Coronavirus

Cambodia’s government, central bank and financial institutions rose to the challenge of mitigating the impact of the pandemic, with some success. There is more work to be done – but a growing focus on innovation and digitalization could herald a new beginning.

Vietnam’s capital markets have perked up in the past year during the pandemic, but they are hamstrung by outdated technological infrastructure at the stock exchange. Is change on the way?

Malaysia’s hopes of political and economic reform proved short-lived. The appointment of a new prime minister means the discredited political party UMNO is back in the driving seat.

For proof of the power of female role models, look at Indonesia: the country is confounding stereotypes and narrowing the gender gap.

For all the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 crisis, it could bring some unexpected benefits for women in the banking industry, encouraging a better work-life balance.

Government officials and bankers see the Covid-19 crisis as an opportunity to overhaul energy policy and expand the range of financing options available for the country’s infrastructure needs.

Commercial Bank of Sri Lanka, the island’s biggest non-government bank, has had a relatively good crisis thanks to strong discipline and leadership.

During the pandemic, Bangladesh’s Eastern Bank proved that it was in safe hands. The company’s chief executive is now turning his attention back to growth.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan is one of the most powerful men in Indonesia, leveraging his successes in the military and business to become the president’s key fixer. Will that influence be parleyed into the presidency in 2024?