Central banks running out of options as recovery falters in Asia

MANILA (BLOOMBERG) - Asia's surging coronavirus infections and slow pace of vaccinations is testing the limits of what central banks can do to further support what, until recently, had been the world's stand out economic recovery. With interest rates already low, the likely policy response will center on more government borrowing, relegating central banks to a supporting role. That backdrop will overshadow decisions this week where policy makers are expected to keep rates on hold - Indonesia, South Korea and New Zealand. "In my view, there is little room for further monetary policy stimulus, at least in terms of traditional policy levers like interest rate cuts," said Scotiabank head of Asia-Pacific economics Tuuli McCully. "I expect additional fiscal stimulus to play a key role in helping economies." In Jakarta, the finance ministry has offered more tax cuts to spur economic activity and plans to stick with its US$84 billion-net (S$111.8 billion-net) bond issuance target this year, even as borrowing costs climb. Bank Indonesia is expected to keep rates unchanged Tuesday (May 25). South Korea's economy is being cushioned by soaring exports even as rolling social distancing restrict...

Ethereum hits fresh record, eyes US$3,000 barrier

SINGAPORE (REUTERS) - Cryptocurrency ether hit a record high on Monday (May 3) to trade within a whisker of US$3,000 (S$3,990), extending last week's rally in the wake of a report that the European Investment Bank (EIB) could launch a digital bond sale on the ethereum blockchain network. Ether hit US$2,989.95 in early Asia trade. It is up about 300 per cent for the year so far, outpacing a 95 per cent rise in the more popular bitcoin. Ether is the digital currency or token that facilitates transactions on the ethereum blockchain and it is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap behind bitcoin. Bloomberg reported last Tuesday, citing unnamed sources, that the EIB plans to issue a two-year 100-million euro digital bond. Bitcoin traded slightly softer at US$56,396 on Monday. More on this topic Related Story Digital dollar to rival bitcoin? Related Story Central bank digital currencies could disrupt financial systems

Digital dollar to rival bitcoin?

(AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE) - Digital euros, yuan and dollars? Faced with increased popularity for the cryptocurrency bitcoin, as well as for online payments during the pandemic, central banks are exploring new units of their own. Outlined below is an examination of how central bank digital currencies could resemble and differ from cryptocurrencies and "stablecoin" projects like Facebook-backed Diem. What are central banks doing? With the backing of Europe's biggest economy Germany, the European Central Bank (ECB) is mulling over a digital euro that could be guaranteed by the central bank, in turn potentially offering greater security than by commercial banks. The ECB has spoken also about the possibility one day of central bank personal payment cards and accounts being linked to a digital euro. A formal decision on how to proceed is expected this year following consultations amid European concerns around privacy protection. Issuing and transferring digital euros could be done using technology similar to the blockchain ledger on which cryptocurrencies such as the bitcoin rely. But the ECB has stressed that a digital euro would not replace cash and should not be seen as a cryptocurrency....

Read More

Resurgence of scam targeting bank customers who are told their accounts have been suspended: Police

SINGAPORE - A scam where customers receive an SMS message claiming that their bank accounts have been suspended has resurfaced here, the police said on Monday (April 26). These spoofed messages, which appear in the same thread as the official messages from local banks, would direct customers to call a phone number for assistance. Swindlers impersonating bank staff would answer the call and ask victims for their NRIC and credit card details. After providing their details, victims would discover that unauthorised transactions were made from their bank accounts. When they contact the bank's hotline, they would be told there are no security issues with their card. The police said that those who receive a suspicious message or call purporting to be from their bank should verify it by calling the hotline published on the bank's website and not the number provided in the SMS. The spoofed messages appear in the same thread as the official messages from local banks. PHOTO: SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE They should also check the messages for grammatical errors, which is an indication of a scam. Police said the public should not disclose their banking details and one-time password to anyone. In Jan...

Central bank digital currencies could disrupt financial systems

SINGAPORE - The rise of private payment networks and cryptocurrencies is challenging central banks' control over the flow of money within the financial system, the broader economy and across borders. A vast majority of central banks - including the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) - are responding by exploring digital currencies of their own, noted a new survey by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Please subscribe or log in to continue reading the full article. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month Latest headlines and exclusive stories In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months* Subscribe now *Terms and conditions apply.

He sees red when banks extend non-green loans

(BLOOMBERG) - Mr Ulf Erlandsson is not your typical climate campaigner: He prefers the trading desk to the picket line. He pushed Amundi, Europe's largest asset manager, into divesting bonds in an Indian bank that was financing a coal mine, shamed HSBC Holdings for failing to hold that same bank to account, and pressured a Japanese lender to stop funding coal power. He sees his brand of activism, shaped by almost two decades working in debt markets, as a new form of bond vigilantism. He now spends his time pushing fixed-income investors and bankers to face up to their role in underwriting a warmer planet. He wants them to use their financial heft to increase the cost of capital for polluters and pressure companies to reinvent themselves for a low-carbon future. After setting up a non-profit entity last year backed by Rockefeller money, the former credit derivatives strategist at Barclays and bond fund manager has become an outspoken critic of the financial establishment, lambasting companies for failing to do enough to fight global warming. His methods involve a combination of public shaming, typically on social media, and back-door diplomacy. Using contacts built up over years of ...

Citi retail units seen fetching US$6 billion as sales kick off

(BLOOMBERG)- Citigroup could fetch as much as US$6 billion from the sale of retail banking assets in 13 markets across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and the Middle East as the lender forges ahead with plans to fine-tune its global branch network, people familiar with the plan said. The sale process for Australia is the furthest along and the preliminary interest for many of the assets has come mainly from local players, the people said, asking not to be identified as the details are private. Exits from other markets, such as South-east Asia and Poland, are at an earlier stage, the people said. The entire sales process is in its early stages, and the timeline and valuations could still change. "In terms of timing, look, we're already getting going and there's no dilly-dallying here," Chief Executive Officer Jane Fraser told analysts on a conference call last week. "We've begun the work." Citigroup ultimately plans to exit retail-banking operations in Australia, Bahrain, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, though the lender will continue to serve corporations and private-banking clients in markets it's other...

Read More

Viet Capital Bank to issue JCB Corporate Cards

HO CHI MINH CITY & TOKYO, Apr 22, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Viet Capital Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Viet Capital Bank) and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., a leading international payment brand based in Japan, has announced the launch of Viet Capital Bank JCB Corporate Card. Viet Capital Bank, which launched JCB Credit Cards in Nov 2019, becomes the first Vietnamese bank to issue JCB Corporate Cards, strengthening the strategic relationship with JCB.Viet Capital Bank JCB Platinum Corporate Credit CardJCB Corporate Cards offer high-security transactions with EMV(R) standard chip and 3-D Secure technology. Cardholders can access JCB's acceptance network with 35 million merchants worldwide, receive privileges at selected merchants, and enjoy customer service at JCB PLAZA, an overseas service counter. Additional cardholder features include a free lifetime annual fee, a loyalty point program with 5 points for each VND 1,000 spent, and interest-free periods of up to 55 days.Mr Ngo Quang Trung, CEO of Viet Capital Bank, said, "The collaboration with JCB, a leading global credit card issuer, plays a significant mea...

Read More

Viet Capital Bank to issue JCB Corporate Credit Card

HO CHI MINH CITY & TOKYO, Apr 21, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Viet Capital Joint Stock Commercial Bank (Viet Capital Bank), and JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., a Japan's only international payment brand, announced the launch of Viet Capital Bank JCB Corporate Credit Card today.Viet Capital Bank JCB Platinum Corporate Credit CardViet Capital Bank becomes the first Vietnamese bank to issue JCB Corporate Credit Card. Launching the JCB Corporate Credit Card issuing strengthens the long-term strategic relationship with JCB.The card offers high security transactions with an EMV(R) standard chip and 3-D Secure technology. The cardholders can access JCB's acceptance network with about 35 million merchants around the world and receive special privileges at selected merchants, and customer services at JCB PLAZA, an oversea service counters.There are also key features offered to cardholders.- Free lifetime annual fee for cardholders- Loyalty point program with 5 points for each 1,000 VND transaction amount- Interest free period up to 55 daysMr Ngo Quang Trung - CEO of Viet Capital Bank had shared "The collaboration with ...

DBS buys 13% stake in Shenzhen bank for $1.08 billion as it ‘doubles down’ on China’s Greater Bay Area

SINGAPORE - DBS Group has agreed to buy a 13 per cent stake in privately-owned Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank (SZRCB) for 5.29 billion yuan (S$1.08 billion), part of its plan to accelerate its expansion in China's Greater Bay Area. The investment is also in line with the group's strategy of investing in its core markets. China is one of DBS' six core markets, together with Singapore, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. DBS chief executive officer Piyush Gupta said: "We see this as a highly complementary strategic partnership that will allow us to double down on the Greater Bay Area and leverage SZRCB's local network and know-how to deepen DBS' Greater Bay Area strategy. "At the same time, we would be able to support the continued growth and digital transformation of SZRCB through our regional presence and digital capabilities." The deal strategically positions DBS to increase its stake in the Shenzhen lender after China eased rules on foreign ownership in the financial services sector, the bank said in its statement on Tuesday (April 20). The investment has been approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Shenzhen office of the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory...

China Brilliant Global Limited (8026.HK) may own the world’s first “Supply Chain Digital Bank”. What will the value be?

HONG KONG, Apr 19, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Recently, China Brilliant Global Limited (8026.HK) (CBG) voluntarily announced that its subsidiary Brillink Bank Corporation Limited ("Brillink") was granted by Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) for an official full banking licence. According to announcement made earlier, Brillink was granted an In-Principle Approval Letter (the "AIP Letter") on 4 December 2020 to be formed for a licence to carry on banking services. The issuance of official licence to Brillink has demonstrated regulator's confidence in Brillink's development of banking business.Since last year, the "black swan" COVID-19 has swept the world and has made a huge impact on various countries. Hence, new trends have emerged. The penetration of digitization and intelligence has accelerated. As for financial sector, the development of digital banking is booming, which brings incredible business opportunities and becomes a new battlefield in the financial industry. CBG combines the existing real economy business with the new digital bank to build a new scenario for the digital bank focus on suppl...

Deutsche Bank builds global emerging market forex trading engine in Singapore

SINGAPORE (BLOOMBERG) - Deutsche Bank is replacing its global pricing engine for emerging-market currencies in London with one in Singapore, drawn by surging trading in Asia and the increasing importance of the Chinese yuan. Locating new and more powerful computer hardware in the city-state will help the bank shave vital fractions of seconds from the time it takes to execute orders in the region, according to Singapore-based David Lynne, the chief of fixed income and currency operations in Asia region. The shift underscores the need to locate servers closer to customers amid the boom in high-frequency trading and the rise of the yuan, which accounts for about 4 per cent of global currency volumes. It is also a win for Singapore, Asia's biggest currency-trading hub, which is fighting to maintain its lead over chief rival Hong Kong and grab a bigger share of trading in the Chinese currency. "Singapore is growing as a major regional liquidity centre, and we along with some of our competitors are building capacity here to boost the speed of transmission into more Asian countries," Mr Lynne, who is also the regional head of corporate banking, said in an interview last week. "The upgrade...

JPMorgan sells US$13 billion of bonds in largest bank deal ever

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) - JPMorgan Chase & Co sold US$13 billion (S$17.35 billion) of bonds on Thursday (April 15), the largest deal ever by a bank, taking advantage of some of the cheapest borrowing costs in years to boost its capital after the Federal Reserve let pandemic relief measures lapse. The deal, which followed the bank's best quarter ever, hit the market as corporate borrowers continue to see heavy demand for debt that provides a decent premium over Treasuries. Order books grew to about US$26 billion, allowing JPMorgan to trim the interest on the debt from the relatively high spreads it initially offered, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The jumbo offering may have been related to recent changes in regulatory relief for banks, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Arnold Kakuda. Treasuries liquidity disappeared in March 2020. In response, the Fed told banks they didn't have to factor in Treasuries or deposits when calculating their supplementary leverage ratios, which tells them how much capital to set aside to back up their holdings. That exemption went away two weeks ago. Banks were left in the position of needing to sell Treasuries or add capital...

4 S’poreans, 1 Malaysian director charged with conspiring to launder over $2 million

SINGAPORE - Five men were charged on Thursday (April 8) with being part of a conspiracy to launder more than $2 million through shell companies. One of them, Tan Hock Keat, a 34-year-old Malaysian, had allegedly taken instructions from an unidentified man to open corporate bank accounts in the name of shell companies. Tan was previously the director of DM Advisory Private Limited, a Singapore-based company that provided corporate secretarial services. He is accused of engaging bank officer Phua Wee Hao, a 33-year-old Singaporean, to recruit nominee directors for the shell companies. Between 2016 and 2019, the Singapore Police Force's Commercial Affairs Department received eight police reports from victims who were allegedly deceived into wiring around US$1.67 million (S$2.24 million) into the bank accounts of six shell companies. The companies are Plutusteam, Glidertex, Birseltex Global, Temco Industrial, Integrated Invest and Modelana Trading. The police added that there was also an attempted transfer of around HK$3.24 million (S$558,000) into the bank account of Jiangsu Chengde Steel Tube Share Co - a Chinese company that produced steel tubes - but it did not go through as the ba...

Credit Suisse CEO faces anger in the ranks after Archegos mess

NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) - For the second time in a little more than a week, Thomas Gottstein was facing a tough crowd: his own bankers. The chief executive officer of Credit Suisse Group gathered dozens of managing directors at the global bank on a conference call late on Tuesday (April 6), as part of crisis-management efforts after the lender announced that it stands to lose as much as US$4.7 billion (S$6.3 billion) amid the meltdown of hedge fund Archegos Capital Management. According to people with knowledge of the call, Mr Gottstein was grilled on the exposure and risk profile of the bank - and why it lost so much more than rivals in the debacle. Mr Gottstein could not yet give detailed answers, and instead pointed to the arrival of new chairman Antonio Horta-Osorio later this month as an opportunity to reassess its strategy, the people said. The 57-year-old Swiss CEO is facing demands for answers from his board of directors and from the star traders, dealmakers and private bankers who are facing a double whammy. The shares they were just awarded for last year's efforts are already down about 20 per cent and the gains of a banner first quarter have been wiped out by the massive hi...

Credit Suisse investment bank, risk chiefs to depart after Archegos fiasco: Sources

NEW YORK (REUTERS, BLOOMBERG) - Credit Suisse will announce the departure of two senior executives and detail how much it expects to lose through its exposure to Bill Hwang’s family office Archegos Capital in an investor update on Tuesday (April 6), sources familiar with the matter said. The Swiss bank will say that chief risk officer Lara Warner and Brian Chin, CEO of its investment bank, will leave the bank, the sources said on Monday. Defaults on margin calls by Archegos, a family office run by former Tiger Asia manager Bill Hwang, caused a clutch of banks to rapidly unwind billions of dollars of his leveraged trades last month. Credit Suisse was still unwinding its positions Monday, the sources said. Its losses could be as high as US$5 billion (S$6.7 billion), the sources said, a figure the bank has declined to comment on. The bank was already facing scrutiny over its relationship with British finance firm Greensill, which collapsed into insolvency last month. The combined hit from both relationships could reach US$7.5 billion, JPMorgan said on Monday. The bank is expected to say Ms Warner and Mr Chin will pay the price for those failures by departing, the sources said. Chief e...

Read More

Toyota: Investment in e-Mobility Power

Toyota City, Japan, Apr 5, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - e-Mobility Power, Inc. (e-Mobility Power), the equity holders of which are Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO HD) and Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Chubu Electric), entered into an absorption-type corporate division agreement with Nippon Charge Service, LLC(1) (NCS) on February 5, 2021 under which e-Mobility Power assumed the electrified vehicle(2) charging service business and charging network business operated by NCS effective April 1.Seven companies comprising TEPCO HD, Chubu Electric, four automakers--Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation--and the Development Bank of Japan Inc. today subscribed to a total of 15 billion yen of e-Mobility Power shares through a third-party allotment of new shares with TEPCO HD and Chubu Electric increasing their stakes, and the four automakers and the Development Bank of Japan making new investments to establish e-Mobility Power's new shareholder composition.e-Mobility Power will use the construction, servicing, and maintenance technologies and electric infrastructure operation know-how acquir...

Executive shake-up looms for Credit Suisse in Archegos fallout

ZURICH (BLOOMBERG) - Credit Suisse Group leaders are discussing replacing chief risk officer Lara Warner while sparing chief executive officer Thomas Gottstein as they tally losses that could reach into the billions from the collapse of Archegos Capital Management, according to people briefed on the matter. The bank is set to give investors an update on the Archegos fallout, including the fate of top executives such as investment bank chief Brian Chin, two of the people said. They also said the Swiss firm is planning a review of its prime brokerage business, which is housed in the investment bank. "I think it is unfair at this stage to put this on Mr Gottstein," David Herro from Harris Associates, one of the bank's top shareholders, said in a Bloomberg TV interview last week. "He attempted and has been attempting to reorganize Credit Suisse, but Rome wasn't built in a day. Unless we see evidence to the contrary, I think he is the right person to continue to lead the organization." A Credit Suisse spokesperson declined to comment. The No. 2 Swiss bank stands as one of the biggest potential losers in the meltdown at Archegos, which could cost banks a collective US$10 billion (S$13.bi...

Read More

LienVietPostBank to issue JCB Platinum Debit Card in Vietnam

Hanoi & Tokyo, Mar 30, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Lien Viet Post Joint Stock Commercial Bank (LPB) and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., announced the launch of the LPB JCB Platinum Debit Card today.The new LPB JCB Platinum Debit Card will focus to serve and meet the demand of LPB's affluent customer group. The holders of LPB JCB Platinum Debit Card can access JCB acceptance network with about 35 million merchants around the world. LPB JCB Platinum Debit Cardholders can enjoy exclusive benefits such as free access to airport lounges in Vietnam and worldwide, free access to JCB Plaza and JCB Plaza Lounge - the overseas customer service centers, and receive special discounts at more than 100 high-end restaurants and 28 luxury golf courses across Vietnam.In particular, LPB JCB Platinum Debit cardholders will receive 1% cash back for all retail transactions via POS and ecommerce. Moreover, all card transactions can be easily managed through the LienViet24h digital banking app, which also supports changing PIN or card lock status online.The launch of LPB JCB Platinum Debit Card will help to diversify the prod...