With interest rates still close to record lows, lukewarm fixed-income returns are prompting pension funds and insurers to hunt for other investment options. These cost-aware institutional investors have been increasingly embracing Asia’s ETF market to lower transaction fees and achieve higher returns. Hot in Asia Yield-chasing has been a persistent theme among Asian insurers. “As […]
Private Banks in China to Lead in Asia
China’s private banks, led by CMB and ICBC, will soon surpass rivals such as UBS and Citigroup in assets under management (AUM) in Asia, reflecting the nation’s rapid proliferation in personal wealth and its mushrooming network of high net worth individuals. AUMs at China’s private banks have surged an average 31% a year since 2012 […]
Global Payment – China and India the Next Big Opportunities
As the money transfer space becomes increasingly crowded in the US, UK, and Europe, many companies look east for more room to grow. China and India both contain enormous e-commerce and remittance markets that are rife with global payment opportunities; however, these markets also pose unique challenges to entry. Growing E-Commerce Markets With $750 billion […]
CySEC Sets Sept 30 Deadline for License Applications
Cyprus financial regulator CySEC, in apparent response to an increase in CIF license applications from FCA regulated firms, has issued a notice that any firm wishing to ensure its application has time to work its way through the system before a possible ‘Hard Brexit’ in March 2019 needs to have its paperwork completed and submitted […]
Offshore Banking Trends Around the Globe
In the near future, we will see the creation of a greatly different financial services industry to the one we have today, both in the composition of the institutions themselves and in the way they do business. The recent flurry of mergers in many European countries and the United Kingdom are indicative of a wider […]
REITS Markets as a Potential Investment Vehicle in Africa
A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a collective investment scheme in real estate, structured as a trust where an investor owns rights or interests in property in form of units and earns returns from income or capital gains. The company or trust thus pools funds from individual investors, acquires and operates income-generating real estate, […]
Bitcoin ETFs – The Future of Cryptocurrency Market
It seems inevitable that two of the hottest areas of the investment world would meet up sooner or later. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the possibility of an ETF that tracks bitcoin is the best opportunity for this type of connection. However, there have been growing pains and problems in […]
Another record close on Wall Street as tax deal progresses
US stocks on Wall Street closed at record highs again on Thursday, amid signs that Congress is closer to a deal on a budget and tax cuts. Financial and technology firms – among those expected to enjoy the greatest benefit from tax cuts – led the gains. The technology-focused NASDAQ rose 50.7 points, or 0.8%, to 6,585.3. […]
Bank calls for Brexit transition deal by Christmas
The UK and the EU must agree on a Brexit transition deal by Christmas or risk banks triggering their contingency plans, the Bank of England has warned. Deputy Governor Sam Woods said that while the UK is committed to an implementation period, the EU’s position “is not yet clear”. If no deal is reached, banks […]
Vijay Mallya: India tycoon faces new money-laundering charges
Indian drinks tycoon Vijay Mallya, who is charged with committing fraud in India, has been re-arrested in London for new money- laundering charges He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon, after India issued new charges of money-laundering against him. Mr Mallya denies any wrongdoing. The allegations are linked to the collapse of his airline, […]