Asia Pacific wealth: burgeoning market for philanthropic services

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Asia-Pacific wealth: 6.4% of Japanese will be 'wealthy' by 2004

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Bank of Japan hoping to boost economy by encouraging investment in private businesses

Despite recent figures indicating that the Japanese economy is performing well, weak domestic consumption has left growth dependent upon unstable demand from Asian countries for high-tech and automotive goods. As a result, the Bank of Japan has announced plans to lend JPY3 trillion to commercial banks to invest in private businesses in a bid to stimulate the economy on a more long-term scale.

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Biometric banking technology: the future is now

In an attempt to offer increased convenience and protection to customers, the Japanese Bankers Association has announced plans to establish a standardized biometric customer identification system. If the technology proves successful, other banks may follow suit, although numerous concerns need to be overcome before this can become a reality.

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Deutsche Bank: catch them if you can

Deutsche Bank [DB] is planning to raise an additional $1.5 billion in Japanese hedge fund assets over the next three years. In a break from past norms, it will work with Japanese banks and brokers to assist in selling its funds. Given the potential of the market, Deutsche Bank should be optimistic about catching up with rivals that have more established footprints in the region.

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HSBC / Korea First Bank: foreign players will steady Korean ship

The last few years have been turbulent ones for South Korea's banking sector following a consumer spending boom turned sour. Yet the great interest evoked by Newbridge Capital's sale of its stake in KFB shows the market is turning a corner, with foreign players now keen to invest in the market. The presence of these players should ensure greater stability going forward.

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India climbs into the top 10 wealth markets list

The global wealth market declined in 2011 after two years of robust recovery, with the eurozone sovereign crisis, natural calamities, and stock market volatility taking their toll. Uncertainty about the future of the euro and the worsening of the sovereign crisis in Europe are predicted to cause continuing problems, but many emerging markets are expected to continue marching ahead.

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Japan Post: a lucrative opportunity - for a bank with the cash

Radical plans to privatize Japan Post from April 2007 were announced yesterday. The Japanese postal service is the world's largest financial institution with savings deposits of $2,095 billion and some 25,000 branches. Its likely privatization is a daunting prospect for local competitors.

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JCB learns from experience with new mobile wallet

The JCB Mobile Wallet will require significant long-term investment to garner any real payoffs - particularly with regards to its features and offers - as nearly half of Japanese consumers currently have a mobile wallet but do not use it.

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JCB/Discover: global scheme deal set to benefit consumers

From autumn 2007, Discover will begin accepting JCB cards through its payment terminals across the US. This should quadruple merchant acceptance of JCB cards in the US, helping JCB expand its global presence and boost its profits as its home market becomes increasingly saturated. Furthermore, the tie-up looks set to not only grow JCB's profits, but also please consumers, who may benefit the most.

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