In this issue

In this issue, we shine a light on the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the banking and finance sector in Asia-Pacific. Whilst banks in Asia face only limited impact from the sanctions imposed on Russia, effects on financial markets may snowball in the long run.

Alternative payment methods are increasingly becoming the norm amongst consumers, a move spurred by the pandemic, as more people seek to avoid physical contact. Southeast Asian banks looking to dab in crypto may face operational, reputational, and legal risks. Maybank Islamic is helping Halal SMEs tap into a $2.6t global industry.

We sat down with Arthid Nanthawithaya, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Siam Commercial Bank to discuss the bank’s rebranding to SCBX and plans to expand to a customer base of 200 million. Read the exclusive interview on page 20. We also chatted with Munir Nanji, the newly appointed Central Europe Cluster Head and Citi Country Officer for Citibank Czech Republic to discuss his strategies on tapping Central Europe’s growth to boost Citi’s profits. See the full interview on page 24.

Read on and enjoy!

Asian Banking & Finance Magazine Description:

Asian Banking & Finance Magazine (ABF) is a quarterly magazine that covers the latest news, trends, and developments in the Asian banking and finance industry. The magazine is published by Charlton Media Group and is available in print and digital formats.

ABF features a mix of editorial content, including:

* News and analysis: The magazine provides in-depth coverage of the latest news and trends in the Asian banking and finance industry, including mergers and acquisitions, regulation changes, and new product launches.
* Interviews: ABF features interviews with senior executives from leading banks and financial institutions in Asia, as well as with government officials and industry experts.
* Special reports: The magazine regularly publishes special reports on specific topics related to the Asian banking and finance industry, such as fintech, Islamic finance, and sustainable banking.
* Market data and statistics: ABF provides readers with market data and statistics on the Asian banking and finance industry, including key financial ratios, asset quality, and profitability.

The magazine is aimed at senior executives from banks and financial institutions in Asia, as well as government officials, investors, and other professionals who are interested in the Asian banking and finance industry. ABF is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest news, trends, and developments in the Asian banking and finance industry.