Southeast Asia

Harmonising digital asset rules gains momentum

Global regulators are seeing a convergence of digital-asset standards, even as differences in pace and risk culture persist. Speakers at the Singapore Fintech Festival said responsible innovation, is becoming the organising principle for harmonisation.

January 11, 2026

Clifford Capital's two $500m bond offerings oversubscribed

The offerings attracted public sector institutions, banks, asset managers, corporates and private banks, with particularly strong participation from Asia.

January 09, 2026

Norton Rose Fulbright adds Apac, Middle East aviation team; hires HK partner

Aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini has brought a six-person aviation team from Bird & Bird, while Jason Chan joins in Hong Kong.

January 06, 2026

Apac (ex Japan) investment banking fees grew 19% to $24.9bn in 2025: LSEG

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%.

January 06, 2026

Global Infrastructure Partners invests in Philippines’ Aboitiz InfraCapital

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.

January 03, 2026

Deal Analysis: Syfe's acquisition of Australia's Selfwealth

Samantha Horton, group chief operating officer and head of international at Syfe, explained to FA some of the mechanics, challenges and attractions of the 2025 deal for the listed firm, and also future regional expansion plans.

December 16, 2025

Problems mount at Bangladeshi banks as IMF delays loan

Loan defaults in Bangladeshi's banking sector have reached an all-time high of 35.7% of total disbursed loans, posing a severe threat to depositors; elections will take place in February 2026.

December 16, 2025

FA year in review: Five key stories from 2025

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

December 16, 2025

Singapore's Sembcorp Industries to buy Alinta Energy from Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for A$6.5bn

Alinta Energy is one of Australia’s leading energy retailers and generators. Sembcorp is looking to grow its renewables capacity to 25 GW by 2028.

December 11, 2025

Philippines' Tonik Digital Bank capital boosted by $12m fundraising

Tonik is the first digital-only bank in the Philippines with a banking licence from the BSP. Ukraine's Diligent Capital Partners, which is leading the pre-Series C funding round, has backed founder Greg Krasnov before.

December 04, 2025