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Banking & finance

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Banking & finance
News about the global financial industry with a focus on developments in Hong Kong and China.
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Hong Kong stock market

The big cornerstone comeback: what’s driving investors back to Hong Kong IPOs?

After four subdued years, the cornerstone investors that anchor Hong Kong’s IPO market are returning in force, reshaping the deal landscape.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Opinion | Hong Kong’s fiscal surplus is cause for celebration, not complacency

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Mainland China

‘Stability risk’: US faces rising concern as global debt soars to record high

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Yuan

As the yuan sizzles, China’s central bank deploys double-barrelled policy tweak

Regulators refine cross-border rules and cut the foreign exchange risk reserve ratio for forward forex sales to zero, aiming to provide stable offshore liquidity and help firms manage risks.

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The People’s Bank of China has rolled out a pair of measures to lower foreign exchange hedging costs and support cross-border yuan financing. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong property

New World reports loss as deleveraging takes priority, dividend suspended

Developer keeps dividend suspended, rules out equity fundraising for now as Hong Kong sales rebound.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong records HK$2.9 billion consolidated surplus for 2025-26. Here’s how

Economists optimistic for 2026-27, pointing to stabilised property market and transfer of finances between government funds or accounts.

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Hong Kong property

Hong Kong banks’ collateral asset valuations to continue declining in 2026: S&P

The city’s commercial property market remains on a sustained downturn, as rents continue to fall and vacancy rates soar.

A general view of the skyline in Hong Kong’s Central district. Photo: Jelly Tse
Yuan

China adviser sees bright future for yuan payment system in emerging economies

Former ICBC chairman Chen Siqing says alternatives needed due to risk of financial weaponisation in US dollar-centric world.

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Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Editorial | Budget sets Hong Kong up for its next phase of growth

The city’s improving economy and public finances have enabled a raft of tax allowances and concessions, but a volatile global environment means sustaining fiscal discipline remains critical.

Mainland China

South Korean investors pour millions into Chinese AI and tech stocks

Despite a sizzling home market, the country’s investors are stepping up buying on the Hong Kong and mainland exchanges this year.

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi) at Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul on February 23, 2026. Photo: AP Photo
Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Hong Kong seeks to hone edge as offshore yuan hub, digital-asset front runner

Market participants largely welcome Paul Chan’s renewed push to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.

Hong Kong’s renewed push to strengthen its position as an international financial centre has been welcomed. Photo: Felix Wong
ByteDance

ByteDance valuation said to hit record US$550 billion in proposed equity sale

Pending sale by US private equity firm General Atlantic shows ByteDance’s valuation has surged from US$400 billion as recently as mid-2025.

China manufacturing

A boat in every dock? Chinese billionaire unveils plan for mass yacht production

JD.com founder Richard Liu has launched a nautical brand with a massive investment in yacht production, aiming to make ownership affordable.

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Hong Kong budget 2026-27

‘Steady as she goes’ as Hong Kong bids farewell to deficits

Financial Secretary Paul Chan pledges caution as he presents budget aimed at stoking growth and innovation.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivers his annual budget speech. (Photo: AFP)
Yuan

China’s yuan strengthens to near 3-year high as US dollar uncertainty grows

The offshore currency continues to appreciate, with official fixing also hitting its strongest level since May 2023.

The yuan has appreciated steadily in recent months. By contrast, the US dollar has remained under sustained pressure, with investor confidence sapped by persistent concerns over the Trump administration’s policy volatility and fears over long-term fiscal sustainability. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

World’s biggest companies return US$2 trillion to shareholders in dividends

Financial and technology firms powered a 7 per cent rise in global payouts, with 30 markets logging record dividend payments last year.

HSBC

HSBC to boost spending in Hong Kong, other high-growth markets to US$1.8 billion

HSBC reported a 7 per cent profit drop, but shares rose on its CEO’s comments on higher return goals, steady dividends and new growth plans.

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Yuan

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

From the yuan’s growth as a global currency to IPO funding to tokenisation, the city is a linchpin in Beijing’s ambitions.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China stock market

China’s top court backs legal action against corrupt firms amid equity rally

The court’s initiative marks ‘a positive sign that the market would sustain its upward momentum’, hedge fund manager Zhou Ling says.

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered’s 2025 profit jumps 16% buoyed by wealth management growth

The London-based bank’s underlying pre-tax profit stood at US$7.9 billion last year, versus a gain of US$6.8 billion in 2024.

UBS Group AG

Hong Kong IPO boom sparks finance hirings – but staff cuts have not gone away

Hiring in Hong Kong finance rose by 4,800 roles in the year to September, official figures show, as listings and trading gathered pace.

Hong Kong’s financial sector added about 4,800 jobs in the 12 months to the end of September. Photo: Jelly Tse
US Federal Reserve

Opinion | Why the Fed credibility crisis will hit emerging markets harder

As confidence in US monetary stewardship falters, inflation risks rise and capital flows become more volatile. Emerging markets with fewer policy buffers will bear the brunt.

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US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington on January 28. Photo: AFP
China digital currency

Hong Kong, UAE solidify financial links with regulatory ties, digital currency

Transaction volume under Project mBridge surged over 2,500-fold from the early 2022 pilot levels to more than US$55 billion by November 2025.

HSBC

HSBC cuts 10% of US debt team as restructuring gathers pace

At least six New York staff laid off as the bank presses ahead with a global overhaul aimed at saving US$1.5 billion a year.

IPO

Editorial | Hong Kong regulators are right to scrutinise IPO applications

To protect the city’s long-term financial health, investment banks must ensure that only quality applicants become publicly listed.

People walk past Exchange Square, which houses the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, in Central on April 3, 2025. Photo: Nathan Tsui
HSBC

HK$10,000 bonus, extra day off: Hong Kong banks reward staff returning to work

Bank of China (Hong Kong) is giving away hampers, ZA Bank is paying a HK$10,000 bonus, while HSBC and Hang Seng are offering HK$500.

Banks in Hong Kong are offering generous return-to-work lai see packets and gifts to their employees. Photo: Jelly Tse
Global monetary policy

Macroscope | US dollar weakness is no game changer for a globalised yuan

Beijing will seize on the crisis to promote the yuan, but without capital account liberalisation – essential for a truly global currency – its rise will remain limited.

Fintech

Can Hong Kong lead a digital gold trading revolution with blockchain innovation?

Beyond banks, asset managers, fintechs and crypto firms are racing to launch innovative tokenised gold products for investors.

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