News

Australian competition regulator eyes halt on bank mergers

Australian competition regulator eyes halt on bank mergers

ACCC will likely turn down mergers of Big Four with smaller banks amid global financial crisis.

ANZ acquires RBS in Vietnam

RBS Vietnam became the second of six markets to transition to ANZ ownership after the acquisition of RBS Philippines.

India’s finance minister: Government to sponsor banks merger

Indian government ensures its support provided that public sector banks would meet regulators' guidelines.

More growth in Indonesian Islamic banks seen

More than 80 percent expected growth would depend on effectiveness of regulations like eliminating double taxation.

Taiwanese lawmakers reject state-bank merger bid

Finance committee doubts Bank of Taiwan and Land Bank union will create synergy.

Singapore banking system sound despite economic volatility—Moody’s

The Aaa-rated government is capable of supporting its lenders to become drivers for economic growth.

OCBC Bank Malaysia expects surge in SME loans

Malaysia's biggest foreign-owned lender attributes 30 percent year-on-year growth on new SME loan method.

ICICI to obtain Singapore’s nod for full operation

ICICI eyes to operate in Singapore after getting clearance to operate in Britain and Canada. 

‘Competitive pressure’ on Australia’s Big Four banks ensured

Australian government set measures to intensify competition among its biggest banks to cut banking charges.

S&P affirms Dah Sing's profitability rating

Standard & Poor's affirmed its 'BBB+' long-term and 'A-2' short-term counterparty credit ratings on Dah Sing Bank. The outlook on the long-term rating is negative. S&P also affirmed the issue ratings on the issues under DSB's medium-term note program. All the ratings were removed from CreditWatch, where they had been placed with negative implications on 24 July 2009. At the same time, it affirmed the 'C+' bank fundamental strength rating on DSB.

Reserve Bank of India loosens bad debt provision

Regulator gave in to bankers' appeal for easier dispensation that reduces pressure on banks.

Bank Negara Indonesia's net soars by 123%

Surge in profit was due to 15 percent growth in loans and 24 percent surge in fee-based income.

DBS rating unaffected by Dubai exposure

Standard & Poor's counterparty credit ratings on DBS Bank Ltd were not affected by the bank's credit exposure to Dubai.

State Bank of India to add overseas branches

Additional 23 branches will give State Bank of India the distinction as Indian bank with largest foreign presence.

Thailand to raise $1bln in Siam City sale

Sources say central bank would sell its 48 percent stake as Thai government loosens foreign investments restrictions.

IDBI Bank names Canara Bank as merger target

IDBI Bank believes the union would increase likelihood of expanding presence in three states.

Taiwan regulator rejects China Strategic's Nan Shan bid

Lack of details and inconsistencies in data caused regulator's disapproval.