Business
Head of Taiwan’s SinoPac bank held over US$165m ‘illegal loans’ to offshore company
The head of a major Taiwanese bank has been detained on suspicion of granting illegal loans, just months after another banking scandal rocked the island’s financial sector.
SinoPac Holdings chairman Ho Shou-chuan and two others are being probed over an alleged NT$5 billion (US$164.7 million) of loans made to an “offshore company with no real operations”.
It is not yet clear what relationship they have with the firm that received the money.
The case comes after the ex-chairman of Mega International Commercial Bank was indicted in December on charges including insider trading.
That followed a massive US$180 million fine slapped on Mega by United States authorities after they said they found “suspicious transactions” between its New York and Panama branches.
Taipei District Court on Sunday approved a request by prosecutors to take Sinopac’s Ho and the other two suspects into custody, saying there was a risk of evidence tampering or collusion.
Local prosecutors investigating the case searched Ho’s residence and office last week.
“(Ho) and the others are suspected of jointly violating laws including the Securities and Exchange Act and breach of trust,” prosecutors said.
No formal charges have been made yet.
China’s Minsheng Bank sees investor trust vanish – along with 3b yuan
The case revolves around alleged illegal lending to a company called J&R Trading by a SinoPac subsidiary since 2009.
Local media said the funds were routed to finance an investment into a commercial building in Shanghai.
According to the court statement, Ho insisted at most he is accountable for “administrative negligence” and did not cause the company any damage.
SinoPac held an emergency board meeting on Saturday and appointed an acting chairman following Ho’s arrest.
The bank said it will cooperate with the investigation and that its operations are continuing as normal.
Two other people critical in the probe have not been questioned yet as they are out of the country,…
Business
News Update: China’s Stimulus Falls Short; Sensex and Nifty Decline; Bitcoin Surges Over $82,000
Asian markets showed mixed trends amid China’s stimulus measures and disappointing inflation data. Meanwhile, Indian equities remained stable, with mutual fund inflows rising. Bitcoin surged following Trump’s presidential win.
Business Hook Daily News Podcast
Good evening! Welcome to Business Hook’s daily news podcast. I’m Avni Raja, and today is November 11, 2024. Let’s dive into the day’s top business stories.
Market Reactions and Economic Data
Asian markets experienced a mixed session as investors digested new economic data and stimulus measures from China. The Chinese government announced a $1.4 trillion package targeting local government debt, although analysts deemed it underwhelming. October’s inflation rate of 0.3% fell short of estimates and declined for the second month in a row. As a result, the CSI 300 saw a slight gain, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped over 1.5%. In India, the Sensex closed below 74,500, and the Nifty ended above 24,100, with a majority of Nifty stocks declining.
Mutual Fund Inflows and Upcoming IPOs
There’s encouraging news in the mutual fund sector, with October seeing net inflows of 2.4 lakh crore rupees, reversing the previous month’s outflows. Record equity inflows have risen to nearly 42,000 crore rupees, reflecting robust domestic investor confidence. In the IPO space, LG Electronics prepares to raise $1.5 billion by listing its Indian arm, with banks like Axis Capital involved in the process, potentially leading to an IPO as early as 2025.
Cryptocurrency Surge
In cryptocurrency news, Bitcoin has achieved new highs, surpassing $82,000. This surge is attributed to Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory, which has favored cryptocurrencies compared to more cautious Democratic approaches. Experts speculate that Bitcoin could surpass $90,000 soon. That’s all for today’s wrap-up. Join us again tomorrow, and check out the Business Hook YouTube channel for more updates.
Source : News Wrap | China Stimulus Disappoints; Sensex & Nifty Slip; Bitcoin Soars Past $82,000
Business
Henry Keswick: The Jardine Scion Who Transformed China’s Business Landscape
Henry Keswick, 86, a key figure in Jardine Matheson, passed away as the U.S. awaited election results, amid heightened tensions in U.S.-China relations during Trump’s presidency.
Henry Keswick’s Legacy
HONG KONG — The world turned its attention to the U.S. presidential election as news broke of Henry Keswick’s passing at the age of 86. A fourth-generation member of the British conglomerate Jardine Matheson, Keswick had a profound influence on the company, which has deep roots in Asia.
Navigating Challenges
Keswick’s leadership spanned significant challenges, including a strained relationship between the U.S. and China, particularly as Donald Trump prepared for his return to the White House. Under his stewardship, Jardine Matheson navigated a complex landscape in retail and real estate that dovetailed with geopolitical shifts.
A Lasting Impact
His contributions to Jardine Matheson and the broader business community have left an indelible mark. As companies reposition themselves amidst evolving international dynamics, Keswick’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the conglomerate he led.
Source : Henry Keswick, the Jardines scion who razed then restored China business
Business
Faurecia Relocates Electronics Headquarters from Japan to China – Automotive News
Faurecia relocates its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China, signaling a strategic shift to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen its presence in the growing Chinese automotive market.
Faurecia’s Strategic Shift
Faurecia has announced the relocation of its electronics business headquarters from Japan to China. This move is aimed at enhancing the company’s presence in a rapidly growing market for automotive technologies. By shifting its base, Faurecia intends to optimize operations and better serve its clientele across Asia.
Strengthening Market Position
The decision is part of Faurecia’s strategy to consolidate its resources in regions where electric and hybrid vehicle demand is soaring. As China leads the global automotive market in innovative technologies, the relocation will allow Faurecia to align its efforts with industry trends and consumer needs.
Future Aspirations
With this strategic shift, Faurecia aims to drive innovation and expand its production capabilities in China. The company expects this decision to create new growth opportunities and help solidify its competitive edge in the evolving automotive landscape.
Source : Faurecia moves headquarters of electronics business from Japan to China – Automotive News