South Asia

In the week of the World Economic Forum, Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, shares investment opportunities such as AI, infrastructure, mobility and renewables, in the fast-growing Indian state.

The fundraise includes $1.8bn for KKR Asia Credit Opportunities Fund II as the investment giant sees growing investor demand for allocation to private credit in the region; the fund has been used for deals in Hong Kong, India and Australia.

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.

A $500m, 30-year tranche was added to the latest offering to support India’s regional and international trade activities at a time of global trade tensions.

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%.

Every year, FinanceAsia publishes a highly recognised benchmark of Asia's best companies, made by asking influential investors and analysts to nominate Asian companies that are leading in their sector. We invite our readers to participate by nominating any Asia-based publicly-listed company that is leading in its sector.

FinanceAsia's editorial team picks five of the biggest stories from the year across M&A, ECM, digital assets and Trump's tariffs.

DK Bank in Gelephu Mindfulness City will commence trading of the gold tokens on December 17. A second phase will see a listing of the tokens, which are backed by Bhutan's reserves, on more exchanges and venues for secondary trading.

Read on to find out the winners of the Deal Awards - Asia Pacific.