Regulation
Microsoft seeks to acquire TikTok assets from China's ByteDance
Microsoft Corporation wants to continue discussions over the purchase of the US operation of TikTok from PE-backed Chinese technology giant ByteDance amid threats from US President Donald Trump to ban the short video platform.
India looks to expand scope of Chinese app ban
India has banned 47 more Chinese apps - saying they are clones of earlier outlawed products - and there are expectations that the crackdown could extend even further.
Chinese insurers to invest more in equities
Chinese insurance companies will be allowed to increase their equities exposure to up to 45% of total assets - a move that is expected to benefit private equity.
Luckin's chairman, PE backers removed from board
The chairman and largest shareholder in scandal-hit Chinese coffee shop chain Luckin Coffee has been removed at the second attempt. Representatives of several of the company’s private equity backers have also left the board.
Hong Kong vs Singapore: Onshore overtures
Hong Kong and Singapore both position themselves as the headquarters of choice for private equity firms in Asia. But the competitive dynamics – from politics to structures – are not straightforward
Lawmakers endorse Hong Kong's fund domicile ambitions
Hong Kong’s updated limited partnership legislation has passed into law, giving private equity and venture capital managers the option of domiciling their funds in the territory.
China IPOs: Star attraction
Having previously focused on offshore IPOs, China managers with US dollar funds are now considering the Star Market. But going onshore means more regulation as well as high valuations
Investigation confirms fraud at China's Luckin Coffee
Private equity-backed Chinese coffee shop chain Luckin Coffee has confirmed earlier suspicions of large-scale financial fraud in its operations, while a proposal to remove the company’s chairman failed to receive enough shareholder support.
Chinese IPOs: One less option
Will Chinese companies listed in the US become the latest casualties of tensions between the two countries? It could lead to a narrowing in IPO exit options for PE and VC investors
Foreign investment restrictions: Looking inward
China is the implied threat as governments look to protect vulnerable domestic companies from foreign corporate raiders. On balance, PE investors are unlikely to benefit from moves towards de-globalization
Korea commits $1.7b to start-up ecosystem
Korea has committed KRW2.1 trillion ($1.7 billion) to local start-ups in biotechnology and non-contact technologies as part of a KRW5.8 trillion private sector COVID-19 recovery agenda.
Singapore fintech launches SME exchange in Cambodia
PLMP Venture Capital (PLMP VC), an investor affiliated with a Singaporean financial technology firm, has launched a local exchange for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cambodia.
NASDAQ moves to de-list China's Luckin Coffee
Luckin Coffee, a private equity-backed Chinese coffee shop chain currently enmeshed in a fraud scandal, faces being delisted from NASDAQ.
Hong Kong ups disclosure requirements for biotech IPOs
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has tightened disclosure requirements for companies looking to take advantage of two-year-old reforms permitting listings by pre-revenue biotech companies.
India-China regulation: Punching bag
Chinese venture capital investors have become an increasingly significant presence in India’s venture capital ecosystem, but a recent regulatory reform calls their participation into question
Indian industry body proposes $3.3b state VC fund for start-ups
The Startup Association of India (SAI) has called on the government to bolster an existing state-backed venture capital fund and commit INR250 billion ($3.3 billion) to local companies.
Coronavirus & MAC clauses: Devil in the details
Business breakdowns caused by COVID-19 have spurred investors to re-examine their legal options with deals in pre-close limbo. That could spark a major evolution in M&A contracting
India imposes FDI hurdles for Chinese investors
India has increased the regulatory requirements for inbound investments from groups in bordering countries in what is seen as a move to restrict Chinese activity.
India allows weighted voting rights in domestic IPOs
Founders, promoters and private equity investors in Indian companies will be able to pursue domestic IPOs with superior voting rights following amendments to existing regulations.
Retail investment in PE: Common stock
Signs are converging that increased retail investor participation in private equity is inevitable. Myriad roadblocks around access, alignment, and infrastructure will inhibit the transition
China facilitates faster public market exits for PE and VC investors
China's securities regulator has revised rules on public market sell-downs, making it easier for PE and VC investors to exit their positions in portfolio companies post-IPO.
Hong Kong to introduce carried interest concessions
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan (pictured) has promised to have a tax regime for the treatment of carried interest in place within a year, though he stopped short of specifying how big any concessions might be.
1955 Capital wins case against Chinese anchor LP
Cross-border technology investor 1955 Capital has emerged victorious in a legal battle with its Chinese anchor LP after a US court upheld an earlier arbitration ruling that the LP had no grounds for withdrawing from the fund.
India ups disclosure requirements for local funds
India-domiciled PE and VC funds must follow a standardized format for fundraising documentation and submit performance data for verification and benchmarking purposes, under new rules issued by local regulators.
