It is the first Hong Kong dollar issuance by the South Korean investment firm.

The buoyancy in the sector is being driven by multiple factors, including regulatory shifts, policy support, and debt capital market activity in the city.

Chinese transactions are benefitting from a booming IPO market in Hong Kong, which is driving Asia growth from a low base.

Despite challenges, regional opportunities exist in structured credit, defensive corporate exposures, high-yield bonds, and emerging market sovereigns, according to MFS Investment Management's Pilar Gomez-Bravo.

Hyundai-backed Sylvan Group is partnering with SK Innovation to invest $300m to scale a hydrogen transport business in South Korea; the plan is to support 6,000 buses by 2029.

In a positive year for the region's banks, 2025 ECM fees in Apac, ex Japan, were up 45% from 2024, DCM fees saw 11% growth, amid a record year for bonds, while M&A advisory fees climbed 43%.

Phillip Suh, previously CEO at Samsung Asset Management, will replace the retiring Hyon Joo Park.

Samantha Horton, group chief operating officer and head of international at Syfe, explained to FA some of the mechanics, challenges and attractions of the 2025 deal for the listed firm, and also future regional expansion plans.

Soonwook Kwon was most recently managing director and branch manager at UBS in Seoul.

Read on to find out the winners of the Deal Awards - Asia Pacific.