HISTORICAL FACTS: 16 - The Untold Story

HSBC to hire 100 AI specialists, 100 wealth managers in boost to Singapore hub

HSBC plans to hire more than 200 professionals in Singapore, including AI specialists and wealth managers, as part of its strategy to expand higher-fee businesses and accelerate artificial intelligence adoption. The bank will launch a new AI centre in the city, focusing on areas such as personalised wealth management, AI-driven…

The Economic Times · Jul 27

Global Market: Singapore Central Bank surprises markets with policy tightening amid inflation risks

Singapore's central bank unexpectedly tightened monetary policy on Monday. Persistent inflation risks from elevated energy costs prompted the move. The Monetary Authority of Singapore will slightly increase its exchange rate appreciation. This surprise decision boosted the Singapore dollar against the US dollar. Economists view this as a preventive step against…

The Economic Times · Jul 27

Malaysia's resource anxiety tests Asia's fastest data centre build-out

In Johor, China's ZDATA told Reuters its data centre operates solely on treated wastewater, and it is finalising a renewable energy deal with state utility Tenaga Nasional to ease strain on the electricity grid. Japan's NTT said its data centre will employ a closed-circuit cooling system to limit water use.…

The Economic Times · Jul 27

HSBC sells Singapore insurance business to Allianz in £1.6 billion deal

Chief executive Georges Elhedery has been restructuring the lender since taking on the role

The Independent UK · Jul 24

HSBC offloads Singapore life arm in £1.6 billion deal

Chief executive Georges Elhedery has been restructuring the lender since taking on the top post two years ago.

Evening Standard · Jul 24

Juniper Green Energy to open Rs 1,800-cr IPO on July 30

Juniper Green Energy will launch its Rs 1,800-crore initial public offering on July 30. The company plans to raise funds through a fresh issue of equity shares. Proceeds will be used for debt repayment and investments in subsidiaries. Juniper Green Energy develops and operates renewable energy projects across India. The…

The Economic Times · Jul 24

Global Market: GIC to invest $30 billion more in hedge funds, doubles down on AI

Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC plans significant new investments. The fund will allocate an additional thirty billion dollars to hedge funds over three years. GIC is also expanding its exposure to artificial intelligence opportunities across various sectors. This strategic shift follows a period of more conservative investment and softer long-term…

The Economic Times · Jul 24

Thailand passport ranking slides, 5th in Asean

The Thai passport went slightly down in the global ranking this year, as Singapore still underlined its most powerful travel document in the ratings.

Bangkok Post · Jul 24

Donald Trump finds a new way to impose tariffs but Asia isn't buying the reason

US President Donald Trump's new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, have sparked criticism from Japan, Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. The Trump tariffs, linked to forced labour enforcement under Section 301, replace temporary global duties after a US Supreme Court setback.

The Economic Times · Jul 24

Global Market: HSBC to sell Singapore insurance business to Allianz in $2.09 billion deal

HSBC will sell its Singapore life and health insurance business to Allianz. This deal values the unit at S$2.7 billion and is expected to close in early 2027. The transaction will generate a pre-tax gain for HSBC and improve its capital ratio. Allianz gains a stronger presence in Singapore's insurance…

The Economic Times · Jul 24