In Focus
Singapore banks seen posting wealth surge but narrower margins in Q2
Singapore banks seen posting wealth surge but narrower margins in Q2
DBS’ and OCBC’s wealth management businesses are expected to post double-digit gains.
Indonesian wallets squeeze cash and cards in e-commerce
Bank transfers fund most app balances whilst COD still represents 13% of checkout spending.
Only 1 in 4 Malaysian banks trust AI outputs for decisions: study
Only 26% of financial institutions have a defined strategy for AI adoption.
Japan's record bank profits mask a rise in bad loans and capital pressure
The megabanks have raised their provisions amidst the Middle East conflict.
Alert overload ranks amongst top concerns for half of bankers
Manual work ranked amongst the top three concerns for 47% of respondents.
India's NBFCs shed two years of stress and enter earnings uptrend
An impending influx of foreign deposits will also benefit the NBFCs.
AI gains ground with Singapore wealthy but advisors stay central: HSBC
After using AI, nearly 4 in 5 will bring their findings to an advisor for reassurance.
Hong Kong banks face margin squeeze despite asset growth
Loans advanced 3.3% in 2025 and ended a three-year contraction.
Energy costs and rate hikes to squeeze Asia loan growth
Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka have raised their interest rates since February.
Thai finance sector profits rise 9% in Q2 ahead of H2 loan expansion
The firms benefited from the cash handout scheme and mild ME conflict impact.
Dark patterns affect 4 in 5 Indian payment users
82% report interface interference on Indian payment apps.
Which Aussie banks are home loan customers most satisfied with?
Customers cited competitive rates and having multiple offset accounts as reasons for their satisfaction with the lenders.
Chinese bank loan growth to stay sluggish as retail confidence falters
Loan growth has slowed to between 3.8% to 8.8%, said Morningstar.
APAC Islamic finance chases Gulf dominance with 22% share
Malaysia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia account for 72% of assets under the reporting framework.
Chinese banks ramp up overseas investments as low domestic rates bite
The RMB’s share of global trade finance surged to 8.5% in early 2026.
Asian B2B payment risks climb as suppliers face late payments: study
Businesses report reduced cash for operations and weaker cash flow planning.
Investment banking M&A hits $470b as target value slips
Announced transactions rose 9.4%, with mid-market activity driving much of the increase.
Commentary
Singapore's next payments opportunity
DIFC's reforms open new doors for Asian businesses: Is yours ready?
Why Asia’s private wealth industry requires a new era of governance
APAC has mastered domestic payments. The next challenge is connecting them.
Why fragmented communications are becoming a hidden governance risk for Asia Pacific banks
From automation to agency: Asia’s wealth leaders can reinvent, not just streamline
Singapore aced its FATF evaluation — now comes the hard part