Fintech PR
Asia venture capital deal volume shows strong uptick in Q3 2019 but total investment declines, according to KPMG analysis
The number of venture capital (VC) deals in Asia saw a sharp increase in the third quarter of 2019 to 922 deals, up from 839 in the second quarter, while global VC deal volume dipped from 5,138 deals in the second quarter to 4,154, according to KPMG report, Venture Pulse Q3’2019. VC investment in Asia remained subdued, falling from USD 18.61 billion in the second quarter of 2019 to USD 14.92 billion in the third quarter, which was consistent with the fall in VC investment globally from USD 64.96 billion to USD 55.71 billion in the same period.
Egidio Zarrella, Partner and Head of Clients and Innovation, KPMG China, said, “There is a lot of interest in the Asian market, but investors have really slowed down their activity. They are being conservative, waiting to see where things go from an economic and geopolitical perspective. This does not mean activity is not happening at all.”
Chinese companies accounted for seven of the top 10 VC deals in Asia Pacific, taking the top four spots in the ranking. These comprise entertainment software company NetEase Cloud Music, which raised USD 700 million, as well as automotive companies Didi Chuxing (USD 600 million), CHJ Automotive (USD 530 million) and Byton (USD 500 million). Information services company Zhihu (USD 434 million), transportation firm Hellobike (USD 400 million) and office services provider D&J China (USD 300 million) ranked sixth, seventh and tenth respectively.
Investors to focus on strong business models and profitability in mainland China
With transportation and mobility sectors in mainland China accounting for five of the top 10 deals in Asia Pacific, it is clear that they have become the hottest sectors for VC investment in mainland China. AI and healthcare are also continuing to attract investment as both sectors start to see some consolidation. Health and biotech companies focusing on R&D in innovative drugs continue to benefit from regulatory reforms in mainland China, while the long-term prospects for companies developing drugs with differentiated profiles and meaningful supportive clinical data remain strong.
Philip Ng, Partner and Head of Technology, KPMG China, said, “Despite the challenges in the market, a number of sectors continued to attract investment, including fintech, autotech and biotech. Start-ups also need to focus on profitability and cashflow planning to build a sustainable business.”
Looking ahead, the VC market in mainland China is likely to feel the positive effects of the central government’s plans to forge ahead with policy reforms aimed at improving and modernising regulations across a wide range of industries, including insurance, finance, capital markets and healthcare.
Hong Kong capital market steady with IPO pipeline looking strong
Despite the short-term slowdown in IPO activity, the pipeline of companies applying for IPOs in Hong Kong has remained strong. The city saw Anheuser-Bush’s InBev Asia Pacific unit launch its IPO locally in the third quarter of 2019, the second largest globally behind Uber this year.
Irene Chu, Partner and Head of New Economy & Life Sciences, Hong Kong, KPMG China, said, “We continue to see economic volatility in Hong Kong this quarter which has affected a number of industries and investor sentiment. While the amount of funds raised for IPOs have dipped, the number of Main Board deals in the first three quarters is similar to that of last year and Hong Kong remains a top destination for IPOs. The pipeline of companies applying for IPO in Hong Kong is still very strong – but whether they will go out before the end of the year will depend on changing market conditions. InBev’s successful IPO could help spur activity.”
SOURCE KPMG China
Strategic launch to cater to the growing demand for luxury real estate across Asia-Pacific
HONG KONG, Nov. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — DAMAC International, a global leader in luxury real estate, has officially opened its new office in Hong Kong, marking its third office in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This expansion is part of DAMAC’s broader vision to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, renowned for its rapid investment growth. The Hong Kong office is a strategic gateway to the APAC market. It allows DAMAC to better serve its expanding clientele by offering direct access to its prestigious properties in Dubai and other international locations, such as London and Miami.
The Hong Kong office will provide investors across the region access to personalised services, offering exclusive insights into DAMAC’s luxury residential towers, branded residences, and lifestyle communities. As demand from the APAC region continues to rise, DAMAC is poised to offer high-end real estate investment opportunities that cater to the needs of discerning clients.
Talking about the opening, Abbas Sajwani, Board Member, DAMAC International, stated: “This is yet another milestone in our expansion into the APAC region. The new office will allow us to be closer to our clientele. It is a testament to our belief in the region’s potential and commitment to providing top-tier investment opportunities in luxury development.”
By establishing this new office, DAMAC continues positioning itself as a leading player in the global real estate market. It further strengthens its ability to connect with clients to provide unparalleled luxury investment opportunities for long-term value.
About DAMAC International
DAMAC International has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering award-winning residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region and internationally, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, the Maldives, Canada, the United States, as well as the United Kingdom.
Since then, the company has delivered more than 47,000 homes with over 40,000 more in diverse planning and development phases. Joining forces with some of the world’s most eminent fashion and lifestyle brands to create tremendous living experiences, such as with Versace, Roberto Cavalli, or de GRISOGONO. With a consistent vision and momentum, DAMAC is building the next generation of luxury living across the globe.
Live the Luxury.
Visit us at www.damacgroup.com
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Fintech PR
GTN and SBI Group collaborate to launch “SBI Saudi Arabia Equity Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)”
The launch marks the first ETF dedicated to investing in the Saudi Arabian stock market listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GTN and SBI Holdings announced on October 30 at FII 8th Edition 2024 in Riyadh the launch of the “SBI Saudi Arabia Equity Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)”- a groundbreaking ETF dedicated to investing in the Saudi Arabian stock market and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This fund marks a significant milestone as it represents the first ETF focusing exclusively on Saudi equities to be accessible to Japanese investors.
The collaboration between GTN and SBI Group stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May 2024 in Tokyo at the Saudi Japan Vision 2030 Event in the presence of H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, the Minister of Investment.
Inspired by Vision 2030, the ETF is expected to reflect the performance of the Saudi market and attract Japanese investors due to Saudi Arabia’s significant economic transformation, sustainable growth, and advanced financial infrastructure. The ETF will be managed to achieve investment results linked to the “MSCI Saudi Arabia Index (yen equivalent basis)”. SBI Asset Management received the regulator’s approval, and the ETF was successfully listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on October 31, 2024.
As per the MOU signed between the parties, SBI Asset Management will be responsible for creating, managing and promoting the ETF in Japan, while GTN will provide research, execution, clearing and settlement services to the ETF.
SBI Group is a strategic investor of GTN and a key partner in GTN’s expansion plans in Asia.
The Chairman of GTN and its mother company NTG, Mohammed Rashid Al Ballaa said: “We are excited about the collaboration between SBI Group and GTN to launch the first-ever Saudi-focused ETF in Japan. SBI Group has access to over 10 million customers and is ideally suited to promote an ETF linked to the Saudi market in Japan. This milestone was achieved thanks to Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao, the visionary leader and founder of SBI Group.” “The ongoing support of the Saudi Stock Exchange and the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia were also essential success factors in reaching this milestone,” said Mr. Al Ballaa.
At the FII conference in Riyadh, Mr. Yoshitaka Kitao said: “I am excited to be in the Kingdom and see the development that has taken place over the past few years. I am also excited to see the unfolding of the Vision 2030. I am confident that the Saudi Arabia ETF will provide Japanese investors the opportunity to participate and be part of the growth journey of Saudi Arabia.”
About GTN
GTN is a fintech pioneer with decades of success, holding broker-dealer and capital markets services licenses in multiple jurisdictions through subsidiaries. We are committed to empowering brokers, banks, asset managers, and fintechs with scalable and innovative investment and trading solutions that enable access to a comprehensive network of global markets and multiple asset classes, making investment and trading accessible to all.
GTN brings together a diverse team of over 500 talented individuals spread across Brazil, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, united by a shared passion and purpose: empowering clients and transforming the accessibility to investment and trading opportunities for all.
GTN is backed by strategic investors IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and SBI Group, one of the largest financial services firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. To learn more, visit www.gtngroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About SBI Group
Over 25 years of successful track record, SBI Group has become one of the largest FinTech companies in Japan. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the SBI Group has over 19,000 employees and 685 group companies. SBI Group’s main businesses are financial services, asset management, investment business, Crypto-assets and Next Gen businesses such as biotechnology, healthcare and Web3.
SBI Group companies include SBI Securities, Japan’s number one online securities company, SBI Sumishin Net Bank, Japan’s largest internet bank in terms of deposit amount, and a variety of other financial companies.
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GENEVA, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Swiss private banking group CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique announces the appointment of Enid Yip as the new CEO of its subsidiary CBH Asia. Mrs Yip will also lead the Asia Regional Committee. Based in Hong Kong, CBH Asia is a key part of the Group’s strategic commitment to expand its presence in the region.
Concurrently, Patrick Wong, who has overseen the Asia business since 2017, has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. Mr Wong will continue to manage Operations, Regulatory and Compliance, and IT, while Mrs Yip will focus on enhancing the firm’s client offering and driving business development in line with the Group’s long-term strategy for Asia. With its entrepreneurial approach and exclusive and bespoke investment offering, CBH Asia offers compelling advantages to clients and relationship managers in the region.
A seasoned executive, Mrs Yip brings over 25 years of experience in successfully growing wealth management institutions in Asia. Most recently she was with LGT. Prior to that, she was a Member of the Board at Bank J. Safra Sarasin, having previously served as their Chief Executive Officer, Asia, overseeing the bank’s expansion in the region. Earlier in her career, Mrs Yip held various senior positions in the private banking industry.
Simon Benhamou, CBH Bank Chief Executive Officer said: “We are delighted to welcome someone of Enid’s calibre to lead CBH Asia. Her extensive experience and strong leadership will be instrumental in furthering our growth in key Asian markets. Our people are our greatest asset and with Enid’s strong commitment to our core values of entrepreneurship and teamwork, we are confident that she will further strengthen CBH Asia’s success. We extend our best wishes to Enid on her appointment.”
Mrs Yip said: “I am delighted to be joining a Group that fosters an environment where we can achieve great results by pursuing excellence with creativity. I am determined to expand CBH’s footprint in the region, building on our established expertise and maintaining our long-term vision of adding value for both clients and stakeholders.”
About CBH | Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique
CBH Compagnie Bancaire Helvétique is a family-owned Swiss banking group founded in 1975. Headquartered in Geneva, the Group currently counts close to 309 professionals in 10 locations around the world. As of December 31st, 2023 client assets totaled CHF 14.3 billion and the Group’s Tier 1 ratio was 43%, placing it among the best capitalized banks in Switzerland compared to its peers.
CBH Group provides wealth management services to private and institutional clients, as well as several complementary business lines, including family office solutions, asset services & structuring, exclusive private markets expertise, and bespoke daily banking and card solutions.
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