Regulation
NSSF nears $3.6b private equity investments
The National Council for Social Security Fund (NSSF) announced that it had committed RMB22.6 billion ($3.6 billion) to 16 venture capital and private equity funds as of mid-September.
Chinese courts threaten PE protection
Private equity firms routinely use value adjustment mechanisms to incentivize entrepreneurs and offer down-side protection. Two Chinese court rulings have now called them into question.
Private equity tax strategies probed by US authorities
A host of leading private equity firms has been subpoenaed by the New York attorney general as part of an investigation into whether they have engaged in tax evasion strategies.
Thailand eases licensing rules for private equity firms
Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has abolished rules requiring private equity and venture capital firms to apply for securities licenses. The move is intended to make it easier to set up funds, thereby facilitating investment into small-...
India regulator pulls plug on ACA PE's Repco Home deal
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has vetoed ACA Private Equity Trust’s proposed investment into Repco Home Finance because it contravenes the country’s venture capital regulations.
India eases rules on entrepreneurs' post-IPO lock-up
India has altered rules concerning the lock-up on entrepreneurs’ shares post-IPO in order to make it easier for companies to list. This is expected to support companies that go through several stages of private equity funding.
Qianhai offers RMB funds fast track
Renminbi-denominated private equity funds will get special dispensation to raise capital in Hong Kong through a new pilot project in Shenzhen. As ever, the devil is in the detail, which has yet to be fully explained
KKR fund among AIFs to operate in India under new route
KKR’s India Alternate Credit Opportunities Fund is among seven alternative investment funds (AIFs) that have been approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
China grants private equity an A-share investment platform
China’s securities regulator has loosened restrictions on participation in the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) program and opened the door to private equity firms. Do they want to go through it?
PE a key focus for institutions investing in Asia – survey
Institutions investing in Asia plan to make private equity and other alternative assets a key focus, according to a new survey.
China arbitrator dispute leaves foreign investors uneasy
The China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), the national body responsible for resolving commercial disputes, has suspended its Shanghai and Shenzhen branches. The move has provoked concerns among foreign investors over...
China relaxes QFII rules to include private equity
Private equity firms will be allowed to apply for licenses under China's Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) program, offering greater freedom to invest in domestic debt and equities. The move is part of wider efforts to open up and liberalize...
China allows insurers to double private equity exposure
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has allowed insurers to invest up to 10% of their total assets in private equity. Investment in the asset class was previously capped at 5%. The move is expected to see $50 billion of fresh capital injected...
Chinese insurers to outsource investment management
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) will allow insurance companies to outsource their investment management businesses to brokerages and fund houses as part of efforts to diversify investment channels.
Warburg sues Titan Petrochemicals in Hong Kong
Warburg Pincus has sued portfolio company Titan Petrochemicals Group and some of its executives in Hong Kong’s High Court, citing misrepresentation and breaches of contract. This comes as the debt-laden shipping and oil storage firm continues talks with...
Indonesia caps foreign ownership of local banks at 40%
Foreign ownership of Indonesian banks will be capped at 40%, although exceptions will be made for listed banks with strong financial health and high levels of tier-one capital. On this basis, it appears that DBS Group’s $7.2 billion bid for Bank Danamon...
Hony bets on China convertibility experiment
Hony Capital is set to become the first private equity player to enter the Shenzhen-Qianhai new business zone, a pilot project for greater renminbi convertibility. John Zhao, Hony’s CEO, said the company may raise its next renminbi-denominated fund in...
PE financing to be targeted in Australia takeover law review
Private equity firms that launch takeover bids for companies without clear financing packages are likely to be targeted in the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) review of takeover legislation.
IVCA expresses concern over proposed tax law changes
The Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA) has expressed its concern that the draft guidelines on India’s proposed anti-avoidance legislation are too vague.
PE and FATCA: Complain but comply
Asian GPs have lagged behind other regional institutions in getting to grips with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. The time has come to face the impact these rules could have on local firms
SEC registration: Are Asian GPs taking it seriously?
Three months after US regulators introduced new rules for reporting and registration of private investment advisers, PE firms are changing the way they do business – but much less so in Asia than in the US
China considers new rules for private funds
Chinese legislators are reviewing a draft amendment to the Securities Investment Funds Law that would impose new regulations on private equity vehicles. The changes are designed to restrict illegal fundraising and insider trading.
Indian microfinance: Back from the brink
The dust is finally starting to settle on the suicide scandals that rocked Indian microfinance in late 2010. Is the industry still an attractive proposition for private equity?
China to expand insurers' investment scope
The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) is likely to announce a new set of rules allowing insurers to expand their investment scope in order to diversify portfolios. As part of the move, the ceiling for domestic private equity investments will...