Exel: Asia Pacific is the land of opportunity

With their traditional markets currently languishing in the economic doldrums, many companies are turning to the Asia Pacific region in search of fresh opportunities. Exel is the latest logistics company to voice its interest in this developing market. But as competition increases, Exel will need to build on its strong reputation and continually improve on its efforts to keep its foothold.<BR />

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Taiwanese credit cards: fool's gold

In an intensely competitive market, any attempt by FSIs to build market share is understandable, however blind issuance of credit cards could do more harm than good. Taiwanese FSIs should learn from the lessons of regional peers and increase the quality of borrowers rather than just the number of cards issued.<BR />

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CSFB: service in Singapore

Credit Suisse First Boston is opening its fourth largest global back-office and IT support center in Singapore. The bank's attitude to service provision is changing and both shared services and outsourcing are set to receive increased attention.

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Balance is key to averting Asian credit card turmoil

Recent events in South Korea have overshadowed more general concerns about the direction of Asian credit card markets. While turmoil in South Korea has been the most high profile, Datamonitor's Alex Boorman argues that the contributory factors are not too dissimilar from those that are noticeable elsewhere in the region...

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Merrill Lynch: new wealth management hub in Asia

Merrill Lynch [MER] has announced its intention to make Singapore the new hub of its Asian wealth management business. The move follows strong full year results for the group's Global Private Client division. Merrill now appears to be back on the growth path but it still has some way to go before its private banking business becomes truly global.

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Wrigley: profits and expansion

World gum leader Wrigley [WWY] has started 2004 with strong sales and volume growth across the globe. With plans ramping up for a product launch in Singapore later this year, all eyes will be on the campaign Wrigley puts forward to encourage socially responsible gum use and disposal.

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UPS: the scramble for Asia

US express and parcel giant UPS [UPS] has launched an aggressive plan to expand its express and logistics operations in southeast Asia. The move highlights the importance of the region for international freight-forwarding players, with China - as ever - the key country in which to establish a strong foothold.

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SembLog: a star in the East?

Singapore-based conglomerate SembCorp Industries is seemingly ready to sell its majority stake in SembCorp Logistics, one of Asia's largest logistics companies. Given the company's strong foothold in the region, this would seem an ideal acquisition for a Western firm. However, price and public sector contracts will mean any deal will not be straightforward.

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Hong Leong: Islamic bank to enhance Malaysia offerings

Hong Leong Bank has launched Hong Leong Islamic Bank in its home market, Malaysia, offering wealth management, personal financial services, capital markets products and structured finance. Considering that Malaysia is emerging as Asia-Pacific's Islamic banking center, Hong Leong is right to capitalize on its existing strength in this market.

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Pasta and noodles: Singaporeans put pasta on their plates

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