Bloomberg Taiwan’s premier defended the island’s ability to withstand a Chinese attack after the US’s exit from Afghanistan raised questions about American commitment to security issues in Asia. Premier Su Tseng-chang rejected comparisons between US pledges to help the democratically elected government in Taipei defend itself and Washington’s support for the regime in Kabul. Taiwan could avoid being “swallowed up” ...

Bloomberg Malaysia’s lawmakers must submit their choice of a new prime minister to the palace by 4 pm local time on Wednesday, as the nation’s king begins the search for a successor to Muhyiddin Yassin, who resigned on Monday. Lawmakers were reminded to keep the contents of their declaration letters a secret until the king decides which MP commands the ...

Bloomberg Hong Kong’s leader said the city will cut ties with any group that gets involved in politics, as authorities in the Asian financial hub ramp up pressure on civil society organisations critical of the government. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said at a regular press briefing on Tuesday that she supported the existence of a “pluralistic society” but that several ...

Bloomberg The recent flood of US regional bank deals may be drying up. After announcing $76 billion in mergers and acquisitions so far this year — the most since 2008 — US lenders are now running out of potential partners, according to executives and investment bankers. Fewer buyers exist following takeovers by Citizens Financial Group Inc, PNC Financial Services Group ...

Bloomberg Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s asset-management division hired Maria Vassalou, who most recently ran her own firm and spent years at Perella Weinberg Partners, to help manage funds at a $200 billion unit. Vassalou is the deputy chief investment officer at Goldman’s multi-asset solutions group, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing personnel ...

Bloomberg The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) said it will continue to review its bond-buying program based on economic conditions and the health situation as the nation faces lockdowns to combat the delta variant of coronavirus. “The board would be prepared to act in response to further bad news on the health front should that lead to a more significant ...

Bloomberg The National Bank of Ethiopia asked all commercial banks to temporarily suspend providing loans backed by collateral, such as land and buildings. The NBE’s directive follows findings that the money is being used on the black market, State Minister for Finance, Eyob Tekalign, said on Shefer FM radio. The security authorities and the central bank are taking action as ...

Bloomberg Nigeria’s state-owned Bank of Industry plans to raise as much as 750 million euros ($883 million) from international debt markets this year for lending to companies hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa’s largest economy. Financial advisers have been appointed for the issue, Chief Executive Officer Olukayode Pitan, said in a virtual interview without providing details. The lender will ...

Bloomberg The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed a rule on bank’s purchases of foreign sovereign bonds, paving the way for lenders to resume a profitable currency trade. In a notice sent to some banks, the RBI said foreign sovereign bonds wouldn’t fall under a regulatory cap that requires holdings of securities unlisted in India to be 10% or less of ...

Bloomberg The world’s largest underwriter of green bonds plans to significantly expand its offering of investment products touting environmental, social and governance metrics, as Wall Street starts attaching the label to more complex financial services. JPMorgan Chase & Co says its decision to add the ESG tag to derivatives is part of a strategy to link sustainability to all forms ...