As the wealth of Asia-Pacific's high-net-worth individuals continues to swell, so too does the size and reputation of the region's private banking industry. This is leading to speculation about whether its two main hubs – Singapore and Hong Kong – may be growing to such status that one day they will replace Switzerland as the global private banking capital. 

Progress towards the integration of the economic community of the Association of South-east Asian Nations in 2015 has been impressive, but challenges remain as member countries attempt to bring together very different values. 

With global expansion focused on the Asia-Pacific region, Citi is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this growth, with its long presence in the region. Its chief executive in the region talks to Stefania Palma.

Taiwan’s banks may have performed perfectly adequately in recent years, but now with increasing internationalisation, consolidation in the market and new tools for managing the country’s excess liquidity, the sector is poised for a hike in growth. 

South Korea's banks have enjoyed mixed fortunes in 2014, a year that has seen high-profile scandals rock the country's largest lenders and in which innovative hybrid funding has characterised a spirit of innovation and growth among the country's small and regional players.

Hong Kong’s banks are unfazed by the student protests that have captured the world’s attention. Bankers remain upbeat about prospects for the continuing internationalisation of the renminbi, the maturing dim sum market and Hong Kong’s inclusion in China’s growth plans. 

Former chief secretary of Hong Kong, Anson Chan, tells Stefania Palma about the difficulties facing pan-democratic parties in Hong Kong, and defends the city-state's political protesters, saying that universal suffrage is long overdue.