As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves from a knowledge retriever into a memory-driven personal assistant, banks face a fresh competitive frontier. Recent innovations, such as OpenAI’s introduction of memory features for ChatGPT, now allow AI to remember preferences, behaviours and past conversations. Consumers’ interactions with digital systems are shifting; AI is moving beyond offering information to becoming an action-oriented agent deeply embedded in financial lives.

As the founder of Open Banking Excellence, Helen Child has shaped the global conversation around data-sharing, financial inclusion and collaborative innovation. Her vision goes beyond regulation and APIs—towards a financial ecosystem built on transparency, trust and long-term public value.

Hong Leong Finance, awarded Best Automobile Financing Product in Asia Pacific at The Asian Banker Awards 2025, is recognised for its API-driven digital platform, operational excellence, EV financing leadership and strengthened dealer partnerships.

A bridge bank is a temporary financial institution established by regulators to take over and manage the operations of a failing bank until a permanent resolution is achieved. This mechanism serves as a critical tool for maintaining financial stability, protecting depositors and preventing systemic risks from spreading across the economy.

A high-level focus group discussion organised by KEIND and TAB Global in Jakarta explored how artificial intelligence can support Indonesia’s economic competitiveness, financial inclusion and national digital strategy through collaborative frameworks between government, industry and innovators.

President Xi Jinping’s Southeast Asia visit underscores growing China–ASEAN ties in trade, technology and culture, offering a model for cooperation amid global uncertainty.

Amid strong growth in Singapore, Airwallex helps local SMEs manage costs, expand into new markets and improve operational efficiency. Lucy Liu, president and co-founder at Airwallex, and Ershad Ahamed, head of Southeast Asia at Airwallex, share how the platform is evolving to meet the financial needs of businesses.

KB Kookmin Bank outlines how it is enhancing its custody and services business through client-centric improvements, operational resilience and continuous service innovation, supporting the growing demands of global and domestic institutional investors in South Korea.

Deutsche Bank outlines its strategy for sustainable growth in transaction banking across Asia Pacific and beyond, leveraging its European heritage, expanding into new corridors, supporting new economy clients and building resilient cash management, trade finance and institutional payments businesses.

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY) is transforming its global business through a unified platforms operating model that is designed to deliver more for its clients, run its company better, and power its culture.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping banking operations, but its rapid adoption is revealing critical vulnerabilities in governance, security and fairness. TAB Global explored transformative trends shaping the global financial services industry, highlighting AI’s growing role. AI adoption spans the banking value chain, enhancing chatbots, automating loan approvals, improving fraud detection and refining risk modelling.

UOB, recognised as the Best SME Bank in Singapore at The Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards 2025, has a holistic SME strategy that combines digital innovation, tailored financing, inclusive support and sustainable solutions to deliver meaningful impact at every stage of business growth.

Hong Kong remains the leading offshore renminbi (RMB) centre, while London has emerged as a key player, leveraging its position as the world’s largest foreign exchange (forex) trading hub and its extensive access to Chinese capital markets.

China and the United Kingdom (UK) have significant potential to enhance connectivity between their bond markets, with key areas of cooperation in collateral recognition and green finance.

HSBC Singapore’s Live+ credit card focuses on the emerging affluent segment, offering high cashback and curated rewards in dining, shopping and entertainment. Regina Lee, head of cards and unsecured loans at HSBC Singapore, explains how the card combines customer insights with HSBC’s international network to create a differentiated lifestyle proposition.