The Greater Mekong Delta sub-region of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam has been posting stellar growth figures in recent years, and looks set to continue this trend. However, each country within the region has its own social, political and economic hurdles to overcome. Stefania Palma reports.
The relatively small economies of Vietnam and Cambodia are punching above their weight in terms of growth in The Banker’s latest Association of South-east Asian Nations ranking. Meanwhile, Singapore’s banks retain their dominance in the ranking in terms of Tier 1 capital.
The steady growth of sharia-compliant assets suggests banks believe in the future of the sector, but the dismantling of the largest cross-border Islamic window raises questions about whether global banking groups can make a success of the business.
Thailand can no longer rely upon its exports or low labour costs to give it an edge in international markets. Instead, it must rebalance its economy to be more demand driven, and to have a greater domestic focus, something the Bank of Thailand is keen to help the country achieve.
Devastating floods and political instability saw Thailand's economy grind to a halt in late 2011. However, the country's banks have emerged relatively unscathed, and with its economy now growing at a good pace, the country is looking forward to experiencing good times similar to those that its south-east Asian neighbours have enjoyed.
Ongoing financial reform will not be held back by Thailand's political troubles, say Thailand's bankers. Neither portfolio nor direct investment inflows have been impacted, and the country's government is pressing on with two masterplans for the financial sector and capital markets. Writer Brian Caplen
The Bank of Thailand's tenacious governor reflects on the central bank's staunch risk management reforms which saw the country's banking sector through the credit crisis in good shape, and looks ahead to the next challenge - of negotiating a macro-prudential economic policy across south-east Asia. Writer Michelle Price
Strong nerves and creative strategies have characterised the best-performing finance ministers over the past 12 months. Here The Banker recognises those whose will and skill have proved outstanding at tackling the immediate effects of the slump while positioning their countries for future growth.