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.

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%.

The new US president issues orders for the US to leave the World Health Organisation and Paris climate agreement, with digital app TikTok emerging as one potential leverage point between the US and China over tariffs.

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.

Six banks have been placed under central bank control, with up to $50bn of non-performing loans under scrutiny after looting scandal.

DLT’s potential to drive transaction efficiency is more widely acknowledged, while some crypto native players are looking to tap into traditional financial products; however, Apac’s regulatory framework is fragmented.

The undisclosed deal for DiabTec, struck with Jalphur, gives the firm a MENA manufacturing base, as Kelix Bio continues its acquisition spree.

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.