Advertisement
Advertisement
TOPIC

Banking & finance

Related Topics:
Banking & finance
News about the global financial industry with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and China.
Illustration by Lau Ka-kuen
Cryptocurrency

Has Hong Kong laid the groundwork to become a world-leading crypto hub?

With its regulatory clarity and superconnector edge, the city is drawing global crypto firms as it emerges as a premier Web3 hub.

videocam
IPO

Should the Hong Kong stock exchange make all IPO applications confidential?

Yuan

China adds 12 banks to digital yuan system, expanding e-CNY’s economic presence

videocam
China economy

How China plans to use new law to further its financial superpower ambitions

The draft finance law, released by the Ministry of Justice, central bank and three other regulators, will solicit feedback until April 19.

A draft of China’s finance law was released by the People’s Bank of China and four other regulators on Friday. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US federal debt becoming ‘alarmingly unsustainable’ as Iran war fuels spending

Washington’s rapid accumulation of sovereign debt sparks outcry, with some analysts questioning if Trump has the political will to cut the deficit.

videocam
21
HKEX

Editorial | HKEX’s listing reforms will boost Hong Kong’s competitiveness

The measures seek to widen access for innovative firms seeking capital while preserving the city’s standards of financial probity.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
US-China relations

US-China split on digital money deepens as stablecoin debate stalls Clarity Act

Crypto push for yield clashes with banks, slowing US legislation as China advances interest-bearing e-CNY on a different path.

China’s e-CNY is a central bank digital currency that now allows interest-bearing holdings, reflecting Beijing’s state-led approach to digital money. Photo: VCG
Central banks

China’s central bank pledges stability in capital markets amid global sell-off

With worries over the Iran war driving down stock prices, the People’s Bank of China has named market stability as a ‘major task’ in 2026.

Hong Kong stock market

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Market regulator will soon begin inspection of investment banks amid concerns about deficiencies in listing documents and misconduct.

Yuan

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

Beijing has removed several key restrictions on its payment system, allowing it to expand beyond yuan settlements, economist says.

10
China has been promoting its own cross-border payment system as it seeks to hedge against potential weaponisation of the US financial system. Photo: AFP
Wealth management

Middle East banks eye Hong Kong as ‘safe haven’ amid Iran threats: InvestHK head

Investment-promotion agency is helping a couple of Middle East banks set up in the city and fielding more inquiries since the war started.

Smoke billows from a fire near Dubai International Airport on March 16, 2026. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

HKMA warns of interest rate uncertainty amid Middle East conflict

HKMA leaves city’s base rate untouched at 4 per cent, as HSBC, Standard Chartered and BOCHK keep prime lending and saving rates unchanged.

Iran

Iran conflict drives fund managers to slash risk and hoard cash: BofA survey

Fund managers pile into cash at fastest pace since Covid-19 as geopolitical tensions, inflation replace AI as top concerns, bank finds.

HSBC

HSBC launches US$2.5 billion AT1 bond issue in Hong Kong after market standstill

Lender’s AT1 bond sale is the first since Iran conflict froze the market, with Hong Kong’s stability making it the natural venue: analyst.

The offering comprises US$1.25 billion in five-year bonds at 6.75 per cent per year, and another US$1.25 billion in 10-year bonds at 7 per cent. Photo: Elson Li
Wealth management

Chinese banks outpace rivals in Hong Kong wealth growth, Huatai HK CEO says

Booming listings and rising outbound investment demand are accelerating growth for Chinese players, SFC data shows.

Wang Lei, CEO of Huatai Financial. Photo: Handout
IPO

China’s tightened IPO rules for some ‘red chips’ in Hong Kong raise concerns

The CSRC asks some Hong Kong listing candidates to change their red-chip structure and issue H shares.

Hong Kong stock market

First HKIC bet SmartMore seeks Hong Kong IPO amid booming tech pipeline

Unicorn’s AI platforms power firms from Tesla to Apple suppliers, highlighting the government fund’s role in the city’s tech investment push.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
United States

Trump administration urges judge to revisit ruling blocking Powell subpoenas

A federal judge had ruled on Friday that a DOJ investigation into Powell was intended to pressure the Fed chairman to lower interest ‌rates.

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Photo: Reuters
Biomedicine: Companies

Hong Kong attracts wave of biotech IPO filings amid AI drug research boom

More than 10 pre-profit drug developers are seeking Hong Kong listings as AI-powered biotech platforms draw growing investor interest.

US, Israel war on Iran

Macroscope | Trump hasn’t counted on financial blowback from his war with Iran

As Washington fights a war with global economic ramifications, allies may soon begin to reassess their financial support of US coffers.

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong can play vital part in boosting crucial China-India relations

India is a vibrant, emerging and complex power with much to offer the city and China as a whole.

videocam
Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Zero tolerance for insider trading central to Hong Kong’s financial future

Crackdown on wrongdoers a welcome sign of regulatory vigilance that is vital to the city’s role as an international finance hub.

Hong Kong regained its title as the No 1 market for IPOs last year. Photo: Sun Yeung
Biomedicine: Companies

In a first for China, Neuracle’s brain-computer interface wins approval

China’s BCI start-ups, seen as potential rivals to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, gain momentum as regulatory support and new capital fuel growth.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong sends ‘very strong message’ with insider-trading arrests

Joint operation by ICAC and SFC shows commitment to protecting city’s status as a fundraising hub, analysts say.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Wealth for Good Summit to highlight AI, robotics opportunities

Fourth edition of summit comes as Hong Kong pursues goal of attracting 220 additional family offices by 2028.

Robotics is among the Chinese industries creating new investment opportunities as global investors reassess their global asset allocations. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Insurance

Hong Kong export credit insurer keeps premiums low despite Middle East tensions

Agency says limited exposure to the Middle East has kept trade risks contained for most Hong Kong exporters.

HKECIC chairwoman Agnes Chan Sui-kuen and commissioner Terence Chiu Man-chung Photo: Handout
China property

Chinese developer Sunshine 100 to oppose winding-up petition in Hong Kong

HTI Financial Solutions and Haitong International Financial Products filed the petition over a debt due in March last year, firm says.

Fintech

Exclusive | HSBC, Standard Chartered tipped to win Hong Kong stablecoin licences in 2 weeks

The approvals would mark a milestone in Hong Kong’s push to regulate stablecoins while positioning itself as a global digital asset centre.

4
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement