Asia Financial Services

Malaysia’s capital markets are looking forward to another good year for initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2012, with a number of companies set to list on the nation’s exchange.

Opinions vary on how great an impact Thailand’s floods will have on the country’s banking sector. While optimists believe Thai lenders will be left relatively unscathed by the natural disaster, others are less positive, fearing an increase in non-performing loans and a general slowing down of the economy.

There are signs that the Philippines insurance industry may be heading towards a period of solid growth, with both the state and the private sector stepping up efforts to encourage the public to embrace insurance as a way of life. It will be some time, however, before the domestic market will be able to rival that of most of its neighbours.

Mongolia is tightening regulation of its financial services industry in preparation for an expected wave of foreign direct investment, with reforms improving supervision of the banking sector and outside help sought to enhance oversight of the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE).

Malaysia’s Islamic finance sector is further consolidating its position as a market leader, moving to broaden its product range and expand its reach, though it may need to keep an eye on rivals aspiring to emulate its success.

The Philippines’ central bank is confident the country’s financial system can withstand any strains imposed by an economic slowdown in Western markets, though it is keeping an eye on the domestic banking industry for any signs that it may be catching the chill afflicting the US and Europe.