In this issue

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has been a trailblazer in the banking industry, reinventing itself over the course of 170 years. With a strong emphasis on digital banking, BPI is poised to establish itself as the undisputed leader in the field. Read more on page 10.

Maybank's YES Fuels Tech-Driven Growth Of Small Businesses

Getting the right funds to grow their business remains a challenge for SMEs.

3 mins

Hong Kong's livi Bank Launches Game-Changing App For SMEs

Going fully digital on opening accounts and approving quick loans to SMEs raises ‘livi Business’ disbursements to over HK$70m (US$8.9m) as of end-April.

2 mins

One In Five Of OCBC's Home, Renovation, And Car Loans Are Now Green

The Singapore bank has extended over S$3.5b of green loans in two years and targets a 10% growth in 2023.

2 mins

Job Losses Loom In Hong Kong Banks As Focus Turns To Productivity

Many senior roles were laid off, and banks also set informal hiring freezes, experts said.

5 mins

Singapore Banks Champion Employee Well-Being, Upskilling

Asian Banking and Finance's new ranking of Singapore banks reflects top notchers' steady growth and adaptability to changing landscape.

5 mins

Japanese Banks' Assets Drop As China Thrives

S&P Global's 2023 report reflect how lower deposits and a drop in lending has taken their toll on Japanese lenders and other banks in the list.

2 mins

Maybank's Alvin Lee Reveals Changes In Investment Behaviour, Wealth Preservation

Globalisation is no longer the best strategy for banks if they wish to thrive in the new era of investing.

7 mins

Why Malaysian Banks Will Never Build A Superapp

It is unlikely that there will ever be a banking superapp, as consumers have no issue switching between apps to accommodate their financial and non-financial needs.

2 mins

PH Banks Snub Growing Middle Class Market

The Philippines has been identified as one of the world’s largest greenfield markets for digital financial services— but local banks are not rising up to attain its true potential.

2 mins

Bank of the Philippine Islands' President talks reinvention and digital ambitions

CEO TG Limcaoco says that 6 million of BPI's clients now use digital channels.

7 mins

SG banks strong and stable despite uncertain AT-1 issuance market - experts

They may face higher funding costs as lenders could demand higher risk premiums on AT-1 papers.

4 mins

Banks Urged To Integrate ESG Data Into IT

Banks are called to integrate ESGrelated data into their IT systems and processes in order to keep pace with regulator changes and consumer needs, McKinsey said in a report.

2 mins

Why Digital Mortgages Will Overhaul Traditional Banking Models

Digital mortgages are expected to displace today’s traditional mortgages, and this phenomenon will both be an opportunity and a threat to traditional banks.

3 mins

Fintechs Scale Back And Fold As Funding Channels Dissipate

Financial technology (fintech) companies are facing a funding shortage that has forced many to scale back or fold operations, as venture capital and private equity firms turn more selective on their funding.

1 min

ESG-Focused FinTechs Will Be Key To Global Net-Zero Transformation

Financial technology (fintech) companies play a key role in achieving the US$275t capital spending needed to achieve net zero by 2050, or US$9.2t needed per year between 2026 to 2050.

1 min

RHB Refreshes Cecil Branch, Channels Old-Time Singapore Sophistication

The design integrates a facade of a historical shophouse with a modern twist.

2 mins

Banks' Fee Income Plummets As Loan Demand Dwindles

Border reopening to benefit banks, but economic challenges remain.

5 mins

Did Digital Banks Fail To Disrupt

Most became niche players, yet served their regulatory purpose, said McKinsey & Company Associate Partner Hernán Gerson.

5 mins

WealthTechs Succeed By Managing Wealth And Not The Wealthy

Firms are breaking down barriers to entry by fractionalising costs of assets, analysts said.

6 mins

Banks Still Lag Behind Net-Zero Energy Goals

Only 7% of energy-related financing went to green energy projects.

3 mins

Banks Offer Flexiwork, Mentor Programmes To Uplift Women's Careers

On International Women's Day, Asian Banking & Finance spoke with Singapore's industry experts on how they are helping close the gender gap in their workforces.

3 mins

DBS' Lareina Wang On Why Role Models Matter To Women In Banking

Only 20% of bankers in C-Suite and senior leadership roles in Hong Kong are women.

3 mins

Overcoming Biases To Succeed In The Banking Industry

Tan shares how she strikes the balance between leading 7,000 people and her personal life.

7 mins

BNI Prioritises Business Transformation To Boost National Economic Contribution

The bank aims to maintain credit growth and expand to blue-chip customers.

3 mins

Read all stories from Asian Banking & Finance

Asian Banking & Finance Magazine Description:

Asian Banking and Finance is the leading industry publication offering fresh perspectives and ideas on Asia's dynamic financial services industry.

ABF is published quarterly and carries a well-balanced mix of articles that appeal to senior bankers in Asia including general news stories and specific analyses of issues relevant to the commercial, retail, and investment banking sectors in Asia. Each issue blends the right amount of industry talk, inside information and insights, people profiles, sector analyses, and opinion pieces.