The bank's shares climbed as it beat analysts' expectations despite facing a commercial real estate charge of $700m in Hong Kong. Chairman Brendan Nelson is confident of growth in Asia this year.

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.

The Singaporean bank continues its diversified funding strategy, achieving tight pricing for a five-year tenor. The majority of investors came from Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Every year, FinanceAsia publishes a highly recognised benchmark of Asia's best companies, made by asking influential investors and analysts to nominate Asian companies that are leading in their sector.

Every year, FinanceAsia publishes a highly recognised benchmark of Asia's best companies, made by asking influential investors and analysts to nominate Asian companies that are leading in their sector. We invite our readers to participate by nominating any Asia-based publicly-listed company that is leading in its sector.

The spun off firm from JD.com is preparing for an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on December 11; the deal could generate around $20m of fees.

Adam Zhang, managing director of Collabrium Partners, shares his views with FA on how Chinese companies are changing their approach to cross-border M&A, including finding opportunities in Southeast Asia and in technology.