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In 2016 there was substantial growth in the panda market. New reforms may stimulate activity further in 2017.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional grouping is one the fastest growth engines in global debt capital markets.

Bond issuance volumes have picked up in the early months of this year, as borrowers have capitalized on low volatility and interest rates. Issuance has reached some $950 billion year to date, 5% up on the same period last year. Of particular interest are bonds from Asian high-yield issuers (with credit ratings below BBB or Baa), which account for over $6.2 billion in offshore debt year to date. This is over four times the total amount issued in 2016 whereas the broader high-yield segment rose 66% year on year.

By Henrik Raber, global head, capital markets, Standard Chartered Bank

With evolving corporate buying behaviours as a result of global expansion and shifting of supply chains, banks no longer have the luxury to push products for corporates to adapt to. They now have to offer integrated and flexible solutions that address corporates’ transactional, financial and information needs.

Global banks have been reducing correspondent banking clients, either because they are commercially unviable or they fail today’s higher financial crime-prevention standards. Efforts are now being made to rectify the situation.

In its ‘Doing Business 2015’ report, the World Bank once again ranked Singapore as the easiest place in the world to do business. This validation of Singapore’s success in encouraging and facilitating international trade and investment is very positive, but we cannot be complacent. Rather, we need to look at what has contributed to Singapore’s success in the past, what is changing, and how we can build for the future.