Politics & Policies

Many experts believe that stock markets will recover in 2023 as the threat of global inflation subsides, and interest rates eventually follow suit. While there are still economic challenges, we have seen some interesting trends emerging in the APAC employment market. On the one hand, we have employees actively looking for better salaries while employers struggle to retain key personnel.

It is common knowledge that the APAC region has one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing FinTech sectors. A critical element of the FinTech sector is cashless payments and the use of alternative technology. There have been numerous reports highlighting the APAC region as essential to FinTech, backed up by emerging trends. But how does this work out in practice?

Recently, we have seen significant financial developments in the APAC region in the areas of crypto assets, ESG and sustainable finance. Compared to the likes of Europe and America, Hong Kong, Singapore and China, in particular, have been very successful in fostering a culture of compliance amongst local companies. But how has this been achieved?

When looking at economic performance in the APAC region, you will likely come across Singapore’s economy, which has the highest gross domestic product per capita in the area. So, what makes the Singapore economy so unique, and why do businesses continue to flock there?

A MasterCard report has highlighted a considerable increase in the incorporation of new technology in payment systems across the Asia-Pacific. While there are still concerns, new technology plays a more significant role in online and offline payment systems than ever before.

In recent weeks we have seen several reports suggesting that the APAC region will be the economic powerhouse of tomorrow. Amid suggestions that the APAC economy could account for 42% of global GDP by 2040, where is the growth coming from? Which economies are destined to shine in 2023 and beyond? 

Over the last few months, there have been calls to spin off the HSBC Asian operation into a separate entity. In the background, we have also seen several Far East technology companies repatriating their listings to Hong Kong. This then prompts the question, are global regulations holding back the progress of Asian-based businesses?

Historically, Far East markets have been a hotbed of innovation and new technology in an ever-changing world. This has allowed investors in the region to tap into new exciting markets, and adapt and restructure existing sectors, often attracting massive inflows from overseas. While the interconnection of international markets has removed some of the competitive edge, is innovation still alive and kicking in the Far East?

Sovereign credit ratings are integral to the running of any government and the prosperity of a country. The leading credit rating agencies are Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, constantly monitoring and updating their credit ratings for individual countries. So, how well do you know your APAC country credit ratings?

The introduction and expansion of the CONNECT trading system between Hong Kong and mainland China have put the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the limelight. This market continues to expand, enhance trade execution and utilise the latest clearing services technology. Often overshadowed by other markets in Asia, how old is the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and how did this growing market evolve over the years?