With an increasing number of Japanese SMEs using Thailand as a platform to further their investment interests in ASEAN, Thai banks must step up their game to capitalise on this opportunity.

“The global financial supply chain as seen from inside an emerging market” dialogue, held during The Asian Banker’s RenminbiWorld Conference 2013, discussed opportunities and challenges arising from increased renminbi adoption.

Lisa Robins, Asia Pacific Head of Global Transaction Banking at Deutsche Bank, feels that it is critical for banks to take a hands-on and flexible approach to leverage burgeoning intra-Asian trading relationships.

Despite ongoing uncertainty and volatility in the region’s financial sector, transaction bankers are optimistic about trade in the region in the face of a US recovery and anticipated volume growth.

The Asian Banker observed a significant slowdown in banks’ profitability, liquidity and asset quality from last year, as the industry’s aggregate strength score also declined.

Venkatesh Somanathan, director of regional trade finance product management at Deutsche Bank, discusses overcoming hurdles faced in frontier markets such as Mongolia and Myanmar.

With focus on Asia as the next growth platform, transformation is also occurring elsewhere in transaction banking, particularly in market infrastructures.

Aneish Kumar, managing director and country executive at BNY Mellon India, feels that establishing domestic bank partnerships is key to tapping burgeoning trade opportunities in Africa.