Krishna Bhattarai

Exciting news! Embracing and adapting to change is essential for national progress. The launch of PHPX could significantly enhance financial services, making remittances faster and more affordable for many Filipinos. Looking forward to seeing more initiatives like this! #blockchain #payment #fintech #banking

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🌏𝐃𝐚𝐲 1 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞🌏 Today marked my first time attending The Network Forum held at the SGX Centre Auditorium, and what a start! With a diverse lineup of panels and speakers, Day 1 has been nothing short of inspiring. From the opening keynote by SGX Group's Yao Loong Ng to the intense discussion on geopolitical impacts by Peter Mumford from Eurasia Group, we’re not just hearing perspectives, we’re feeling the pulse of an industry in transformation. A few moments from the day struck me profoundly: 1️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐓+1: The representatives from Swift, ASX, BNY, and The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) unravel Asia’s journey toward shorter settlement cycles was eye-opening. The complexity and coordination required for this transition are monumental, and it’s a testament to our industry's commitment to progress. 2️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞: Mathew Kathayanat (Mat Kat) from Deutsche Bank, alongside other thought leaders, questioned whether emerging technologies are truly generating commercial values today. Their insights reinforced a powerful takeaway: vision, direction and strategy mean nothing without an equally robust culture and skilled talents willing to drive change. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 & 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: APAC is certainly pushing boundaries, facing some setbacks on the path to digitalization but also celebrating big wins. Initiatives like Singapore’s 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 and 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐝, along with Hong Kong’s 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞, are laying the groundwork through regulatory sandboxes pushing the limits on what’s possible for the region. One of the most pressing challenges lies in interoperability—not only bridging across countries but integrating seamlessly into diverse systems like core banking, and trading platforms. Achieving this level of connectivity requires alignment on standards, robust data sharing protocols, and resilient security frameworks. The discussions offer a chance for us to reflect on where digital finance is headed and how we can harness it responsibly. Today reminded me of the synergy and shared aspirations we hold in this field, and it’s a privilege to be part of it. Deep gratitude to our partners in the region and to every participant making this forum a catalyst for true connection and advancement. Let’s keep the conversations going. There is so much more work to be done. And of course, a quick thanks to my ChatGPT friend for helping draft these thoughts!  #TheNetworkForum #Innovation #Geopolitics #DigitalAssets #Tokenisation #DLT #FinanceLeadership

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Pru Life UK launches tech feeder fund PRU Life Insurance Corp. of UK Philippines (Pru Life UK) has launched an investment fund powered by ATRAM Trust Corp. that aims to take advantage of the growth of global technology companies. The PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund lets investors access the ATRAM Global Technology Feeder Fund, which targets Fidelity International’s Fidelity Funds-Global Technology Fund. The company wants to have P30 million in assets under management (AUM) for the fund within the first year of its launch, Pru Life UK Chief Product Officer Garen U. Dee said at a media roundtable on Wednesday. The Fidelity Funds-Global Technology Fund is one of the largest in the world with $23.9 billion in assets as of July. Meanwhile, the ATRAM Feeder Fund has P7 billion AUMs. The PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund invests in tech-driven companies such as Alphabet, Inc., Amazon.com, Apple, Inc., Microsoft Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd. “Aside from the growth in the tech sector, since the fund invests in dollar-denominated stocks, we’re able to invest in it using our peso. There are additional potential returns coming from the foreign exchange market. Of course, take note that while there’s a potential return, there is also a potential loss, depending on the performance of the peso,” Ms. Dee added. The fund mostly invests in stocks, but up to 10% may also go to non-equity assets such as time deposits or any central bank-issued securities. It is benchmarked to the Morgan Stanley Capital International, the All Country World Index, and the Information Technology Index. ATRAM Chief Marketing Officer Andrew P. Caw said that while the ATRAM Feeder Fund cannot guarantee specific returns, it has performed strongly over the past five years, with an annualized return of 23.18% and a cumulative performance of 183.59%. In 2023, the fund had a return of 40.79%. “We can’t put a return for that but based on the forecast, in the sense of the possibilities of the market, one can really say that definitely, one should have tech in their portfolio,” he said. Source: https://lnkd.in/gdKkBg9q

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This week, on the Bourse Report, CEO Sarodh Ramkhelawan, CFA reviews the financial performance of Prestige Holdings Limited (PHL) and Angostura Holdings Limited (AHL) for their respective first quarters ended 31st March 2024. PHL’s performance benefitted from revenue growth and higher profitability margins, while AHL’s profitability was impacted by lower revenues. Could PHL positive momentum continue in the upcoming months? Will AHL’s revenue in its operating territories normalize in the second fiscal quarter?

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"Bank Asia continues to lead the way in digital transformation by introducing innovative solutions to expand financial inclusion" To read the full story, please see the comments section. #BankAsia

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Viet Nam has made enormous strides in the agriculture sector and in food security under the exemplary leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). However, in the backdrop of a marked decline in ODA borrowings in the past 5 years, the country continues to have significant need for multilateral/ODA assistance to modernize the sector. During the recent International Support Group Plenary Conference organized by MARD (chaired by Honorable Minister Le Minh Hoan), I re-emphasized ADB’s strong appetite and eagerness to support the sector, highlighted the need to continue with the ongoing process reforms to expedite project preparation, urged policymakers to assess project economic returns and development impacts holistically from the lens of the entire long project life cycle (and not merely taking into account short-term prevailing costs of ODA capital), and very seriously consider the significant opportunity costs associated with not pursuing or delaying projects while waiting for the onset of a more favorable ODA interest rate regime.

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#Nexus set to revolutionize Asean #crossborderpayments | Mamerto Tangonan, the deputy governor and head of the #payments and currency management sector at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, tells Euromoney how #southeastAsian countries are using advances in #digitalpayments to revolutionize #crossborder transactions | #philippines http://spr.ly/6045gvCcl

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B2B Cambodia Market Update May 2nd The Cambodia Securities Exchange Index rose by 0.75 points to 411.14 or 0.18%. Trading Volume was moderate at 501,750 shares changing hands at a trading value of around $687,000 US dollars, or 2.78 billion Khmer Riel Today’s market mover and percent gain winner was once again Mengly J. Quach Education Plc. up 30 Riel per Share, or 1.36%, to 2,230 Riel per Share. Mengly J. Quach Education Plc.’s stock was up after the company released the results of its 1st Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, where it was decided that a 7.6% Cash Dividend of the company’s 2023 profits – equivalent to over 1.4 billion Khmer Riel, or approximately $358,000 US dollars – would be distributed to shareholders at roughly 145.6 Khmer Riel per share. On the downside, the market loser of the day was Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, which fell 0.16% or 20 riel to 12,400 Riel per share, while all other stocks some percentage rise. The Khmer Riel to USD exchange rate is at 4,066, with USD Index trading at 105.631 Brent Crude Oil is slightly down from our last report on April 30th, to 84.04 USD a barrel and Gold also down to 2,305.6 US dollars an ounce, while Dow futures is up 125 points from May 1st.

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[BETTING SERIES: Exploring Korea's Venture Investment Ecosystem] For over 30 years, the venture investment ecosystem in South Korea has been a driving force behind economic growth. Well-known companies like Naver, Daum, NCsoft, and Nexon started as venture startups and have grown into giant IT corporations. Today, a new wave of venture startups, challenging the global market under the name of "startups," is emerging. Economically and socially, the role of venture startups is crucial. However, much of this information is not readily available to the general public. The same applies to investment opportunities. Many people are interested, but good information is scarce, and distinguishing what constitutes good information is challenging in the venture industry and investment ecosystem we envisioned. Through the documentary genre, we aimed to bridge this information gap and shed light on the role of startups and the significance of investment. The BETTING Series is available for streaming on Watcha. Created by: MONQ Client: Bluepoint #monq #creativeagency #advertising #seoul #korea #globaladvertisement #koreanstartup #startups #documentary #betting #ventureinvestment https://lnkd.in/gcDJA7nw

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B2B Cambodia Market Update September 6th The Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) Index was up 0.69 points or 0.17% to 412.33. Total trade volume was down to 38,046 shares changing hands at a total value of 239 million riel or $58,700 US dollars. On the main board, three stocks were up. The កំពង់ផែស្វយ័តភ្នំពេញ-Phnom Penh Autonomous Port led the market, up 0.44% or 60 riel to 13,600 riel per share, followed by CAMGSM, which was up 0.41 or 10 riel to 2,430 riel per share. Pestech Cambodia was also up 0.40% or 10 riel to 2,500 riel per share. On the downside, Royal Group Phnom Penh SEZ was the biggest loser of the day, down 0.89% or 20 riel to 2,220 per share, and the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority was also down 0.29% or 20 riel to 6,780 riel per share. The rest of the main board, including MJQ Education, Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, ACLEDA Bank and Grand Twins International, remained flat. Over on the growth board, DBD Engineering and JS Land also stayed flat at 2,070 riel per share and 3,470 riel per share respectively. ACLEDA Bank once again recorded the highest trade volume of the day with 22,936 shares changing hands at a total value of 172 million riel or $42,150 US dollars, making up approximately 59% of September 6th’s trade volume. Grand Twins International once again recorded the second highest trade volume of the day but with only 8,434 shares traded at a total value of 32 million riel or $7,900 US Dollars, accounting for 22% of Friday's trade volume. In other business news, The Cambodian government has launched the “Electronic Know Your Business (e-KYB) System,” designed to verify the identity, status, and legal compliance of enterprises, as well as their relationships with other individuals or companies. According to a government press release, the e-KYB system was developed within the CamDX ecosystem, which allows for effortless access to data in government databases without compromising the security and ownership of the data, and with minimal technical changes in existing information systems. Moving on to the exchange rate, the Khmer riel to USD strengthened slightly to 4,074 riel per US dollar, while the US dollar index was down to 100.99. Looking at global commodities, oil prices held their ground on Friday as investors awaited U.S. employment data, but the commodity was on track for a weekly loss despite a delay to supply increases by OPEC+ producers. Brent crude futures rose 37 cents, or 0.51%, to $73.06 US dollars a barrel. For the week, Brent was poised to register a more than 7% decline. Gold prices were steady near one-week highs, on track for a small weekly rise. U.S. stock index futures fell on Friday ahead of key jobs data that could be pivotal when the U.S. Federal Reserve decides on the size of its interest rate cut that is expected later this month. Futures were down, with Dow down 0.39%, S&P 500 down 0.70%, and Nasdaq down 1.23%. https://lnkd.in/g2UeAyhY

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China Strategy | China Pulse - Vincent Chan In the Luijiazui Forum (陆家嘴论坛) last week, PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng (潘功胜) gave some insights on future monetary policy operation details. Some of them are expected, such as exchange rate stability, which is very important, and monetary data growth has been distorted in recent months as artificial loan/deposit boost by financial institutions is discouraged. Some are new, such as 1) M1 calculation will be reformed to include new electronic payment aggregates; 2) PBOC will re-start secondary market trading for treasury bonds for open market operation purposes. The Market immediately wonders whether this is the start of China QE (may or may not be the case); and 3) Among all the short-term rates and mid-term policy rates like LPR, 7D PBOC repo rate is designated as the anchor of China's short-term policy rate and 10y government treasury, the key long-dated risk-free rate. GDP Nowcast by CEIC Insight (based on 23 monthly indicators) for 2Q’24 forecast dips to 4.0% from 4.2% last week, lower than market consensus of 5.3%. The Nowcast expectation turned down,a most notably on the day when May TSF data were released. This is a reflection of the potential distortion of recent monetary data, but at the same time, it is difficult to differentiate whether the weak money supply growth is due to a data problem or genuine economic weakness - which both seem to play a role. Read full story here: https://buff.ly/4eMdQ3M For more information on our #china #strategy product, and other Aletheia Capital research, please contact [email protected] #investments #advisory #ideas #fintech #InYourCorner

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China Banking Corporation (Chinabank, PSE symbol: CHIB) earned P5.9 billion in the first quarter of 2024, 18% higher compared to the same period last year, on the robust growth of its core businesses. The resulting return on equity and return on assets continued to be among the best in the industry at 15.5% and 1.6%, respectively. Net interest income grew by 18% to P15.0 billion, driven by higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 22 basis points to 4.4%. #ChinaBankSavings #CHINABANK FULL STORY: https://lnkd.in/gDPhgdaU

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At the Bank of China (BoC) head office, Fan Yaosheng, the general manager of its clearing department, highlighted the bank’s strategies and innovations in Renminbi (RMB) clearing services, emphasising their critical role in global financial markets, international trade, and investment. The bank boasts a rich history in the financial landscape, notably in international clearing and remittance.   BoC's international reach includes a network across 64 countries and regions, having been designated as the RMB clearing bank in 15 markets by the People’s Bank of China as of the end of 2023.   In 2023 alone, BoC processed more than RMB 938 trillion ($129 trillion) through the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System, confirming its status as the market leader with the widest coverage of direct and indirect participants.   The bank’s proactive approach focuses on delivering superior RMB clearing services worldwide, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. This effort supports significant initiatives that facilitate trade and investment while strengthening regional financial integration.   Furthermore, BoC’s involvement in various Connect Scheme initiatives has been vital in linking Mainland China with global financial centres, particularly Hong Kong. This has been instrumental in allowing overseas investors access to the mainland’s financial markets, underscoring its expertise in interbank cooperation and cross-border financial services. Foo Boon Ping 胡文彬, Ruoxin Qi, TAB Global SHAILESH JADHAV, Janet liu, Jasmine Lian, Valarie Zhang, Sihui (Sabrina) Song, Grace Tomelden, Hamid Hussain #BankofChina #RMB #GlobalFinance #InternationalTrade #Investment #FinancialInnovation #CrossBorderPayments #FinancialIntegration #AsiaPacific #ConnectScheme #China #HongKong #Interbank #FinancialServices #MarketLeader2

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📺 WATCH: 20 May 2024 - Market Update - B2B Cambodia This is a B2B Cambodia Market Update for 20 May 2024, reviewing the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) and global markets. #marketupdate #B2BCambodia #business #Cambodia #stockexchange

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Asia is rewriting the playbook! With a growing appetite for diverse sports and an exceptional surge in talent across the region, Asian nations are challenging traditional Western powerhouses like never before. 🌏 Join us at IGF ME&A 2024 for an exciting session where we’ll explore: - The UAE’s billion-dollar investments in world-class infrastructure 🏗️ - India’s rapidly evolving sports goods market, projected to reach $6 billion by 2027 🏅 - How bold partnerships and innovations in data, technology, and talent are shaping the future of sports across Asia As Asian countries make strides on the global sports stage, we’ll discuss how these strategic moves are opening pathways to collaboration, driving economic growth, and fueling national development. 🔗 Book Now: https://lnkd.in/gQnYUuiq #SportsLeadership #AsiaInSports #UAEInvestments #IndiaSports #GlobalGrowth #LimitlessHorizons #JoinTheConversation #IGFUAE Dream Sports Manoj Ladwa Dream11

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The bank, previously controlled by the S Alam Group Chairman Saiful Alam Masud, has long struggled with non-performing loans. Under Mannan’s chairmanship, however, the swift recovery has raised hopes for the bank’s future stability Link in Comments #Bankingnews #Banking #TBSNews

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Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) - Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) Formally Join the Regional Payment Connectivity Initiative (RPC) Source: https://lnkd.in/gPDYTgkb #mas #brunei #asean #lao #singapore #regional #payment #connectivity #initiative #rpc Highlights: Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) have officially joined the Regional Payment Connectivity (RPC) after previously expressing their interest in joining the initiative. BDCB signed the second supplemental pages of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Regional Payment Connectivity (MOU RPC) on 29th February 2024. Meanwhile BOL signed the third supplemental pages of MOU RPC on 3 April 2024, at the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. The inclusion of BDCB and BOL bring the RPC group to a total of eight ASEAN central banks. Pioneered by the central banks of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in late 2022, later joined by Vietnam in August 2023 and now Brunei Darussalam and Lao PDR, the RPC initiative is expected to be extended to other ASEAN countries and beyond. RPC is an initiative that aims to promote, faster, cheaper, more transparent, and more inclusive cross-border payments. Since its inception in 2022, the RPC has strengthened the central banks’ ability to foster and accelerate the development of payment connectivity in the region through, among others, quick response (QR) code-based payment and fast payment modalities. The regional effort also allows participants to reap the benefits of cross-border economic activities, including providing small and medium-sized enterprises access to the international market, easing of trade, and facilitating worker remittance transactions.

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