Singapore shifts from financial sandbox to deploying stablecoins, embedding tokenised money into its financial system.

BPI’s mobile banking platform has grown to 8.75 million users as the bank shifts away from transaction-led revenue towards an engagement-driven digital model. By prioritising digital onboarding, customer acquisition and ecosystem integration, BPI is positioning its mobile platform as the primary interface for customer relationships, long-term profitability and financial inclusion.

Standard Chartered reported operating income of $20.9 billion for 2025, up 6% year-on-year at constant currency, with underlying profit before tax rising 18% to $7.9 billion and return on tangible equity reaching 14.7%, exceeding its upgraded ~13% milestone a full year ahead of schedule.

AI-driven export strength is lifting parts of ASEAN’s outlook, according to Bank of America’s Kai Wei Ang and Rahul Bajoria, but widening divergence in output gaps and monetary transmission is reshaping bank credit growth and margins across markets.

Hang Seng Bank’s head of retail banking and wealth, Rannie Lee, explains how the bank is reshaping its retail and wealth operating model around family-centred financial planning, disciplined execution in everyday banking and continuous innovation across branches, digital channels and frontline tools, while positioning the franchise to serve both Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area customers sustainably.

Stephen Davies, CEO of Javelin Wealth Management, discusses Singapore’s role as a wealth hub, regulatory discipline, multi-jurisdiction structuring and the role of long-term planning in managing private capital.

Diego De Giorgi’s move from Standard Chartered to Apollo Global Management comes as institutional investors continue expanding their role in credit markets alongside banks, supported by insurance-linked liabilities and credit distribution structures.

Authorities will examine origination, mobilisation and recycling of capital while seeking to attract regional companies and technology startups to raise funds through Singapore.

Simon Baptist, principal economist for APAC at Visa, examined how cross-border mobility, digital commerce and artificial intelligence investment are reshaping consumption patterns across the region.

Chocolate Finance’s founder Walter de Oude, and chief investment officer Benjamin Tan, set out how an asset-management led capital structure, disciplined fixed income construction and selective use of AI support simple, low-volatility savings and investment propositions for everyday customers seeking dependable returns without added complexity.

DBS’ 2025 results show income increasingly generated from customer activity rather than credit intermediation. Deposits, advisory distribution, settlement currencies and ecosystem financing now interact as a continuous operating cycle, indicating a structural transition in how the bank produces earnings.

Kevin Shum, head, digital SME, business transformation and merchant acquiring, group business and transaction banking at Alliance Bank Malaysia, set out how the bank is scaling a “Digital SME” business with bank-statement-led underwriting, faster approvals and targeted programmes to help smaller firms improve credit readiness while keeping losses within defined limits.

Ryan Fung, deputy chief executive and chief of retail and digital strategy, and Eric Fan, senior executive vice president and head of digital transformation at Shanghai Commercial Bank, explain how the bank is reshaping its SME operating model through shared data infrastructure, controlled AI deployment and tokenised settlement initiatives—positioning wealth growth as the outcome of an integrated client relationship that reduces friction and improves operating economics.

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America lead large-bank revenue per employee rankings, while mid-tier banks such as First Abu Dhabi Bank and Saudi Awwal Bank report higher overall productivity levels, supported by focused business models, digital adoption and cost discipline.

SPDB was awarded two major accolades at the 2025 Global Wealth & Society Awards: Family Succession Service of the Year in China and Best Private Bank for Cross-border Wealth and Business Structuring in China.