Myanmar

While the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formally established in 2015, financial cooperation across the region remains somewhat fragmented. Goods and services move freely between countries, but banks, stock exchanges and securities companies tend to be limited to their home markets.

Bank lending in Myanmar has soared since 2011, as the country’s democratic transition and economic liberalisation kick-started business and investment activities across multiple sectors. However, low credit access remains one of the most serious challenges facing businesses in the country. Limited availability of critical business and consumer...

Officials have clarified the timeline for foreign insurers to enter the Myanmar market – a move that will boost competition and penetration. In August 2018 the Insurance Business Regulatory Board (IBRB) announced that overseas insurers would be allowed to formally enter the market at some point during FY 2018/19, which began October 1. “We are...

A new wave of digital innovation is reshaping Myanmar’s economy, as a remodelled national strategy and increased competition enhance the performance of the ICT sector. Prior to the liberalisation of Myanmar’s telecommunications industry, SIM cards and mobile phones were a luxury only the wealthy could afford, but they are now becoming much...