The cooperation includes a new arrangement between the HKMA and AMCM to facilitate a cross-border investment channel to clear, settle, and hold bonds registered in either market; bond deals are climbing strongly in Macau.

Filipinos and Korean nationals will be able open bank accounts and access other financial services in the each other's respective markets, using credit records and a API.

The new regulation is targeting digital asset and payment service providers in both cryptocurrencies and stablecoins; draft legislation is expected by the end of 2025.

The up to $121m bond is supported by BCA Sekuritas, BNI Sekuritas, Sucor Sekuritas and BRI; the miner is also eyeing a "transformative" acquisition to help sustainability efforts.

The fund will also be the first retail tokenised fund across Asia Pacific.

After US president Donald Trump issued executive orders to place 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports (now delayed) and 10% on Chinese goods (starting February 4); China has now retaliated with tariffs on US coal, gas, crude oil and more.

The Hong Kong property developer secured the deal with a consortium of international, Chinese and local banks; the company cited "challenging" market conditions in mainland China and Hong Kong as 2024 profits fell 25%.

DLT’s potential to drive transaction efficiency is more widely acknowledged, while some crypto native players are looking to tap into traditional financial products; however, Apac’s regulatory framework is fragmented.

Slowing loans, M&A and ECM hit banks' fees last year. Technology, exports and bonds are bright spots, while Hong Kong is increasingly being seen as a place to raise foreign capital. PBOC's governor Pan Gongsheng wants a proactive policy approach.

The 28th iteration of our annual flagship FinanceAsia Awards 2024 is now open for entry.