Markets

Singapore-based Phua has become head of markets solutions under cluster sales, Asia North and Asia South, for clients of Citi Commercial Bank.

The financial services platform continues its Apac expansion by offering 24 futures and options products, including agricultural commodities, energy, metals and freight, from the Shanghai International Energy Exchange, Dalian Commodity Exchange and Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange.

FA spoke to Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills Middle East, about recent shifts in Dubai’s real estate landscape. He shared insights on foreign capital flows, the impact of infrastructure and regulatory reforms, and how new ownership models are influencing long-term investor activity.

The sustainability linked financing covers greenfield and operational assets across Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and involved a consortium of 60 banks. The financing comes after Blackstone and CPPIB's acquisition of the group last year.

The financing is the largest foreign direct investment in Pakistan's history and is expected to help create the world's fifth largest copper mine in Chagai, which is expected to start producing copper in 2028.

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.

The Chinese property giant had been placed into liquidation by Hong Kong's High Court in January 2024.

The Chinese global PC firm has appointed a Middle East leadership team, while its regional headquarters will be in Riyadh's Al Majdoul Tower.

Hanoi’s capital market initiatives are driving Vietnamese equities higher even as concerns over Asia’s trade outlook and erratic tariffs continue to overhang sentiment.