Japanese development bank, the Japan Bank for International Co-operation, is tasked with integrating broader Asian demands into its operations. Environmental finance and capital markets support are two areas of increasing prominence for the bank.
Asia-Pacific
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ Japan
Richard C Koo
May 28, 2010For the first time in its modern economic history, Japan is being hotly pursued by China, which recently became the world's second-largest economy. Nomura Research Institute's chief economist reveals what Japan needs to learn if it is to maintain its lofty position in the new global economic order.
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ Japan
Nomura's William Vereker on the bank's expansion plan
May 28, 2010Nomura is making an audacious bid to turn itself into a global investment bank, and its co-head of global investment banking is happy with the progress made so far. Writer Geraldine Lambe
The Kazakh government is supporting Islamic finance, helped by Abu Dhabi
May 28, 2010The Kazakhstan government is strongly promoting the development of Islamic finance in the country to diversify its financial sector, with strong support from Abu Dhabi. Writer Philip Alexander
Asia watchers worry about the influx of foreign capital
May 28, 2010Despite a sense of optimism at the Asian Development Bank's 43rd annual meeting last month, Asia-watchers warn that there may still be trouble ahead due to a disruptive influx of foreign capital. Writer Michelle Price
Kazakh banks replace leverage with capital
May 5, 2010Kazakhstan's banks are divided between those that are cash-strapped and looking at restructuring, and cash-rich survivors trying to find new lending opportunities. Writer Philip Alexander
On the rebound
May 5, 2010Despite falling into a major economic trough in the first quarter of 2009, the majority of South Korea's banks are poised for a stable recovery in 2010. But the unwinding of stimulus packages worldwide and the risk of a possible double-dip global recession in the West continue to threaten the Korean banking sector. Writer Mee Hyoe Koo
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ Vietnam
Is Vietnam cultivating another asset bubble?
May 5, 2010Bank lending is being used as a direct and often blunt lever by which to manage Vietnam's economy, proving a critical first defence against the global economic slump. But the medium-term consequences of over-interference may be another bubble, warn analysts. Writer Michelle Price
European issuers flourish in Asia
May 5, 2010Fast and effective: KfW's January 10-year dollar deal had a healthy placement in Asia
Despite concerns about government budget deficits, Asian central banks continue to show strong demand for European sovereign bonds. But sovereign, supranational and agency issuers all need to focus much more on the careful execution of deals, and the syndication process has been speeded up because of volatile market conditions. Writer Michael Marray
Paving the way for a market revival
May 5, 2010Thomas Fang, head of Greater China risk management products intermediary sales at UBS
The Asian structured products market is slowly rebuilding itself after the fallout from the global financial crisis. High-net-worth investors are getting their risk appetite back but providers are having to structure shorter-term products in order to win business. Writer Michael Marray