In Focus

Tougher licenses for Indonesian banks

Rules designed to protect the financial system from future shock.

Chengdu aims to become the new Hong Kong

Turns to London to jump start transformation into financial center.

New anti-corruption drive in Chinese banks

Executives of state-owned banks told that ostentation is a no-no.

Charoen makes a play for Asian bancassurance market

Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi moves to take over ING's insurance units in Asia.

HSBC to sell its $9.3b stake in Ping An Insurance

Ping An to be divested despite its profitability.

China to tackle renminbi convertibility

Deregulation also necessary to carry out financial reforms.

Thai banks urged to tone down advertisements

Unduly influencing the public to borrow.

Bad loans threaten China’s recovery

A tsunami of bad loans could sink many Chinese banks.