Loans

Asian and Chinese banks, which have emerged as the Gulf’s top financiers, extended more than US$15 billion in loans last year, according to Bloomberg-compiled data.

Asian banks’ billions in Gulf loans at risk amid Middle East turmoil

Tensions in the region add another layer of instability to global economy

Olam Agri, which sells grains and seeds and makes everything from edible oils to pasta, is one of Olam Group's main units.

Olam to guarantee US$100 million loan for Olam Agri until unit is sold

The group is selling its 44.58% stake to Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company

Figures obtained by ST showed that households in Singapore had outstanding motor vehicle loans of around $12.4 billion by the end of 2025.

Concerns over 100% borrowing for vehicles as outstanding car loans hit 12-year high

The ads promise buyers that they can skip the 30% or 40% down payment for a car through various schemes

Business loan demand from large and medium-sized firms in the fourth quarter was the strongest it has been since the second quarter of 2022, the Fed’s survey found.

US banks expect stronger loan demand in 2026: Fed survey

Banks were more likely to lend to firms that were highly exposed to AI

Loans and advances – including bills financing – from commercial banks to residents rose 1.5% to S$886.1 billion, from S$873.1 billion in November.

Singapore bank lending hits fastest monthly growth since December 2024

This was driven primarily by an increase in loans to businesses

(From right) Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan poses for a photograph with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Jan 10, 2026.

China’s Africa lending nearly halved in 2024, shifts to yuan

In 2024, China funded just six projects across the continent

Asia’s abundant liquidity also drew European borrowers as well as repeat names from the Middle East.

Asia loan bankers brace for competition, thinner margins in 2026

Banks are also targeting more deals from holding companies this year, as they can fetch higher margins of 4% to 5%

Businesses and bankers warn that cheaper credit will do little to lift borrowing without stronger confidence in Indonesia's economic outlook.

Indonesia struggles to reignite loan growth despite deep monetary easing

Corporate sentiment remains cautious across sectors, particularly among capital-intensive industries