Global M&A markets recorded another year of extraordinary growth in 2021 with transaction values soaring to a new record high of nearly USD6 trillion. As 2022 begins, we examine what underpinned that growth and ask if it can...more
The postponement of non-urgent medical procedures in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a lull in MedTech transaction activity in the first half of 2020 but makers of medical devices returned in force in the...more
The amended Electronic Transactions Law (ETL) is one of several legislative changes that have emanated from the recent military takeover in Myanmar. These changes affect banks, insurers, providers of payments infrastructure...more
On the morning of 1 February 2021, in response to allegations of voter fraud, Vice-President Myint Swe (who has since assumed the role of acting President) declared a State of Emergency for one year and conferred full...more
The world’s largest trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) was signed on 15 November 2020, concluding more than 30 rounds of negotiations over eight years.
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On 2 October 2020, the Indonesian Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan – OJK) issued Circular Letter No. 19/SEOJK.05/2020 on the Distribution Channel of Insurance Products (the Circular Letter), which provides...more
The OJK introduced new regulation to facilitate the transformation of foreign bank branches into subsidiaries and address certain existing uncertainties in executing bank M&A.
The key change is the introduction of branch...more
From January 2020, there has been a relaxation to the existing restrictions on foreign equity ownership of an Indonesian insurer, which will “grandfather” existing foreign ownership interests in excess of the 80% threshold...more
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on 29 August 2019 that it will begin accepting applications for new digital bank licences.
This follows from its earlier announcement on 28 June 2019 of its intention to...more
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (the NLD) celebrates its third anniversary of government this year. Fourteen months from now, campaigning will commence for Myanmar’s 2020 general...more
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced its intent to issue up to five digital bank licences, comprising:
• Up to two digital full bank licences, which will eventually allow the provision of a wide range of...more
The Myanmar government has at long last announced that foreign insurers will be entitled to seek market access to its insurance sector in 2019.
This note builds on our previous publication: Liberalisation of the Myanmar...more
Myanmar’s recently issued Notification 25/2018 liberalises its wholesale and retail trade sectors, allowing both 100% foreign and JV entities to operate in Myanmar. This update summarises the requirements that foreign...more
Indonesia has enacted Regulation no.14/2018 on Foreign Ownership of Insurance Companies, which came into force on 18 April 2018 and confirms a maximum threshold for foreign ownership of an Indonesian insurance company of...more