There is much to learn from Ajit Kanagasundram, former managing director, technology, Asia Pacific, at Citibank, who built the bank's global card processing capability from Singapore. This four-part series will reveal his insights into the people processes and decisions made over the years that provide considerable lessons for generations to come.

There is much to learn from Ajit Kanagasundram, former managing director, technology, Asia Pacific at Citibank, who built the bank's global card processing capability from Singapore. This four-part series will reveal his insights into the people processes and decisions made over the years that provide considerable lessons for generations to come.

With an increased focus on customer engagement and omnichannel experience, Alibaba integrated its ”New Retail” strategy to blur the boundaries between offline and online shopping.

There is much to learn from Ajit Kanagasundram, former managing director, technology, Asia Pacific at Citibank, who built the bank's global card processing capability from Singapore. This four-part series will reveal his insights into the people processes and decisions made over the years that provide considerable lessons for generations to come.

There is much to learn from Ajit Kanagasundram, former managing director, technology, Asia Pacific at Citibank, who built the bank's global card processing capability from Singapore. This four-part series will reveal his insights into the people processes and decisions made over the years that provide considerable lessons for generations to come.

This year, SIBOS focused the industry's attention on the future of banking and the various technologies and new players paving the way for efficiency, transparency and better customer experience. As institutions relook at their business models and prepare for the future, measures against financial crimes are also strengthened to keep safe in the digital era.

Vladislav Solodkiy, managing partner at Life.SREDA, a Singapore-based financial technology (fintech) venture capital firm, shares his thoughts on the establishment of fintech banks and its difference from traditional banks.

With the entry of financial technology disruptors, banks in Asia Pacific are putting greater focus on technology and operational excellence to enhance customer service and the overall transaction banking experience.

The Asian Banker annually releases its AB500 ranking and survey of Asia Pacific's strongest banks, an evaluation that is based on a belief that a strong bank demonstrates long-term profitability from its core businesses. Let us take a look at this year's 500 strongest bank in the region.

New players and technologies continue to drive change in the transaction banking space in Asia Pacific, causing incumbent banks to focus more on improving customer experience and reviewing existing business models.

Xueyuan Han, chairman of Hanfor Holdings, shares how the company started its core businesses, the products and services it offers, and the role that financial technology plays in transforming the organisation.

Jim Lai, head of Tencent Financial Technology Department, shares how the company became one of China’s top financial services providers and how a customer-centric internal culture resulted in effective and cost-efficient products.

Shengqiang Chen, chief executive officer of JD Finance, the financial subsidiary of JD.com, one of the largest e-commerce companies in China, discusses the company’s relationship with banks and retailers, how it has evolved as a financial technology organisation, and its future plans.

Preventing money laundering is no easy feat, not with both the criminal environment, and product and service risks posing as main hindrances. Frankly, it is up to banks and regulators, such as the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, to collaborate and solve this problem.

Although Middle Eastern banks experienced a contraction in profitability, their overall capitalisation and liquidity improved with the gradual adoption of Basel III regulations. In Africa, asset quality and capitalisation are the key concerns.