Regulation
Women on corporate boards: Finding a voice
Investor pressure and industry lobbying has contributed to a rise in female representation on corporate boards. While quotas work for some, they aren’t necessarily the silver bullet
China tech board makes volatile debut
The initial batch of companies chosen to list on China’s technology innovation board – known as the Star Market – posted an average gain of 140% on their first day of trading on July 22, although almost all were pared back in the opening hours of...
China VC and US regulation: Defensive positions
Chinese venture capital firms and strategic investors have found their path to US tech start-ups barred by new regulations. It is possible to find a way around, but it requires compromise
China-US decoupling: Silicon curtain
Evidence is mounting that US and Chinese ecosystems for advanced technologies are careening toward an antagonistic decoupling. Investors are philosophical and pragmatic
China-US trade: Suboptimal outcomes
The China-US trade war appears set to enter new territory as legislators contemplate financial sector clampdowns including stock exchange listing restrictions. Investors are bracing for the worst
Greater Bay Area: Promise keepers
The Greater Bay Area initiative plans to speed up regional integration in the Pearl River Delta, with Hong Kong set to be a major beneficiary. Questions remain about the government’s ability to follow through
In scope: Asian fund managers and Cayman
Asian private equity firms may start moving their fund management entities away from the Cayman Islands due to new economic substance requirements. Is Hong Kong ready to accept them?
China-US trade: Opening gambit
Investors see short-term challenges in the ongoing China-US trade conflict, but longer-term opportunities are expected to emerge from the decoupling of the two economic giants
Vietnam banking: Where credit is due
Vietnam’s economic future is tied to an attractive but immature and constrained banking sector. Investors are prodding the edges of a precarious opportunity set
Investors prioritize policy continuity in Indonesia - AVCJ Forum
Both candidates in Indonesia’s presidential election continue to claim victory, but unofficial counts conducted by polling agencies that point to another term for Joko “Jokowi” Widodo are a source of comfort for investors seeking stability.
Abraaj executives arrested on fraud charges
Two executives from The Abraaj Group, including founder Arif Naqvi, have been arrested on US fraud charges relating to the collapse of the growth markets-focused private equity firm.
China's foreign investment law: A level playing field?
China’s new foreign investment law appears to make life easier for overseas investors in some areas, but uncertainty remains in others. Industry participants are waiting for more details to emerge in 2020
China PE investors prioritize long-term development - AVCJ Forum
Long-term structural reforms rather than short-term issues regarding trade tensions and liquidity preoccupy China-focused private equity investors, though they are happy to take advantage of any immediate moderation in valuations.
China ESG: Societal shift
China’s ESG compliance drive reflects a long structural change for financial markets and an evolutionary process for local business culture. Many investment variables are unique
Australia financial regulation: Compliance conundrum
Proposed reforms could redraw Australia’s financial services landscape as tougher regulatory requirements see banks back away from certain areas. PE investors want to pick up the pieces
Hong Kong promises better tax deals, fund structures for PE
Hong Kong will consider altering its tax regime to encourage private equity firms to operate in the territory as well as offering more choice on fund structure through the introduction of a new limited partnership regime.
Hong Kong tax: Playing catch-up
Hong Kong is introducing various initiatives intended to encourage private equity firms to bring more of their operations onshore. A failure to act may see Singapore emerge as Asia’s jurisdiction of choice
China-US tensions: Foggy flashpoints
Rhetoric shaping the debate over China's ambitions to become the prime mover in global technology - and what the US could do in response - reflects the geopolitical significance of the issue. Private equity investors are not immune to its impact
VC documentation: Standardizing small print
The rapid growth of venture capital in Southeast Asia has fostered the emergence of varied working practices. Singapore’s model investment agreements are intended to help bring order to chaos
China reveals qualification criteria for Shanghai tech board listings
China has unveiled details of the highly anticipated new technology and innovation board, which is set to adopt a registration-based system that should allow a shorter route to liquidity for PE and VC investors.
PE industry cautiously optimistic on Hong Kong tax reforms
Industry participants have praised steps taken by the Hong Kong government to make it easier for private equity firms to operate locally, while cautioning that challenges remain regarding the regulation of managers in the territory.
Taiwan LPs: Increased exposure
As much as $10 billion could be released for investment in private equity following a hike in alternatives allocations for Taiwanese insurers. However, the major players will still deploy their capital with caution
SGG acquires PE fund administrator Augentius
Private equity and real estate fund administrator Augentius has been acquired by SGG Group, an investor services provider to alternative asset managers, corporations, and high net worth families.
Hong Kong to amend unpopular PE tax exemption
Hong Kong plans to amend the tax exemption for private equity funds, which was introduced in 2015 with a view to making it easier for GPs to operate locally but has been criticized by industry participants as unworkable.
