Asia Pacific
Headlines
South Korea’s NPS, Allianz jointly buy 50% of Singapore’s OUE Bayfront for $478 mln
Allianz Real Estate enters purchase agreement on behalf of the two investors, with transaction value translating to a passing yield of 3.6%. Deal expected to close by end of February. Read More
The challenge of sustaining sustainability
Periodic reviews, transparent integrity audits and desire for continual improvements during the journey might be essential to keep investors on the ESG trail. Read More
Sustainability bonds become fashionable among fashion brands
Adrian Cheng's K11 mall joins Chanel and Burberry in issuing a sustainability-linked bond, which commits the company to a renewable-energy goal. Read More
ORI Capital announces first closing of $400 mln fund after Kymab exit
Hong Kong healthcare fund manager and other shareholders this week announced exit from Kymab in $1.1 billion deal with French drugmaker Sanofi. Read More
Second life for Asia’s secondaries market
The secondaries may have struggled to find their feet after the global financial crisis, but have been a quiet achiever over the past few years. In Asia, they are now seen as set to blossom. Read More
Finance
Profitability and asset quality weigh on APAC banks’ balance sheet strength
While most Asia Pacific banking sectors maintain adequate capital and liquidity buffers, profitability has weakened amid the COVID-19 crisisRead More
DBS, Microsoft, StanChart CEOs see financial services thrive in 2021 with accelerated digital transformation
The chief executives of DBS Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Microsoft discuss the impact of technological transformation and COVID-19 on the future of the financial services industryRead More
African banks' profitability under pressure amid weakened economic growth
The banking sector in Africa faces increased pressure on asset quality and weak operating conditions as COVID-19 pandemic disrupts key sectorsRead More
APAC banks' outlook dims as uneven recovery impacts asset quality and profits
Significant risks to asset quality and profitability persist for banks in the region as start of COVID-19 vaccination may not ensure sustained and even economic recoveryRead More
CEOs see financial services thrive in 2021 with acceleration in digital transformation
The chief executives of DBS Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Microsoft discuss the impact of technological transformation and COVID-19 on the future of the financial services industryRead More
Legal
After Fintech, Singapore eyes Legaltech status
Singapore, a haven for disruptive fintech firms, is aiming to shake up Asia's legal sector next The Lion City will host Southeast Asia's first legaltech accelerator from April. The city-state's initiative aims to groom legaltech startups as well as incubate new business models or services conceived by law firms. Singapore's law academy has launched...
China updates New Industry Catalogue
PRC reduces regulatory procedures for foreign investments following its 2016 reforms. China creates a nationally applicable “negative list” for foreign investment, which opens up more industries for multi-national companies.Foreign Investments Filing Administrative Rules will be updated and published soon by the Ministry of Commerce to clarify...
Proposals to make free movement of data a principle of EU law expected this autumn
Ansip said proposed new EU legislation to tackle unnecessary restrictions on where data can be stored are likely to be published this autumn.The proposals will also look to make it easier for businesses to move their data between rival cloud providers and ensure that public sector bodies can access data held by authorities in another EU country to help...
New advertising standards in the UK to take tougher stance on gender stereotypes
The new standards will be drawn up by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP), according to a new report on gender stereotypes in advertising (64-page / 5.4MB PDF) published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the watchdog that oversees compliance with UK advertising rules.The CAP will also look to "clarify standards that reflect the ASA‘s...
UK government urged to avoid data transfers 'cliff edge' at point of Brexit
In a new report, a House of Lords committee warned that trade and security could be impacted if the flow of data is disrupted at the point of Brexit.To enable data to flow between the UK and EU post-Brexit, the EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee urged the UK government to seek a so-called 'adequacy' decision from the European Commission, which would recognise...
Deals
Lyreco Group announces the acquisition of DeskRight
Lyreco Group today announced the acquisition of DeskRight, a leading office supplies business on the Singapore market. The move puts Lyreco, European leader and number three worldwide in the distribution of workplace supplies solutions to businesses, in a leadership position on the Singapore market and represents the first step in its new development...
HSA Advocates advised a consortium of four ports in relation to strategic sale of Dredging Corporation of India by Government of India
HSA Advocates represented a consortium of four ports Vishakapatnam Port Trust, Paradeep Port Trust, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Deendayal Port Trust in relation to strategic sale of Dredging Corporation of India concluded by Government of India (GoI). The four ports have acquired 100% of GoI's shares in Dredging Corporation of India (i.e. 73.47%...
Duff & Phelps enhances restructuring and dispute offering with acquisition of Zolfo Cooper Asia
Expands Footprint in Greater China Region Duff & Phelps, the global advisor that protects, restores and maximizes value for clients, today announced the acquisition of Zolfo Cooper Asia, a leading independent provider of restructuring, insolvency, litigation support and forensic accounting services. The combination of Duff & Phelps and Zolfo...
Investcorp launches in India with acquisition of IDFC Alternative’s Private Equity and Realty Businesses
Entry in to India expands footprint of direct investments into Asia Investcorp a leading global provider and manager of alternative investment products, today announced the launch of its operations in India with the imminent completion of its first deal, the acquisition of the Private Equity and Real Estate investment management businesses of IDFC...
China, Japan overseas M&A push to extend in 2019
China’s economic growth slowdown to drive dealmaking abroadJapanese companies may continue to seek large foreign dealsCompanies in China and Japan will continue their pursuit of overseas acquisitions this year amid the economic growth slowdown and geopolitical uncertainty, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. Ready availability of capital will...
Acq Lite
Pro wrestler Mick Foley says he tested positive for COVID-19
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Pro wrestler Mick Foley has announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. "I tested positive for COVID following a December virtual signing, and have been isolating in a hotel room for the past 18 days. Please continue to take this virus seriously -- mask up, social distance, look out for one another. Wishing all of you a happy,...
'Ratatouille' musical event raises $1M for Actors Fund
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- The one-night-only virtual performance of Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical raised at least $1 million for The Actors Fund, organizers announced. "You did it! You raised over $1 million to benefit @TheActorsFund! But we aren't done yet. Tickets are still on sale all weekend long on @TodayTix.http://Ratatousical.com," the show's Twitter...
Taylor Swift's 'Evermore' is No. 1 album in the U.S. for 2nd week
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Pop music star Taylor Swift's Evermore is the No. 1 album in the United States for a second-consecutive week. Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart dated Saturday is Paul McCartney's McCartney III, followed by Eminem's Music to Be Murdered By at No. 3, Michael Buble's Christmas at No. 4 and Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas at No....
Famous birthdays for Jan. 2: Renee Elise Goldsberry, Taye Diggs
Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Capricorn. They include: Advertisement -- Industrialist Henry Flagler in 1830 -- Former U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, R-Ariz., the 1964 Republican nominee for president, in 1909 -- Author Isaac Asimov in 1920 -- Former televangelist Jim Bakker in 1940 (age 81) -- Zoologist Jack Hanna in 1947...
Comedian John Bishop joins 'Doctor Who' cast for Season 13
Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Comedian and actor John Bishop has joined the cast of Doctor Who for Season 13, the BBC announced Friday. Bishop will play Dan, companion to the 13th Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, on the beloved sci-fi series, following the departures of Bradley Walsh and Tosin Cole. Advertisement "As he becomes embroiled in the Doctor's adventures,...