Regulation
India economics: The Modi effect
The election of Narendra Modi has breathed new hope into India’s beleaguered economy, with private equity investors anticipating much-needed reforms. But the road to recovery is long and likely uneven
India's budget: Roadmap to recovery?
India’s recent Union Budget represents the opening salvo from a government that many in the business community hope will get the country moving again. The private equity industry is watching closely
Chinese regulator issues guidelines for domestic PE
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has issued draft rules for the domestic private equity industry, including a definition of investors qualified to participate in funds.
India announces $1.6b fund to support start-ups
The Indian government has pledged to support local start-ups by launching a INR100 billion ($1.6 billion) fund-of-funds.
India lays ground for real estate investment trust roll-out
India’s long-awaited real estate investments trusts (REITs) inched closer to reality as the government offered clarification on the tax status of the structures.
India's YourNest compiles start-up wish list ahead of budget
Indian angel fund Your Nest has put together a list of recommendations on how the government can support start-ups ahead of the 2014-2015 budget statement.
FATCA compliance: A ticking clock
As of July 1, PE firms were supposed to have taken the first step towards compliance with the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Few in Asia can exist beyond the regulatory web
Abe's third arrow is Japan PE's 'best-ever chance' - AVCJ Forum
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's third arrow of structural reform - and his ability to push it through - could present the best-ever opportunity for a resurgent Japan, industry participants say.
China's CIC promises better oversight after damning audit
China Investment Corp. (CIC) has said it will improve management of its overseas investments after China's National Audit Office (NAO) said mismanagement had led to losses.
Japan renewables: Policy play
Japan’s response to the Fukushima nuclear crisis has been to draw up plans for the world’s biggest alternative energy market. Foreign investors see solar power as the surest route to sustainable returns
Bain sues Big Four auditor over India kidswear deal
Bain Capital is taking legal action against EY – formerly Ernst & Young – in a US court, alleging that its now worthless investment in India’s Lilliput Kidswear was made on the basis of false financial statements that the accounting firm had audited.
Internal structure issues hinder China insurer PE allocations - AVCJ Forum
Unfamiliarity with asset allocation strategies and an emphasis on short-term investment returns are the underlying issues limiting Chinese insurance companies’ exposure to private equity, industry participants told the AVCJ China Forum.
US regulation: Shot across the bow
Private equity has been put on notice by the US regulators - an alarming notion, yet one that was sufficiently well signposted that GPs could see it coming. How keenly will the rumblings be felt in Asia?
China to ease curbs on foreign investment in hospitals
China is to relax limits on foreign investment in joint-venture (JV) hospitals as part of efforts to deepen its healthcare reform.
CSRC to allow brokerages to offer private funds
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has relaxed rules on product distribution by brokerages, allowing them to sell privately-raised funds.
RBI panel backs PE to buy up to 40% of distressed Indian banks
A panel appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to review banking industry governance has recommended that private equity firms, including sovereign wealth funds, be allowed to buy up to 40% of distressed lenders.
India cabinet clears KKR for Gland Pharma deal
The Indian government has given KKR the go-ahead to acquire stakes in Gland Pharma and its affiliate Gland Celcus Bio Chemicals in a deal said to be worth around $230 million.
China issues guidelines for capital markets reform
China’s State Council has issued guidelines for capital markets reform, covering nine directives that include promoting the private equity industry.
Australia scales back start-up funding schemes
Support for technology start-ups is among the casualties in Australia’s austerity budget, with several programs discontinued, including the Innovation Investment Fund (IIF), which sponsors VC funds.
Taiwan: Integration imperative
Taiwan’s stand-off over the cross-strait services pact is an impediment to integration, but missing out on the Trans-Pacific Partnership would be worse. Regulators know they must do more, and PE should benefit
Australia delays pension fund portfolio disclosure rules
The Australian government has once again postponed the introduction of legislation that could require superannuation funds to disclose not only the identity of the GPs they are backing but also details of the each fund’s holdings.
Private equity platforms: Matchmakers
Several online platforms have been launched with a remit to make exchanges between GPs and LPs more transparent and convenient. Do they complement existing processes or is fundraising set for reinvention?
A heavy hand
In an industry seemingly obsessed with global standards, the Australian government's requirement that superannuation funds publish the full details of their portfolio holdings on a look-through basis was a step away from the norm. The delays in its implementation...
China reverse mergers: In through the out door
With China IPOs still stuttering, a number of private equity investors in need of an exit have opted to go public through reverse mergers. Is the risk-reward good enough for this to become the normal?