Singapore and Hong Kong continue to attract the highest levels of foreign direct investment among Asian international finance centres. But there is change afoot elsewhere, with increasing levels of investment in Beijing causing it to replace Shanghai as the third most attractive Asian IFC for FDI.

As China has moved to speed up the internationalisation of its domestic currency since the financial crisis, the UK has made no secret of its willingness to play a role in this process. But much work still needs to be done with regards to trade settlements between the two countries, as well as improving transport links and communications.

The offshore renminbi bond market has seen a surge of issuance in the past year, with bankers predicting that 2012 will be even busier. This does not mean an easy ride for borrowers, however, with investors expecting higher yields as they no longer buy into the market solely on the basis of the strengthening currency.

The increasing might of China over the past decade has not been reflected in its currency. In 2010, China's share of world trade was 11.4%, while the renminbi's share in world payments was a mere 0.24%. The currency's route to internationalisation look set to be more marathon than sprint.

The fight for market share in the Asian High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) segment is fierce, as private banks and wealth management arms of major banks from Europe and the US position themselves for future growth.

Hong Kong has been the world's biggest initial public offering market for the past two years. Is this a sign of a structural shift in the equity markets, in which companies' capital-raising strategy must include a Hong Kong/China element? And just how much are world leaders London and New York losing out to their Asian rivals?

As mainland China continues to develop its capital markets, Hong Kong is well placed to pick up new cross-border trade and help facilitate the internationalisation of the renminbi.