Hong Kong
China shows signs that it is moving towards opening to hedge funds
China is showing encouraging signs that it is willing to open its market to foreign investors and funds. Hedge funds are still excluded from the market but steps are being taken in the right direction.
Repo markets in Asia set to grow on the back of Basel III
Don't fear the repo
RBI sees developing repo markets necessary in meeting Basel liquidity rules
India central bank views repo as an increasingly important market in the wake of Basel III implementation
Little incentive for China to implement Fatca
The US is pushing to sign up as many countries as possible to an IGA, but for China signing an IGA appears less appealing
OTC derivatives trading for securities companies to take off in China
Pilot programmes by the CSRC to encourage OTC derivatives trading for securities companies in China
Yen threatened by Japan insurers unwinding dollar/yen hedging positions
While foreign hedge funds have been driving down the value of the yen, now Japan insurers may strengthen the trend
Hong Kong retirement funds may be exempt from Fatca
The largest pension schemes in Hong Kong can potentially be exempted from Fatca after being judged by the US to be low risk for tax evasion
CME launches three-year CNH futures contract to meet dim sum bond hedging demand
CME to offer CNH futures from February 25; becomes second provider after HKEx launched CNH futures contract last September
Growing popularity of renminbi heralds more structured products linked to the currency
The renminbi appreciation society
HKMA warns banks not to weaken liquidity profile to benefit from LCR phase-in
Hong Kong regulator to consult banks on new LCR this quarter and assess level playing field implications before deciding on whether to adopt a phased approach
Asian covered bond market set to take off
Running for covered
Undeveloped Asian capital markets continue to make hedging difficult
A lack of liquidity is still providing problems for corporates looking to hedge – even in Hong Kong
HKEx to start OTC clearing in April
The Hong Kong bourse is set to start OTC derivatives clearing in April and is planning to expand its cross-asset derivatives offering over the next two to three years
Opening up of China market will not deplete Hong Kong RMB liquidity
The renminbi deposit base in Hong Kong banks will not face depletion even as investors have more ways of remitting the currency back to mainland China, say speakers at the Asian Financial Forum
Japan: Initial margins on OTC clearing of forex swaps not desirable
Japan questions the current framework for clearing foreign exchange derivatives
Asia needs bigger voice in international financial rule-making
Regulators from Malaysia, Dubai and Australia call for more countries in the region to take a stronger role in shaping the global agenda
Exits for two more Asia commodities heads
Gunnar Hoest, head of commodities, Asia, has left Deutsche Bank while Morgan Stanley's Harry Soh is set to retire, sources have confirmed
Central clearing: what obstacles remain for Asia?
Despite the deadline for introducing central clearing already passing, a number of questions are unanswered. Leading figures from around the region voice their concerns
Lack of clarity over clearing provides problems for Asia banks
The deadline set by the G-20 to clear all standardised OTC derivatives has passed but a lack of regulatory clarity over the shape of reform is hampering banks in the region
India extends Basel III timetable to enable banks to raise capital
Decision to push back Basel III implementation motivated by capital concerns, say market sources
Asia regulators try to work together as trade repository regimes begin in 2013
The move to central clearing will generate a wealth of information on derivatives around the region – but making use of this requires both trade repositories and data sharing. Progress on both has been slow
Asic to consult on trade repositories in first quarter 2013
The Australian securities regulator is looking to consult on its trade repository plans at the end of the first quarter, with an eye to implementing the regime later in the year
HKMA mulls over charging for mandatory trade reporting service
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has begun discussions with OTC derivative market players on whether to charge for use of its trade reporting service
Lack of certainty over OTC clearing location a problem for Asia asset managers
Asset managers in Asia are being hindered in preparing for OTC clearing by a lack of clarity over location