Cesar Purisima, the finance secretary of the Philippines discusses tthe changing role of the Asian Development Bank and recent changes in the Philippines' financial environment.

Determined to avoid the pitfalls of their Western counterparts, Chinese banks have entered a phase of tightening, as regulators put the squeeze on credit and raise interest rates repetitively. 

With massive government support, Chengdu has emerged as the financial centre of western China. Important banking institutions have already moved into the new Chengdu Financial City – which is still under construction – while other economic initiatives look set to transform the region's landscape. 

Tianjin is now one of the fastest-growing banking regions in China and, as a result, its financial institutions are experiencing phenomenal growth as they continue to fund the metropolis's booming industrial development and satisfy increasing demand from foreign investors.

Malaysia has ambitious plans to reposition itself as an international finance centre, but, growth must occur in a well-regulated environment with minimal risks.

Copper’s role as an indicator of the pace of China’s industrialisation. But how worried should the market be about the build up of copper stocks in China’s bonded warehouses?