Insights
Will agentic AI end offshore securities services hubs?
Agentic AI is reshaping securities services and challenging the long-standing model of large offshore operations hubs. As global custodians redesign their operating models, they must balance automation with regulatory compliance, cyber resilience, data localisation and human oversight, while enabling faster settlement, lower risk, and more specialised, AI-enabled global capability centres.
Singapore and Hong Kong sharpen tax incentives in race for hedge fund, alternatives talent
Hong Kong and Singapore are refining tax incentives, fund structures, and regulatory positioning to attract global asset management talent amid shifting capital flows and rising demand for Asia-focused investment strategies. This is a strategic contest, not a winner-takes-all race.
Hong Kong prepares to move its cash market to T+1 settlement
Hong Kong is preparing for T+1 settlement transition in Q4 2027. This marks a major post-trade market structure change, aligning its cash market settlement cycle with the US, Europe, and other major capital markets. The shift will pressure operational readiness, automation, settlement efficiency, FX funding, and cross-border liquidity management for brokers, custodians, asset servicing teams, and global investors.
Asia Pacific leads digital currency explorations
The Asia Pacific region is at the forefront of exploring central bank digital currencies. Not only major economies in the region are in advanced explorations, but emerging economies and low-income nations are also showing rising interest. However, only two countries have indicated that they are very likely to issue a retail CBDC in the near term.
Asia Region Funds Passport: a long way to go
More than a decade on, the opportunities behind the Asia Region Funds Passport remain an aspiration.