Sri Lanka
Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows - Asia in 2025
From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by an astonishing 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.
Global banking’s new powerhouse: Asia
Asia's level of digital banking infrastructure has enabled it to challenge and even surpass traditional Western players such as Citi and HSBC in key regional markets.
ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe
Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.
ETF investment trends in Asia in 2025
While ETF markets in Asia have historically lagged behind those in North America and Europe in terms of depth and diversity, 2025 is witnessing a decisive maturing of the regional ETF ecosystem.
TEHRAN BLOG: British nationals stranded in Iran criticise London's lack of support
British nationals remaining in Tehran have criticised the UK government for providing no assistance or instructions following Israeli attacks on Iran.
ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates
In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.
What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia
From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.
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ASIA BLOG: How US tariffs are driving Asia closer to itself – and China
What’s striking right now is how ASEAN is operating on two levels. Publicly, it champions inclusivity and dialogue. Privately, it’s hedging harder than ever.
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
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China shifts from global banker to leading debt collector
Once the primary provider of capital across much of the world, Beijing now finds itself at the receiving end of record repayments, particularly from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
COMMENT: China’s debt-trap diplomacy - lessons from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and beyond
For the nations affected this results in economic dependence on China and often the surrender of strategic assets - or both.
Sri Lanka likely to hold rates steady amid stable growth and tariff uncertainty
The country's economy grew by 5% in 2024, outperforming expectations and marking a significant turnaround after a deep financial crisis triggered by a severe shortage of US dollars three years ago.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
What next for Bangladesh in an undeclared India–China tug-of-war?
While India may hold historical and cultural sway, China’s presence in Bangladesh is growing in more visible ways. Beijing has poured billions into infrastructure, energy, and digital connectivity projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.
COMMENT: Why Asia should not follow the failed European model
Over the past 15 years, Europe’s trade frameworks have faltered, integration has stalled, and a number of its core political and economic ideas have failed under real-world pressure.
Japanese official warns of wider Asian security impact of Trump tariffs
Former defence minister Itsunori Onodera, speaking in Washington at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, expressed particular concern about the potential impact on Southeast Asia.
China accuses US of sophisticated cyberattacks, outs alleged NSA agents
Police in Harbin have also placed three individuals on a wanted list, alleging their affiliation with the NSA. They are said to have repeatedly attacked China’s critical information infrastructure, including cyber operations directed at Huawei.
ASIA BLOG: Is China preparing to poke the paper tiger in the White House?
The US intimidates certain countries. But America is just a paper tiger. Don’t believe its bluff. One poke and it’ll burst!