regulation
Private equity remains unregulated under China’s new fund law
Private equity and venture capital have been omitted from China's revised Securities Investment Funds Law, which comes into effect in June. This means the asset class will remain largely unregulated.
VIDEO: Paul Strecker of Shearman & Sterling
The Chinese government's decision to allow overseas private equity investments by domestic insurers will be a boon for global fundraising, according to Paul Strecker, head of Shearman & Sterling's Asia M&A group
China removes QFII cap on sovereigns, central banks
China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) has removed the $1 billion limit on quotas for sovereign wealth funds, central banks and monetary authorities under the Qualified Institutional Investor (QFII) program.
Hong Kong tightens rule for IPO sponsors
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Hong Kong’s stock market regulator, is looking to strengthen investor protection by tightening regulations on IPO sponsors. Under the new regulation, sponsors will be made liable for civil and criminal action...
Lone Star starts arbitration proceedings against Korean government
Lone Star Funds has initiated arbitration of its claim for damages suffered as a result of alleged unlawful intervention by the Korean government with the private equity firm’s rights as a major shareholder in Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) and other companies...
Castle Harlan bid-rigging case goes before Australian court
A deal involving a Canadian mining services company that was bought and sold by US private equity firm Castle Harlan on the same day has gone before an Australian court.
India Infoline gets approval for three funds
India Infoline has received approval from The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch its three alternative investment funds (AIFs) – IIFL Venture Fund, IIFL Private Equity Fund and IIFL Opportunities Fund.
SEBI settles charges against power sector VC fund
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has agreed to a INR3.7 million ($69,000) settlement against power sector venture capital fund Small is Beautiful for its alleged violation of venture capital investment regulations.
PE & PR: Sustainable alpha
Increasing numbers of PE firms are upping their commitment to environmental and social governance issues at future and existing portfolio companies. What’s their motive?
PE & PR: A good citizen
Private equity globally is under more scrutiny from more directions than ever before, placing a higher value on good branding and reputation. Does the asset class also suffer from the same profile problem in Asia?
Asia fundraising: In Volcker's shadow
With the Volcker Rule and Basel III compliance forcing US financial institutions to pull back from private equity, some Asian GPs are in a state of flux. New fundraising strategies are required
Japan mulls bank rule change, prompts protectionist fears
The Japanese Government is considering altering regulations to allow banks to own larger stakes in Japanese companies, prompting fears of protectionism among the private equity community.
Shanghai allows offshore RMB to participate in private equity
Shanghai has reportedly given a green light for foreign players to invest in unlisted Chinese companies using renminbi capital raised offshore. The Renminbi Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (RQFLP) initiative is part of China’s efforts to promote the...
Bankrupt Woongjin halts $1.1b Coway sale to MBK
MBK Partners’ KRW1.2 trillion ($1.1 billion) investment in water purifier business Woongjin Coway appears to be on shaky ground after parent company Woongjin Holdings filed for court receivership on Wednesday and put the deal on hold.
Indian regulator receives 20 applications for AIF approval
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has received 20 applications from fund managers for Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) status, the new regulatory classification designed to improve oversight of private equity, real estate and hedge fund...
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...
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?
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...