Regulation and risk environment key to Malaysia's growth

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

Q&A: Prasarn Trairatvorakul on raising rates and a rising baht

The governor of Thailand's central bank has had an eventful first few months in the role, including raising the Bank of Thailand's benchmark rates by 25 basis points and having to closely monitor the baht.

Thai banks perform well amid upheaval

Amid riots and concerns over more upheaval, Thailand's banks enjoyed a prosperous 2010. While the country's dependence on exports leaves it at the mercy of US and Chinese economic policies, major players in Thailand seem well prepared to cope with any slowdown.

Thai banks caught in global crosswinds

Although Thailand has managed to avoid much of the turmoil embroiling Western banks, the government is taking preventative action to ensure that its export and loan markets are not damaged by the slump in global demand. Writer Simon Montlake in Bangkok

Foreign banks go bargain hunting

As Thailand prepares for elections, foreign banks are looking around for openings in a market with room for growth. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

AsiaNs must act in unison

Chalongphob Sussangkarn took over as Thailand’s minister of finance in March, following the resignation of his predecessor Pridiyathorn Devakula. A former president of independent economic think-tank the Thailand Development Research Institute, he is a key player in the interim government that was installed last year after a military coup. He spoke to Simon Montlake in Bangkok.

Harsh lessons learned amid economic uncertainty

Thailand seemed to be ushering in a golden age of financial security, until high-level political scandal and terrorist attacks sent its fragile economy crashing back down to earth. Simon Montlake reports.

Technocrats target banking reform

A measured optimism is taking hold in the post-coup environment, as bankers expect new regulations and heightened competition. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

Singapore accelerates overseas acquisitions

Temasek Holdings, owned by the Singapore finance ministry, is spreading its wings in Asia, expanding its portfolio of financial services and banking assets. Simon Montlake reports.

Unbridled by uncertainty

Thailand’s banks are riding out the political uncertainty left by the departure of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

Timor-Leste: Asia’s newest nation spies oil

Simon Montlake reports from Dili on the government’s plans to turn petroleum wealth into long-term economic development in Asia’s poorest country.

Microcredit takes root in recovering system

Cambodia has made it through a tough time and come out the other side with a respectable degree of political stability – and microcredit lending, which provides much-needed loans to the poor, has emerged as a financial front-runner. Simon Montlake reports from Phnom Penh.

Investors acquire taste for exotic bond deals

A string of small securitisation deals is encouraging finance companies in Thailand to take a closer look at this class of bond, though hurdles remain, says Simon Montlake.

No distractions from sell-off momentum

Indonesia’s banks are going back into private hands as the government continues with its economic reform plans, despite the huge post-tsunami rebuilding task it faces. Simon Montlake reports on progress.

Tsunami fails to dent optimistic outlook

Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok on the pre-election mood and discovers that the tsunami disaster has not dented Thai bankers’ confidence.

Banks battle for customers

Competition is heating up for a share of Brunei’s consumer finance market. Simon Montlake talks to local banks and foreign entrants about their strategies. Newcomers to Brunei might be surprised to find that its small but affluent population of 340,000 is serviced by no fewer than nine domestic and foreign banks. In a country roughly the size of the US state of Delaware, a branch is never too far away, with some staying open until 10pm on weekdays for late-night transactions.

Going offshore without baggage

Brunei’s relatively new status as an offshore financial centre has enabled officials to pass quickly the necessary legislation to make it a world-class location. Simon Montlake reports on the country’s attractions for foreign banks. Brunei is among the newest entrants to the competitive field of offshore financial services. In the last four years, it has introduced legislative and regulatory reforms to position the oil-rich sultanate as an attractive tax-free jurisdiction for international banks and other financial companies.

Brunei diversifies to sustain growth

Oil has made Brunei a wealthy country. However, if the current economic growth is to be maintained, the tiny Asian sultanate requires a wider spread of industries contributing to its income. Simon Montlake reports.