Despite recent market volatility and real estate downturns that resulted in a wealth decline in 2023, China’s wealth management industry is poised for continuous growth in 2024 and projected to exceed $100 trillion by 2025

China’s bank-backed fintechs, such as CCB Fintech and OneConnect, grapple with profitability, fierce competition from tech giants and evolving regulatory landscapes.

From 2019 to 2023, the share of consumer finance relative to total retail lending declined in Hong Kong and South Korea, but increased significantly in the Philippines.

Financial institutions are swiftly adopting blockchain and cryptocurrencies, catalysing regulatory discussions and heralding a significant shift in the global financial system.

China’s private banking sector has witnessed a significant migration of high-net-worth individuals to the country’s largest banks, underscoring a flight-to-safety trend and intensifying competitive pressures for smaller banks.

Member countries of the Arab Monetary Fund are enhancing global cross-border transactions through streamlined payments, improved compliance, and increased financial inclusion.

China’s economy grew faster than expected at the start of the year but it remains to be seen if it signals a solid recovery trend as the crisis-hit property sector bears down on growth

South American banks led with the highest average loan-to-deposit ratio at 109%, followed by Europe at 96%, with around 50% of South American and 42% of European banks with ratios exceeding 100%

The world’s top 10 most profitable banks with assets over $100 billion include four from the Middle East, three from Asia, two from the Americas, and one from Europe

Maybank leads the 2024 BankQuality™ Survey, scoring 42%, followed by DBS at 35%, and BCA at 28%, reflecting strong customer retention and adaptation to their needs

Most of Asia Pacific witnessed a slight slowdown in SME loan growth in 2023, but the regional average increased marginally, led by Australia, while concerns remain over SME loan quality, notably in Thailand

The popularity of Bank Central Asia reflects a trend of traditional banks embracing digital innovation to meet customer preferences