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.
Asia-Pacific
Deals of the year 2012
April 27, 2012The Banker’s Deals of the Year for 2012 celebrate the most impressive transactions in FIG capital raising, M&A, corporate and SSA bonds, infrastructure and project finance, loans, structured finance, equities, restructuring, Islamic finance, and this year a newly added trade finance category. Many deals were undertaken in very difficult market conditions, while banks from emerging markets are noticeably playing a larger role in the top transactions in their countries.
Australia dominates 'other' Asia-Pacific ranking
April 2, 2012While the Asia-Pacific region's growth story over the past few decades has been powered by Japan and then China, at least as far as banking is concerned, when these two countries are removed from The Banker's Asia-Pacific rankings, it is Australia's banks that come to the fore.
London bids to play renminbi strong suit
April 2, 2012As 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.
Emerging markets face currency conundrum
April 2, 2012A combination of policy intervention in emerging markets and high residual risks in developed markets means volatility in emerging market currencies looks set to continue.
Are China's banks heading for a crisis?
April 2, 2012The state of China’s banks is a divisive topic – are they on the brink of collapse or part of a stable, state-controlled system? The country's financial institutions are reporting high profits and deposits, but with unquantified levels of bad debt, concerns over asset quality and overexposure to a weakening property market, questions are being asked about the long-term health of the sector.
Banks race to keep pace with Mongolia’s growth
April 2, 2012Mongolia’s mining industry is driving the economy’s rapid expansion and bringing challenges for local banks, which are scrambling to keep up with such dramatic rates of growth.
Foreign exchange still in everyone’s sights
April 2, 2012Higher volumes than before the financial crisis and a growing number of heavyweight currencies are attracting investment banks, but the global foreign exchange pie may not be large enough for everyone to have a slice.
Chinese banks move up a gear in Latin America financing
March 26, 2012As China becomes a growing source of finance in Latin America, looking to internationalise the renminbi and diversify its investments away from low-yielding US debt securities, both parties seem to be reaping the rewards. But does this blossoming relationship simply highlight Latin America's dependence on commodities?
Capital expenditure down but Singapore remains top centre for inward financial FDI
March 12, 2012The Asian city state of Singapore attracted more foreign investment in its financial sector than any other IFC in the world over the past year.