Regulation
China VIEs: An end to uncertainty?
China has proposed a new set of rules that would regulate the use of variable interest entity (VIE) structures that underpin VC investment in restricted industries. It is a positive sign but questions remain
China creates $6.5b VC fund to support start-ups
China has launched a government-guided venture capital fund worth RMB40 billion ($6.5 billion) to support start-ups in emerging industries.
Sun Life Everbright, other Chinese insurers to launch PE fund
Sun Life Everbright Asset Management, an asset management arm of Sun Life Everbright Life Insurance, has launched a private equity fund alongside with other five Chinese insurers.
Chinese insurers win approval for SME-focused PE funds
Chinese insurance companies have been permitted to set up private equity funds that specifically focus on investing in local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Indian states ban VC-backed taxi apps following rape case
India's state governments have been instructed to ban all unregistered web-based taxi booking services - impacting VC-backed start-ups like Ola and TaxiforSure - following a rape involving a driver contracted by US-based Uber.
RBI to allow India's AIFs to invest overseas
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said it will allow alternative investment funds (AIFs), to invest overseas.
China's NSSF and offshore PE: Still theory, no practice
Regulations proposed by the government for China’s National Social Security Fund include a provision that suggests the pension fund could invest in offshore private equity. But how soon?
Korean court favors Lone Star in $159m KEB tax case
Lone Star Funds is closing in on a KRW177.2 billion ($159 million) payout from the South Korea tax authorities after a court said the PE firm should be refunded taxes levied on its sale of a stake in Korea Exchange Bank (KEB).
Taiwan regulators promise greater transparency – AVCJ Forum
Local regulators stressed their commitment to encouraging private equity investment as industry participants at the AVCJ Taiwan Forum urged the government to appreciate the role the asset class can play in shoring up the island’s slowing economy.
Taiwan can’t afford not to have private equity – AVCJ Taiwan
Regulatory reforms that encourage private equity are vital if Taiwan is to revive foreign direct investment flows that trail other parts of Asia and maintain its competitiveness, a visiting US economic official told the AVCJ Taiwan Forum.
Investigation uncovers suspected fraud by ex-boss of NVC Lighting
NVC Lighting, a Chinese lightning products manufacturer backed by SAIF Partners and Goldman Sachs, says it has uncovered information suggesting that its founder and ex-CEO falsely obtained bank loans worth RMB629 million ($102.8 million) on the company’s...
Beyond Beijing: Taiwan's trade dilemma
Taiwan’s future success as a foreign investment – and a private equity – destination largely hinges on the future of its free trade relationships. But the territory must first manage its ties with mainland China
Taiwan: Back from the brink
The telling blow came in the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei’s (AmCham) 2013 White Paper: Taiwan ranks second last among 17 Asian countries – trailing Sri Lanka and ahead of only Pakistan – in attracting private equity investment. The data...
SEBI mulls allowing FVCI infrastructure investments
The Securites and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), India's financial markets regulator, has proposed that Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) be allowed to back Core Investment Companies (CICs) in the infrastructure space in a bid to encourage more...
Asian start-up hubs: Global mandates
Innovation hubs have traditionally been defined by the size of their immediately addressable market. But with better access to capital, information and technology, some Asian jurisdictions are going global
China's SOEs: Reform agenda?
Clearly nonplussed by the question, the GP's voice crept up an octave as he replied: "Of course we're bidding for Sinopec Marketing; everyone is. But I've no idea if we'll get it."
MSPEA-backed Tianhe drops on resumption of trading
Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) portfolio company Tianhe Chemicals saw its stock drop 43% on resumption of trading in Hong Kong following allegations of fraud. Tianhe issued a lengthy rebuttal of the allegations, while simultaneously announcing...
NZ regulator targets Archer consortium over aborted Abano deal
A consortium of investors including Archer Capital is subject to a civil action launched by New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) over an unsuccessful bid for Abano Healthcare Group.
China short-selling: Short shrift?
“The chairman just threatened to have me killed.” Delivered in a panicked voice, the statement brought proceedings to a standstill. As it happened, the meeting had been convened to share the news of my imminent departure with staff. But my bombshell...
Tianhe denies fraud allegations, MSPEA offers full support
Tianhe Chemicals has issued a point-by-point rebuttal of allegations that it made false statements in its IPO prospectus, with second-largest investor Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (MSPEA) declaring its full support.
CSRC issues Chinese domestic PE fundraising rule
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has issued rules governing the domestic private equity industry following a public consultation.
China regulation: Circular progress
China’s foreign exchange regulator has issued new rules simplifying the use of offshore special purpose vehicles for investment purposes. It’s good news for VCs but questions remain about implementation
Taiwan exits: Tread carefully
AVCJ has devoted considerable space to the challenges tied to foreign private equity buyouts in Taiwan, highlighting industry concerns about an opaque approvals process and the subsequent calls for clearer guidance on where PE is capital is and isn’t...
China infrastructure: Fringe benefits
Plans to open up Chinese infrastructure projects to the private participation are encouraging but not life-changing for PE investors who are already accustomed to operating in and around the state apparatus