Russia's war on Ukraine has the potential to impact commodities prices in Asia. However, some countries may benefit from shifting supply chains.

Banks have begun to take tentative steps into the metaverse, exploring how they can bring their services to this fully-digital channel. With questions around the use of cryptocurrencies and the form regulation may take, there is still some way to go before banks are offering a full metaverse experience.

As Asian governments ease lockdown measures and reopen borders, a group of regional economists share their thoughts with The Banker on how the region has been affected over the past two years and which sectors are in the most need of additional support for recovery. 

The acquisition of Citi’s retail operations across several Asian markets will give two of Singapore’s biggest banks additional clout across the region. 

South Korea’s economy has bounced back strongly from the pandemic slump, thanks largely to its dominance of the semiconductor space. Yet with a presidential election on the horizon and further interest increases forecast, there is still some uncertainty as to future growth potential.

South Korea’s banks have managed to hold steady through Covid-19 and are now looking to the future of digital banking. Kimberley Long reports. 

Central banks across Asia are working together on real-time cross-border payments and central bank digital currency initiatives.

As financial inclusion has increased worldwide, one area has remained stubbornly difficult to crack: banking services for women in developing markets. Banks are now working on providing tailored services that address the issues keeping women out of the formal banking system.