In some ways, Mongolia can be considered “well-banked” in terms of banking access. It has one of the highest branch per capita ratios in the world. At 69 per 100,000 (according to World Bank 2012 numbers), it has far more banking outlets for each inhabitant than its peers and neighbours: South Korea is at 18; China, 8; and Russia, 38. Additionally, over 80% of Mongolians...
Banks in Mongolia saw weaker profits in 2015 as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies cools, triggering higher borrowing costs and an increase in non-performing loans (NPLs), while credit rating agencies are also watching the banks’ vulnerability to China's continued economic slowdown. Recent downgrades in Mongolia's sovereign credit rating following falls in commodity...
While early 2014 was a time of considerable uncertainty for the banking sector in Mongolia, the year turned out to be much better than expected. No banks failed or faced runs, and the institution that generated the greatest concern – Golomt Bank – fared well in the end. As the sector’s third-largest player by assets, a collapse at Golomt Bank would have caused serious...
The Malaysian government has worked to position itself as the world’s Islamic financial centre, with Sarawak now home to a variety of Islamic financial institutions as well. The federal authorities have largely achieved this through several major steps. In 2006 the government both established the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre and liberalised regulations on...
The financial services sector in Sarawak is an important and growing part of Malaysia’s financial world, with many national and international financial institutions heavily involved in the state’s development and investment programmes. From large, multinational funds to local Malaysian banks, these players have historically been drawn to the...
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak are on course for strong growth, as more tap into spinoff projects generated by increased investment in the state’s special economic zone, and federal and state governments urge SMEs to set up shop in Sarawak. While access to credit has been an obstacle to growth, some banks are now offering...
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