regulation
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.
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...
Korea to broaden retail exposure to domestic private equity
South Korean regulators will make it easier for domestic retail investors to participate in private equity as part of a series of reforms designed to boost the country’s capital markets.
Cautious optimism in Taiwan
“We have prepared a statement if you want it.” Within minutes of a panel concluding at the AVCJ Taiwan Forum in September, a piece of paper landed in my lap from the American Chamber of Commerce In Taipei’s (AmCham) private equity committee, which...
Taiwan proposes changes to M&A regulations
Taiwan’s cabinet has approved the first amendments to the territory’s Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act in nearly a decade, including a provision that raises the level of shareholder support required for a take-private transaction to go through....
More than 50 Chinese PE firms suspected of illegal fundraising
More than 50 Chinese private equity firms are suspected of illegal fundraising activity, according to the head of a taskforce charged with tracking down offenders. A total of RMB16 billion ($2.6 billion) and more than 100,000 people are thought to be...
China to modify IPO approvals system
The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) will move towards a registration-based system for IPOs in place of the current approval-based system. This is intended to make it easier for companies, especially smaller ones, to raise capital.
Hong Kong PE regulation: The quest for certainty
Proposals have been released on extending Hong Kong’s offshore funds tax exemption to include PE and setting up open-ended investment companies. Market watchers are encouraged, but know they must be patient
Hong Kong's FSDC makes proposals for PE tax exemption, OEICs
Hong Kong’s Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) has released proposals for extending the profits tax exemption for offshore funds to include private equity and introducing open-ended investment company (OEIC) structures through which managers...
Boyu Capital’s Mary Ma named as non-executive director in HK SFC
Mary Ma, co-founder and chairman of Boyu Capital, has been appointed as a non-executive director of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Fundraising: The JOBS Act and general solicitation
The removal of restrictions on general solicitation in the US potentially allows private equity firms to tap accredited investors that previously fell beneath their radar. However, managers are reluctant to rush in
Indian regulator issues guidelines for SMEs to list without IPO
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued guidelines allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to list without an IPO, offering new fundraising and exit options for start-ups.
General Atlantic, India Equity Partners seek action against Fourcee Infrastructure
General Atlantic (GA) and India Equity Partners (IEP) are pursuing legal action against their portfolio company Fourcee Infrastructure Equipments, accusing executives of “extensive forgery and willful deceit.”
Burden of compliance
Alternatives fund managers have a mountain to climb, but they are confident of reaching the summit. This, broadly speaking, is the conclusion drawn from State Street's recent global manager survey, in which the regulatory obstacles facing the industry...
India eases offshore listing rules
Indian companies will be allowed to pursue IPOs overseas without first listing domestically in a move that should please private equity and venture capital investors looking for alternative exit routes. The broader policy objective is to shore up capital...
Japanese government panel suggests pensions shift to alternatives
A Japanese government-appointed advisory panel has suggested that the country's JPY160 trillion ($1.6 trillion) public pension system - which includes the JPY120 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) - reallocate a portion of its holdings...
WL Ross settles with SEBI over SpiceJet case
WL Ross has paid INR11 million ($177,000) in a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), ending a long-running case over its investment in low-cost Indian airline SpiceJet.
Litigation funds: The justice league
Litigation financiers are increasingly looking for opportunities in Asia, many making their investments out of private equity-style funds. But do they bring the same returns?
Taiwan regulators stress commitment to PE – AVCJ Taiwan
Taiwan’s minister of economic affairs stressed that the government sees private equity as an important contributor to local economic development, highlighting draft legislation that promises to ease the deal approvals process. However, PE investors...
Indonesia VCs, incubators form lobbying alliance
Eight Indonesian venture capital firms and incubators have come together to form a lobbying group known as the Alliance of Venture Capitals in Indonesia (AVCII). Members include CyberAgent Ventures, East Ventures, GEPI, Grupara, Ideosource, Jakarta Founders...