Regulation
China to open up infrastructure for private investment
China will open up 80 infrastructure projects for private capital, allowing financial investors to play a greater role in what remains a largely state-controlled sector.
Japan regulation: Taxing tactics
Investors are concerned about the potential repercussions for the economy – and their portfolio companies – of Japan’s staged consumer tax hike. Could it really derail the country’s fragile recovery?
China's premier advocates PE-friendly policies
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said pledged government support to develop private equity as a means of promoting healthier capital markets.
China regulation: Big before their time
Domestic Chinese private equity managers are now officially permitted to pursue multiple strategies. But is the industry ready for the ‘mega asset management' model the regulator envisages?
Korea M&A: Regulatory relief
The Korean government’s recently announced M&A stimulation package includes a relaxation of restrictions on domestic private equity firms. But how much change are these reforms likely to bring?
South Korea looks to ease M&A rules for PE
South Korea is planning to relax restrictions concerning M&A transactions in a bid to encourage investment by private equity and strategic investors.
Hong Kong promises to push forward with PE tax exemption
Hong Kong’s financial secretary, John Tsang, reaffirmed the government’s plans to extend the profits tax exemption for offshore funds to include private equity, promising to “take forward the legislative work as soon as possible.”
Australian pension funds: Indecent disclosure?
The Australian government is expected to halt and wind back superannuation fund disclosure requirements that go beyond global norms. Industry participants are hopeful for the best, but mindful of the worst
Kendall Court ends Intrepid’s Indonesia mining nightmare
Kendall Court has acquired Intrepid Mines’ interest in the Tujuh Bukit copper-gold project in Indonesia for $80 million, ending the Australia-listed resources company’s long-running ownership dispute over the asset.
CSRC to restructure, introduce private equity department
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is undergoing a restructuring that will see the creation of four divisions to oversee fast-moving markets, including private equity.
Chinese insurers approved to commit more to private equity
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has raised the cap on insurers’ exposure to publicly traded companies and private equity to 30% of total assets.
ESG: Nice guys finish last?
Responsible investment has is now a priority for many institutional LPs. GPs might recognize the importance of environmental, social and governance principles in this context, but acting on them can be challenging
Held to account: The Big Four in China
A legal ruling might ban the Big Four accounting firms’ China affiliates from working on US-listed Chinese companies. VCs aren’t worried about IPO prospects, but there are longer-term concerns
Fund admin: In house or out?
Asian private equity is becoming institutionalized, with increasingly sophisticated and international LPs asking GPs to bulk up their back office capabilities. Third-party administrators sense an opportunity
US judge imposes suspension on Big Four accounting firms' China units
A US judge has ruled that the China-based units of the Big Four global accounting firms should be suspended from auditing US-listed companies for the next six months. They are accused of failing to disclose information to US regulators investigating Chinese...
China IPOs: Incremental benefits
China’s securities regulator has introduced a registration-based IPO system designed to offer greater transparency. However, this does not mean an end to intervention in public markets processes.
Chinese industry group announces PE registration rules
The Asset Management Association of China (AMAC), a group set up by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), has announced rules addressing domestic private equity firms' record management, operational standards and information disclosure.
IMM to support T-Broad in cable TV battle
Thanks to the rapid emergence of internet protocol TV (IPTV), South Korea’s cable TV operators are expected to broadcast across the country regardless of regulatory hurdles.
PE-backed Chinese firms delay IPOs as CSRC tightens oversight
At least five Chinese companies – three of which have PE backers – have postponed their IPOs as the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) released measures to strengthen supervision of public offerings.
OCBC launches $100m QFLP fund in Shanghai
OCBC Bank has launched a $100 million private equity fund under the Shanghai Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) pilot program. The vehicle should make it easier for Singaporean lender to invest in domestic Chinese companies as it aims to develop...
South Korea orders KT Corp to buy back satellite from Permira-owned ABS
The South Korean government has ordered telecom operator KT Corp. to buy back a satellite it sold to Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS), a Hong Kong-based company owned by Permira.
PE-backed firms win approval for China listings
Five Chinese companies – at least two of which have private equity or venture capital backers – have won approval to list on mainland stock exchanges as the year-long IPO lockdown comes to a close.
Indonesia eases foreign investment restrictions
Foreign investors will be able to take larger stakes in Indonesia’s power, advertising and pharmaceuticals sectors as part of efforts to boost the country’s slowing economy. The changes require formal presidential endorsement before they can come...
Finding a voice
“When AIFMD came out in draft form a couple of years ago we engaged the Hong Kong government to participate in the process of seeking comment,” David Pierce, a partner at FLAG Squadron Asia and until recently non-executive chairman of the Hong Kong...