https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/ THE BUSINESS TIMES - Find latest business and financial news including analysis and opinion on top business stories, stock markets in Singapore, Asia-Pacific and global market news and more at The Business Times. en-US https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/favicon.ico https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/ 32 32 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/pboc-pledges-maintain-accommodative-policy-amid-weak-demand-external-shocks Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:42:39 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/pboc-pledges-maintain-accommodative-policy-amid-weak-demand-external-shocks The economy was facing a mismatch between strong supply and weak demand https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/bitcoin-weakens-trumps-remarks-raise-fresh-iran-war-concerns Wed, 08 Jul 2026 13:16:35 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/bitcoin-weakens-trumps-remarks-raise-fresh-iran-war-concerns The largest cryptocurrency fell more than 3% to around US$61,691 on Wednesday https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/us-dollar-steady-around-1-week-high-after-trump-says-iran-mou-over Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:22:46 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/us-dollar-steady-around-1-week-high-after-trump-says-iran-mou-over [LONDON] The greenback was broadly steady at its highest level in roughly a week on Wednesday (Jul 8) after US President Donald... https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/japan-considers-policy-wording-change-boj-independence-fears-roil-bonds Wed, 08 Jul 2026 05:07:59 +0000 International Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /international/japan-considers-policy-wording-change-boj-independence-fears-roil-bonds The revised draft, however, retains a passage urging the central bank to align its policy decisions with the government’s economic agenda https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/new-zealand-raises-rates-25-bps-2-5-flags-further-hikes-curb-inflation-pressures Wed, 08 Jul 2026 03:06:54 +0000 Sharon Lee Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/new-zealand-raises-rates-25-bps-2-5-flags-further-hikes-curb-inflation-pressures With oil prices now easing, policymakers expect some relief for households and businesses https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/south-korea-closely-watch-risks-around-stock-market-volatility Wed, 08 Jul 2026 01:51:01 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/south-korea-closely-watch-risks-around-stock-market-volatility The index triggered a circuit breaker for the sixth time this year earlier this week https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/australia-central-banker-says-oil-shock-yet-slow-economy Wed, 08 Jul 2026 01:27:12 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/australia-central-banker-says-oil-shock-yet-slow-economy Brent crude futures hit a high of US$76.38 a barrel on Wednesday https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/what-protected-cell-company-and-how-could-it-benefit-businesses Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Tan Nai Lun Companies & Markets Banking & Finance /companies-markets/what-protected-cell-company-and-how-could-it-benefit-businesses This allows the parking of risk arrangements under one umbrella, while being legally ring-fenced from each another https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/yen-pinned-near-40-year-low-investors-wary-intervention Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:39:08 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/yen-pinned-near-40-year-low-investors-wary-intervention [SINGAPORE/LONDON] The yen hovered near a four-decade low on Tuesday (Jul 7), leaving traders wary of possible intervention by Japanese authorities to... https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/hsbc-reins-riskier-private-credit-lending-ft Tue, 07 Jul 2026 05:17:17 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/hsbc-reins-riskier-private-credit-lending-ft It will focus on lower-risk funds and has told clients it will not renew their facilities https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/beijing-bolsters-hong-kong-bond-gold-trading-global-renminbi-push Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:47:10 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/beijing-bolsters-hong-kong-bond-gold-trading-global-renminbi-push The renminbi-liquidity facility with the HKMA will be expanded to 500 billion yuan from 200 billion yuan https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-ocbc-and-uob-shares-hit-all-time-highs-sentiment-improves Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:01:20 +0000 Shikhar Gupta Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-ocbc-and-uob-shares-hit-all-time-highs-sentiment-improves Citi lifts its target prices for all three banks on Tuesday (Jul 7) https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/japan-drives-asia-offshore-bonds-record-surpassing-china-era Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:06:56 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/japan-drives-asia-offshore-bonds-record-surpassing-china-era Japanese corporate borrowers face the opposite dynamic, with resurgent inflation making overseas debt markets more attractive for its companies https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/europes-central-banks-may-come-under-political-pressure-panetta-says Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:49:55 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/europes-central-banks-may-come-under-political-pressure-panetta-says Central banks play a key role in determining governments’ borrowing costs https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/wall-street-regulator-should-stick-quarterly-reports-investor-groups-say Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:02:17 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/wall-street-regulator-should-stick-quarterly-reports-investor-groups-say The US has required quarterly reports since 1970 https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/blackstone-cvc-and-mufg-among-bidders-stake-vietnams-fintech-firm-momo-sources Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:55:38 +0000 Asean Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /international/asean/blackstone-cvc-and-mufg-among-bidders-stake-vietnams-fintech-firm-momo-sources The investor interest comes as Vietnam’s digital financial services market expands https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/philippine-economy-can-handle-one-more-rate-hike-central-bank-governor-says Mon, 06 Jul 2026 08:34:30 +0000 Asean Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /international/asean/philippine-economy-can-handle-one-more-rate-hike-central-bank-governor-says Economy slows dramatically late 2025 following a government probe into public works spending https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/moodys-warns-asia-pacific-private-credit-expansion-slow Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:08:03 +0000 Capital Markets & Currencies Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/moodys-warns-asia-pacific-private-credit-expansion-slow It notes that macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and elevated interest rates weigh on investor appetite for illiquid assets https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/goldman-cuts-yen-forecast-165-us-dollar-likes-carry-trades Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:42:19 +0000 Capital Markets & Currencies Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/goldman-cuts-yen-forecast-165-us-dollar-likes-carry-trades The lender’s revised forecast is among the most bearish of those surveyed by Bloomberg https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/china-steps-financial-risk-cleanup-under-new-top-regulator Mon, 06 Jul 2026 03:14:44 +0000 International Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /international/china-steps-financial-risk-cleanup-under-new-top-regulator This underscores authorities’ increasing efforts to contain financial risks and strengthen market discipline   https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/paynow-eyes-merchant-business-payments-next-growth-phase-puts-heat-card-networks Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:47:17 +0000 Tan Nai Lun Companies & Markets Banking & Finance /companies-markets/paynow-eyes-merchant-business-payments-next-growth-phase-puts-heat-card-networks The upgrades promise to make PayNow cheaper, faster, more intuitive and efficient for this segment of users: observers https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/record-wave-ipo-lock-shares-hit-hong-kong-market Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:15:24 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/record-wave-ipo-lock-shares-hit-hong-kong-market The eye-catching returns of new listings could further fuel profit-taking pressure https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/bankers-say-asia-loan-market-stay-weak-war-saps-confidence Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:06:56 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/bankers-say-asia-loan-market-stay-weak-war-saps-confidence The Middle East conflict has delayed investment and deal-making in the region https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/revised-takeover-code-dealmakers-welcome-targeted-guidance-instead-ban-deal-protection Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:00:00 +0000 Jean Low Companies & Markets Banking & Finance /companies-markets/revised-takeover-code-dealmakers-welcome-targeted-guidance-instead-ban-deal-protection New rules cap break fees, tighten disclosure requirements and give target boards greater guidance https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/scarred-1997-crash-south-korea-nervously-opens-24-hour-won-trading Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:07:52 +0000 Companies & Markets Banking & Finance /companies-markets/scarred-1997-crash-south-korea-nervously-opens-24-hour-won-trading The change is central to Seoul’s bid for an MSCI upgrade to developed-market status https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/hsbc-standard-chartered-weigh-significant-risk-transfers-asia-linked-deals-ramp Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:11:26 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/hsbc-standard-chartered-weigh-significant-risk-transfers-asia-linked-deals-ramp Such moves allow banks to manage default risk on loan books, boost solvency ratios, free up regulatory capital https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/private-credit-keeps-us14-billion-trapped-bid-outlast-storm Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:17:39 +0000 Banking & Finance Capital Markets & Currencies Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/private-credit-keeps-us14-billion-trapped-bid-outlast-storm With redemption wave unlikely to ease, funds lock up around US$1.70 for every US$1 an investor reclaims https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/bank-englands-mann-says-she-ready-hike-if-price-pressures-persist Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:23:37 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/bank-englands-mann-says-she-ready-hike-if-price-pressures-persist Mann has long advocated being “activist” by responding quickly and aggressively if circumstances change https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/white-houses-hassett-criticises-powell-staying-fed Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:55:47 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/white-houses-hassett-criticises-powell-staying-fed WHITE House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett criticised former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for staying on at the US central bank,... https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/hong-kongs-assets-under-management-grow-record-us5-38-trillion-survey Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:45:41 +0000 Global Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /international/global/hong-kongs-assets-under-management-grow-record-us5-38-trillion-survey It has been considering waiving tax on fund managers’ performance bonuses to woo investment talent https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/hong-kong-monetary-authority-urges-banks-drive-global-yuan-adoption Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:27:55 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/banking-finance/hong-kong-monetary-authority-urges-banks-drive-global-yuan-adoption [HONG KONG] Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on Thursday (Jul 2) called on all banks to promote the cross-border use of the... https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/great-eastern-expands-wealth-advisory-it-deepens-push-hnw-market Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:51:21 +0000 Ranamita Chakraborty Banking & Finance Companies & Markets Singapore /companies-markets/banking-finance/great-eastern-expands-wealth-advisory-it-deepens-push-hnw-market The insurer is seeking to ensure advisers are equipped with expertise and technical proficiency https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/japans-yen-jumps-traders-alert-intervention-risk Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:10:38 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/japans-yen-jumps-traders-alert-intervention-risk The yen has unwound all of its gains since Japan last intervened https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/japan-government-panel-member-calls-moderate-boj-rate-hikes Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:15:48 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/japan-government-panel-member-calls-moderate-boj-rate-hikes He says delaying rate hikes can heighten inflation expectations and push up long-term interest rates https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/ubs-already-has-enough-capital-meet-new-government-requirements-swiss-central-bank Thu, 02 Jul 2026 06:17:04 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/ubs-already-has-enough-capital-meet-new-government-requirements-swiss-central-bank Government forces UBS to raise the amount of common equity capital it holds domestically against its foreign operations to 100% https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-samsung-securities-ink-mou-advance-wealth-management-collaboration-across-asia Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:57:58 +0000 Chloe Lim Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-samsung-securities-ink-mou-advance-wealth-management-collaboration-across-asia The tie-up covers four areas, including access to the South Korean market for the Singapore lender’s clients https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/global/us-regulator-probes-us100-million-insider-trading-linked-chinese-brokerages-futu-tiger-brokers Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:12:02 +0000 Global Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /international/global/us-regulator-probes-us100-million-insider-trading-linked-chinese-brokerages-futu-tiger-brokers Traders bought US options in Chinese brokerages right before a May 22 crackdown https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-seen-benefit-chinas-tighter-grip-wealth-flows-report Thu, 02 Jul 2026 03:02:00 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/dbs-seen-benefit-chinas-tighter-grip-wealth-flows-report Actions taken by Beijing will likely impact Hong Kong, add Autonomous analysts https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/japan-records-leap-currency-driven-bankruptcies-triggered-yen-weakness Thu, 02 Jul 2026 02:34:17 +0000 Capital Markets & Currencies Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/japan-records-leap-currency-driven-bankruptcies-triggered-yen-weakness 45 firms fail in the first half of 2026, 30% up from a year earlier https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/banking-finance/kpmg-australia-brings-independent-chairman-after-whistleblower-allegations-prompt-leadership-exodus Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:48:47 +0000 Banking & Finance Companies & Markets /companies-markets/banking-finance/kpmg-australia-brings-independent-chairman-after-whistleblower-allegations-prompt-leadership-exodus New chair Michael Ebeid says first priority is to restore board effectiveness https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/traders-plot-worst-case-scenario-yen-if-currency-crisis-hits Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:09:55 +0000 Capital Markets & Currencies Banking & Finance Companies & Markets International /companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/traders-plot-worst-case-scenario-yen-if-currency-crisis-hits Some investors view Japan as a laggard in raising interest rates to combat inflation