Energy prices are rising, stock markets are falling and flights remain cancelled as Iran continues attacks on countries across the Middle East, as Israel and the US ramp up pressure.

The oil price has surged to $82 a barrel amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran responds with multiple missiles across the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran over the weekend; the UAE has closed its stock markets for two days.

SC's operating profit grew 6% last year; Zurich Australia snaps up life insurer ClearView; Citi Vietnam appoints Thai Nguyet Minh as head of markets.

If the deal is finalised, a combination of the US and UK global asset managers will control almost $2.5 trillion of assets under management; they both have offices across Apac.

Hong Kong-based Peng Yu is a specialist in private equity and M&A transactions.

It is the first Hong Kong dollar issuance by the South Korean investment firm.

The buoyancy in the sector is being driven by multiple factors, including regulatory shifts, policy support, and debt capital market activity in the city.

The global law firm has promoted regional managing partner William Liu to drive regional strategy as it marks 50 years in the region.

Chinese transactions are benefitting from a booming IPO market in Hong Kong, which is driving Asia growth from a low base.

Despite challenges, regional opportunities exist in structured credit, defensive corporate exposures, high-yield bonds, and emerging market sovereigns, according to MFS Investment Management's Pilar Gomez-Bravo.