Root cause of predatory lending in the Philippines
Online lending has boomed because it provides a fast and easy means for financially challenged Filipinos to have access to funds to pay for unexpected or emergency obligations.
Finance
Indonesia’s robust growth number faces scepticism amid declining retail sales, rising jobless claims
Employers worry inflated figures will trigger unrealistic wage demands. Tax collection fell 4.4%. Efficiency measures, like infrastructure spending cuts, contribute to weakness.
Thailand to establish data bureau to combat illicit finance, set for completion by December
It will focus on detecting suspicious transactions through three key mechanisms: identity verification, behavioural analysis, and transaction tracing.
Legal amendments to improve fairness car loans in Malaysia: experts
The change, economists say, was long overdue, describing it as a major step forward for consumer fairness and financial literacy.
Bangladesh’s biggest banking shakeup in motion
Bangladesh Bank took over five troubled Shariah-based banks temporarily by dissolving their boards as part of the formal merger process.
India’s manufacturing activity spikes in October, with PMI recorded at 59.2
According to data compiled by S&P Global, the upturn was supported by strong domestic demand, goods and services tax (GST) relief measures, productivity gains, and higher…
Bhutan’s new income tax reliefs to benefit families, homeowners, and persons with disabilities
A major addition is the parenthood child tax credit, a measure to support parents and encourage population growth.
Indonesia raises 6 billion yuan through first ‘dim sum bond’ issuance
The five-year bond has a coupon of 2.5 percent, while the 10-year one offers 2.9 percent.
World Bank cuts 2026 Asia growth to 4.3%, warns of prolonged slowdown
The international bank lowers East Asia–Pacific's growth to 4.3% in 2026, citing weak global demand, policy uncertainty, and China’s rising debt burden.
Hong Kong steps up as Asia’s sustainable finance hub
Hong Kong and Asia are stepping up — positioning the city as a leading hub for sustainable finance and driving more innovative, nature-based solutions to address the global…