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.

Starting on November 17 Chihiro Ashizawa has joined from Clifford Chance. Meanwhile Ashurst is looking to merge with US law firm Perkins Coie to create a top-20 global firm with a footprint in Apac and the Middle East.

The FSDC's current director and head of policy research will start in February 2026 for a three-year term.

Banks and payment giants at the Singapore FinTech Festival warned about deepfakes, cyberattacks, and AI-driven fraud even as they push aggressively into agentic AI and design their firms around AI-native operating models. With risks rising, leaders said 2026 will force a balance between ambition and safeguards.

Beijing-based Jim Wang is leading the subsidiary of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong).

Jean-François Mastrangelo has joined the British bank in Hong Kong; he most recently worked at Societe Generale.

Hong Kong-based Anoop Chaudhry will lead the Asia Pacific power, utilities, and infrastructure group at the global bank.

China’s new five-year plan for 2026–2030 marks a decisive policy shift, placing domestic consumption and reform at the core of its growth strategy.

Emerging markets are fuelling the rise of stablecoins. New regulations mean that more institutions are tapping greater distribution that could reshape global finance, including in Apac.

Beijing is encouraging A-share listed firms to list in Hong Kong, while Trump’s policies are turning some US-listed Chinese companies to also go public on HKEX. The IPO momentum is continuing with four firms listing on October 28 in the SAR.