Greater China

Ant Financial subsidiary Alipay (Hong Kong) Holding will increase the size of its $3bn loan, taken to partly support its bid to acquire Dallas-based MoneyGram, according to bankers. The news comes about a fortnight after Alipay raised its offer for MoneyGram by around $300m.

Law firm Linklaters is boosting its China presence, hiring two new partners within its corporate and project practices for the Mainland.

Volvofinans Bank is preparing to issue Europe’s second green bond from the automotive sector. While the deal is already attracting interest from investors, its use to finance hybrid and electric cars may not tick the green box for all investors.

Volkswagen Finance (China) is returning to the ABS market with its Rmb4.5bn ($652.66m) Driver China six, having sold three auto ABS in the Mainland last year.

The Hong Kong Exchange’s China Ministry of Finance Treasury bond (T-bond) futures were given a lukewarm reception by investors in the first two weeks of trading. But experts say demand will pick up as China’s onshore bond market opens up further later this year.

HSBC has reported a drop in overall profits for the first quarter of 2017, but strong growth in its Asian businesses as it continues to focus on the region.

Crystal International Group has filed a listing application with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for a $600m-$800m IPO.

Sinochem Group subsidiary Sinochem International Corp is looking to raise $300m from a five year bond, according to a filing with the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

European derivatives exchange Eurex yesterday appointed Romanos Daniel as its chief innovation officer, filling a new position that was recently added to its executive board.

Volvofinansbank today announced it would meet investors in Stockholm on Monday May 8 to present a framework for its inaugural green bond. The deal will be one of the few green bonds from the automotive sector.

Quam Financial Services Group, an arm of Mainland conglomerate China Oceanwide Holdings, is seeking shareholder approval for a HK$5.1bn ($659.8m) rights issue.

Chinese company Avic Leasing has hit the loan market for a $150m fresh money loan with one bank at the helm.