Asiamoney Magazine Asiamoney Issue Four 2017

Asiamoney Issue Four 2017

Can Citi make the most of its Asian network?

Francisco Aristeguieta has spent two and a half years trying to change Citi’s approach to Asia. The process is not complete, not least in China, but Citi’s numbers show a strategy starting to work.

On the cover

Asiamoney Brokers Poll 2017: CLSA grows from one-trick pony to thundering herd

Competitors used to dismiss CLSA as a one-trick pony, but with it now taking advantage of the heft of parent Citic’s balance sheet, can CEO Jonathan Slone turn it into a thundering herd?

Seoul suffers as Woori woes spread

Within the space of a few weeks, Woori Bank, South Korea’s second-largest lender, was slammed in parliament, lost a chief executive and prompted an investigation into hiring practices that may suck in the entire financial industry. What happens next is anybody’s guess.

Asiamoney Cash Management Survey 2017: Satisfaction is far from guaranteed

As part of our global cash management survey of 30,000 treasurers, we asked those with operations in Asia a simple question: how satisfied are you with your banks? The answers have been compiled, tabulated and dissected. They make for interesting reading.

Editor's letter

The real threat to Australia's big four

Review

Hong Kong: Listings take a new turn

The Hong Kong stock market is finally shaking off its image as a home for unloved Chinese IPOs.

China: Ministry of Finance auction casts shadow over dim sum

The Chinese Ministry of Finance successfully completed its second offshore renminbi bond auction, but poor investor demand for the offering raises questions about the future of the CNH bond market.

China: Backtracking on reforms not an option

The opening up of the Chinese financial sector to majority foreign ownership is an important and strategic move, but the guidelines curtailing banking sector liberalization make it look like one step forward, two steps back.

Asian green lending needs a big push

A novel green loan for Singapore-listed Wilmar has highlighted the dearth of such ESG-based borrowings in Asia, but now that the agribusiness company has provided a template, the onus is on banks and borrowers to push for change in the region.

Book review: A philosophy for living from a Buddhist turned banker

Buddhist monk and former investment banker Michael Dobbs-Higginson has written a rip-roaring account of an astonishing life that has included success and failure in equal measures. His book offers lessons on running a balanced life.

Surveys and awards

Asiamoney Brokers Poll 2017: Results index

The 28th annual Asiamoney Brokers Poll invited chief investment officers, fund managers and investment analysts to take part. Nearly 6,700 valid responses were received from voters representing fund management houses, insurance companies, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds and wealth managers from around the world.

Asiamoney Brokers Poll 2017: Best local brokerage profiles

China's Leaders in Fintech 2017

Forget the impression that China’s banks are out-dated and too traditional – they are rapidly embracing the importance of technology and often partnering with the country’s disruptors to modernize their products, services and business performance. Here are the leaders in Chinese fintech.

Japan

Barclays in Japan: Double impact

Two former debt bankers – one a globetrotter, the other a lifelong Japan specialist – head Barclays’ Japanese investment banking business and present a formidable double act. Rivals may snipe at Barclays’ diminishing presence in Japan, but Kentaro Kiso and Tetsuya Kodama tell Asiamoney how they intend to play to their strengths.

Japan's megabanks must venture abroad

The country’s lenders face depressing conditions in their home market, with negative interest rates, razor-thin net interest margins and an ageing population. If they want to lift profits, they have little choice but to expand offshore, despite numerous hurdles.

Asiamoney best bank awards 2017: Japan

South Korea

Korea’s banks want to shine overseas

Korea’s big lenders are striking out properly for the first time, buying assets and opening branches across southeast Asia. With their home market saturated, they have little choice but to travel in hope. But will that be enough?

Asiamoney best bank awards 2017: Korea

Mongolia

Bailed out, yet again – Mongolia stares at a brighter future

Mongolia began 2017 facing yet another credit crisis. It ended the year clutching a massive IMF-led bailout to reform the central bank, eradicate related-party lending and create a thriving modern banking sector. So much for the theory – now the hard work starts.