Skip to main content

Unified banking regulations for Asia?

As non-bank financial service activity expands in Asia, does the region need a more unified set of banking regulations? Leon Perera, Chief Executive Officer of Spire Research and Consulting, remarked that Asian banks and governments should be at the forefront of pushing for better global regulations on non-bank financial activities, rather than forming alternative regional standards. At stake is the delivery of financial services for Asia’s huge unbanked and under-banked population.

Perera commented that unified banking regulations across the Asia-Pacific region should come via global multi-lateral platforms. Asian governments should work with each other to form an effective regional voice for improvements in global financial regulatory regimes.

The implementation of the Basel I, Basel II and Base III standards after the global financial crisis had not been easy in Asia, due to various inconsistencies. Moreover, the Basel reforms were reportedly too Europe and US market centric; creating an unfair playing field for the less mature Asian markets to compete in.

At the same time, the demand for regulation of non-bank players offering financial services has grown. These include retailers, telco carriers and credit co-operatives. Perera shared that a light but firm regulatory touch was necessary to enable non-bank players to provide financial services to the unbanked population.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

India’s ‘hairy’ exports for Africa

Renowned for its beauty, texture and strength, the Indian hair export market is worth about USD393.5 million. With rising demand in the African subcontinent for extensions and wigs, Indian companies are now keen to invest into the hair business more than ever. The recent announcement of South Africa-based hair extension company Friska Hair being acquired by Godrej Consumer Products India shows that hair export is serious business. One driving factor is Africa’s young and growing population, which helps ensure that consumer spending grows in lockstep with GDP. This is good news for Indian hair exporters. https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/indias-hairy-exports-to-africa/

Spire chosen as Official Research Partner to the ALYA WTA Malaysian Open for sixth year in a row

Spire was honored to be appointed as the Official Research Partner for the sixth consecutive year for the ALYA WTA Malaysian Open – an international tennis tournament sanctioned by the Women Tennis Association (WTA). The event was held from 27th February to 5th March 2017 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Along with the Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM), Spire was thrilled to be a part of this prestigious event, organized by Sime Darby – a Malaysia-based multinational conglomerate. Talented sportspersons such as Elina Svitolina, Carla Suarez Navarro, Caroline Garcia and Yulia Putintseva graced the court. As the Official Research Partner, Spire’s Malaysia team aided organizers to improve event arrangements in the coming years using a Face-to-Face intercept research method to interview spectators. Spire’s regular participation in this international event showcases the quality and consistency of the research we provide. h...

Egyptian-Israeli gas deal to boost bilateral trade

A USD15 billion deal has been announced between Israel and Egypt to export natural gas. Israel’s Delek Group has signed an agreement to supply 64 billion cubic meters of gas in a span of ten years to Egypt’s Dolphinus Holdings. The deal is considered a milestone ever since the 1979 peace accord, bringing Egypt a step closer to becoming a regional energy hub. However, the transportation of natural gas from Israel to Egypt is a challenge given the security risks. Will the Egypt-Israel gas export deal usher in a relationship of bonhomie and economic co-operation? Read more here:  https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/egyptian-israeli-gas-deal-to-boost-bilateral-trade/

China leads the way with eco-innovation

https://www.spireresearch.com/newsroom/spirethoughts/china-leads-the-way-with-eco-innovation/ China is starting to take a leading position in eco-innovation. This has been driven by the country’s large-scale efforts to address pressing environmental challenges, such as in the areas of air pollution and flood control. Many companies are lending support to this cause. For instance, the Beijing subway introduced special vending machines in May last year which reward commuters with discounts on their travel pass when they recycle plastic bottles. In the same year, Nike opened a concept store in Shanghai which was entirely constructed out of trash. The no-glue construction ensured that all materials could be reused in future. Is China ready to remap the path of eco-innovation?

India: Are Indian consumers living the ‘luxe’ life?

What do you do if you are an Indian who fancies a Gucci bag or eyes those red Jimmy Choo shoes? A trip abroad is not necessary when all these luxury brands are now accessible in India. Now that luxury spending in China and Japan is slowing down, big brands are eyeing the Indian luxury market, which continued to grow at 30 per cent in 2013 to reach USD8.5 billion. It is expected to hit USD14 billion by 2016. Is this just a fad or will India’s luxury sector continue to power ahead? India – The next hub for luxury? India accounts for close to one per cent of the global luxury market. India’s luxury market is far from insignificant. According to one report, it was worth USD7.6 billion in 2012 . This contrasts with a figure of USD 18.7 billion for China (from a different source), and a global market of USD 1.1 trillion for luxury goods and services. India accounts for close to one per cent of the global luxury market. Luxury sales are currently seeing a slow-down in China...