The UK pharmaceutical giant has announced a landmark $15bn China investment during the UK prime minister’s visit, marking its largest expansion yet to boost manufacturing, R&D and biotech collaboration.

Soonwook Kwon was most recently managing director and branch manager at UBS in Seoul.

The oversubscribed deal is the first Rmb onshore syndicated loan arranged by Deutsche Bank in China and the first facility of its kind for JC Leasing; the loan is connected to rule changes by NFRA in 2024.

Despite criticism, Roushana Sjahsam, Asean senior board adviser at investment firm Zagga, argues private credit is an emerging asset class for defensive, yield-seeking investors, who want diversification, stable income, and portfolio resilience.

Blackstone has bought 9.9% of India’s Federal Bank and a stake in India’s Ace Insurance Brokers.

In an opinion piece, Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) chairman Jesmond Gatt, shares his views on how Apac's financial community can work closer together with Malta, including across digital assets, insurance and family offices.

Gunther Hamm, president of HOPU Investments, discussed with FA key drivers for the growing popularity of investors taking controlling stakes of companies in Asia.

The HKMA and SFC want to encourage primary issuances, enhance secondary liquidity, improve infrastructure, and play a prominent role in the internationalisation of the Renminbi.

The buyers of the multifamily assets were sovereign wealth funds and follows the closure of a hotel real estate fund in July.

The €2.85bn deal will expand the French gas giant's presence in Asia; the acquisition is being financed by a bridge loan and will be (re)financed by bond issues.