weakness, and high government debt, the global fixed income market is poised for a bumpy reset with more instruments in Asia to benefit, according to Andrew Jackson, head of investments and head of fixed income boutique, at Vontobel.

Shilpa Gulrajani, DBS' head of sustainable finance, institutional banking, offered her thoughts on how capital markets are aligning with the region’s transition needs, including green loans and blended finance, on the sidelines of Ecosperity Week.

Clean energy investments are ramping up in Apac, but a $800bn annual shortfall risks slowing momentum. At Temasek’s Ecosperity Week, IFC's Riccardo Puliti and BlackRock's Susan Chan called for bolder partnerships, clearer policies, and better capital mobilisation.

Asia’s fixed income markets began 2025 on a stable footing, buoyed by falling rates and policy support from China; however, as credit spreads rise amid tariff mayhem, investors are seeking pockets of opportunities such as NBFIs and LGFVs.