In Focus

ICBC continues overseas expansion despite being slow to follow their traditional clients abroad.

The lender has achieved the 75% of loan-to-deposit ratio required by the Chinese regulator.

The currency has become more attractive since China ended a two-year peg to the dollar and investors bet on further gains.

The lender plans to expand in underwriting securities denominated in the Chinese currency and boost trading on behalf of clients in equities.

Japanese lenders’ woes to continue until end of March 2011 as its fragile market sentiment and economic conditions persist.

The outlook for the Thai banking system is stable over the next 12-18 months, according to Moody’s. Nonetheless, a host of challenges is evident, particularly if prolonged political disruptions pressure economic and financial fundamentals. "Our stable outlook is underpinned by our view that the banking system remains capable of managing any incremental losses stemming from the country's political turmoil without deeply compromising bank capitalization," says Karolyn Seet, a Moody's Assistant Vice President and Analyst. "However, while the political environment has become calmer in recent months and the economy is growing strongly, the potential for renewed political unrest remains a key concern," says Seet.

Maybank recorded a profit after tax and minority interest of US$328 million for the quarter ended September. It is up 16.6 per cent from the bank’s profit after tax of US$281 million in the same period last year.

The lender will add 4,000 employees as it taps region’s emerging countries.

The lender is also looking at potential acquisitions in Europe and the Middle East aside from setting up branches.

The lender unseated ICBC behind Central Huijin’s unlocking of shares and its plan for a $9.2bln rights issue.

The lender is among those in Australia that face $50mln charge for alleged illegal fees.

The lender plans to open a full-service branch geared to the institutional and markets business.

Branches of BEA and BoC among the eight cases that made 197 illegal transactions totaling $7.34bln.

But Woori's $10.56bln market cap and complex domestic laws seen as challenges to potential buyers.

Lenders have peaked after ICBC and BOC second quarter profit up 38% and 15% respectively.

Managed account platforms are fast gaining popularity among institutional investors looking to get exposure to the “good” risks of hedge funds investing.