Asia
Half of new billionaires in Asia but Europeans fare best
Led by China, Asia created one billionaire nearly every three days and accounted for over half of new billionaires in 2015 despite global billionaire wealth declining last year by $300bn to $5.1trn (£4.2trn, €4.6trn), according to a joint UBS Group and PwC report.
Hong Kong investors expect 8.9% returns per year
Hong Kong investors on average are seeking an investment income of 8.9% per year when the average stock market yield across key global indices is 3.8%, according to a study by Schroders.
Singapore shuts down second Swiss bank, fines DBS and UBS
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has ordered that Falcon Private Bank in Singapore be shut down for serious failures in anti-money laundering (AML) controls and improper conduct by senior management at the Singapore branch, as well as the head office in Switzerland.
HK regulator seeks ban, HK$77m from fintech firm directors
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is looking to disqualify 10 directors of Freeman FinTech Corporation and seeking compensation of HK$76.8m (£8.0m, $9.9m, €8.8m) for losses incurred during the acquisition of a local firm.
Two ex-BSI bankers in Singapore charged in 1MDB probe
Two former bankers for Switzerland’s BSI Bank have been charged by the Singapore police as part of their investigation into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).