North Asia

The commodities group has returned to the market for the first time in three years and the PBOC has given approval for the funds to be repatriated offshore.

With China's DeepSeek already shaking up 2025's AI market, around $70bn was raised last year by Asia's tech firms.

BoCom becomes the first Chinese financial institution to issue a digitally native bond in Hong Kong with a $300m floating rate offering.

The Hong Kong property developer secured the deal with a consortium of international, Chinese and local banks; the company cited "challenging" market conditions in mainland China and Hong Kong as 2024 profits fell 25%.

Even as the market cap for digital currencies rises, experts say regulators in Asia will prioritise a prudent oversight path rather than follow Washington in lockstep; HK and Singapore's rivalry is set to continue.

Slowing loans, M&A and ECM hit banks' fees last year. Technology, exports and bonds are bright spots, while Hong Kong is increasingly being seen as a place to raise foreign capital. PBOC's governor Pan Gongsheng wants a proactive policy approach.

The state-backed conglomerate's move should pave the way for future corporate issuances in 2025, which could make use of the HKMA’s grant scheme.

Entries are now open for the 29th edition of the FinanceAsia Awards which celebrate the best banks, brokers, consultants, rating agencies, law firms and other financial institutions across the region.

The investment in the surgical robotics firm was led by EQT and included Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Venture Fund.