North Asia

Jessica Li joins the global law firm as partner, Greater China DCM, in its banking and finance practice.

Studies have shown the positive correlation between having female investors or fund managers on team, and portfolio returns. Female finance leaders told FA that a diversity of experiences and skills are important in a fast-evolving sector.

As Hong Kong looks to integrate more with Asean's economies, Thailand joins Indonesia and Singapore as a Recognised Stock Exchange in the Special Administrative Region.

Despite numerous challenges, which are growing under Trump’s second administration, sustainable finance might be an area where females are more likely to excel and take leadership roles, including in Asia; senior leaders gave FA their opinions.

Hong Kong-based Chan has been with the US bank since 2003 and is currently responsible for Apac equity-linked origination.

BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment will control the two ports in the Panama Canal; the deal includes ports in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, but not in Hong Kong or mainland China. CK Hutchison's co-managing director Frank Sixt said the deal "is purely commercial in nature".

Bubble tea maker Mixue has joined the market as it bounces back with a flurry of listing activity expected this year, with mainland Chinese investors increasing use of the Stock Connect; Middle East firms could also seek listings, although other foreign firms could be harder to attract.

China has hit the US with retaliatory tariffs on a series on products including soybeans, chicken, beef and pork, of up to 15%, after the US decided to impose further 10% tariffs on Chinese imports as of March 4.

The city will “regularise” the issuance of tokenised bonds, according to Hong Kong's financial secretary at his latest Budget speech; Chan is expecting GDP growth of 2% to 3% in 2025.