Features

Uzbekistan promises to transform its stock and bond markets in an effort to lure much-needed capital from abroad. Roadshows, tax cuts and easing of restrictions are on the agenda as Tashkent prepares to sell off state assets. 

Tony Fernandes made his fortune after launching an airline in Malaysia 21 years ago. But as Covid continues to batter AirAsia, he’s hoping to remake his fortune with a new, fintech-based super app – and transform Asean banking much as he did with the aviation industry.

India is embracing crypto-currencies and has even floated the idea of a digital rupee. These are natural steps for a country whose digital infrastructure is rapidly evolving, but with the future of the policy environment still unclear, details matter.

Zafar Masud survived a plane crash a month after he took over as Bank of Punjab’s chief executive. The experience pushed him to double down on his beliefs – and take this regional Pakistani bank to the next level.

As the economy lands with a thud, there’s a dearth of talent in Colombo’s official ranks. Pragmatic diplomacy might now be a better option for the embattled Rajapaksa clan.

The profligate island’s economy is in meltdown, but authorities appear clueless about how to fix it. The government has consulted the IMF, but a bailout is by no means assured.

The merger of Credit Bank with TransBank offers a template for Mongolia’s financial industry, which is ripe for more consolidation and better governance.

ABA Bank has helped to transform Cambodia’s banking sector through digitalization and a razor-sharp focus on financial inclusion – efforts that are paying off.

Indonesia is spawning new startups by the day, many of which are propelling financial inclusion. Asiamoney speaks to the founders of some thriving platforms that bring together technology and finance to make a difference.