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China reforms QFII, RQFII but leaves critical problems untouched
China’s move to remove the quota limits on the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) and renminbi QFII (RQFII) schemes could help in the long-term development of the country’s financial market. But this is not nearly enough. If the regulators want to see some serious change, they need to tackle two key hurdles facing foreign investors.
17 Sep 2019 -
China opens up underwriting business, but does it matter?
Foreign banks can now get a licence to act as lead underwriters for all deals in China’s domestic interbank bond market, signalling a further opening up of the Mainland’s financial market. But these licences will only make a marginal difference to a bank’s business.
28 Aug 2019 -
China rate reform: a market but with a very visible hand
China unveiled a new benchmark rate, the loan prime rate (LPR), for loans this week. While hailed as a groundbreaking step towards making its benchmark lending rate more market-driven, the mechanism for determining the LPR in fact grants the central bank more control over the country’s interest rates.
20 Aug 2019 -
China’s research clampdown: a step in the wrong direction
China’s securities firms are about to be subject to an alarming rule that will limit their capacity to provide independent research. The decision to grade firms on their ability to manage the reputation of China and guide public opinion is a big step back for the country’s financial system.
15 Aug 2019 -
In calling China a 'currency manipulator,' the US plays its Trump card
The US finally labelled China a currency manipulator this week, a day after the renminbi weakened to below the psychological level of seven against the dollar. With China clearly indicating its willingness to open a new front in the trade war, the stage is set for an increase in rhetoric between the two countries.
07 Aug 2019 -
In China, there is a lesson in stocks for bond index providers
Bond index providers are racing to include Chinese bonds in their benchmarks. But before taking the leap, they should study a recent decision on A-share inclusion — and the sceptical response it got from investors.
01 Aug 2018 -
Panda bonds aren’t fit for purpose. Time to cut the red tape.
Panda bond issuance has so far been dominated by overseas-incorporated Chinese names. That bolsters volumes, but it does little to help the market fulfil its role of boosting RMB internationalisation. Policymakers have the chance to fix it — but only if they are bold enough to let markets play a bigger role.
07 Feb 2018 -
Belt and Road Pandas finally come of age
DCM bankers often market Panda bonds as Belt and Road bonds, even when they have little to do with China’s landmark infrastructure plan. But in recent weeks, issuers with genuine needs for funding Belt and Road projects have started to tap the market. The change could open up a new frontier for RMB internationalisation.
09 Jan 2018 -
Backtracking on reforms not an option for China
Foreign ownership reform in the Chinese financial sector is not only a landmark in the country’s opening up, but also a strategic move to rebalance US-China trade. But recent guidelines curtailing banking sector liberalisation appear to be a case of one step forward, two steps back for China. Now more than ever, Beijing must not let its caution around financial risk take over and undo its strategy.
28 Nov 2017 -
In capital markets, China needs to learn the right lessons from West
China has long been cautious about opening up its capital markets as it learn from the lessons of other economies. But while such prudence has helped China avoid a crisis, it must not turn succumb to hubris and a wholesale rejection of the West’s experience.
09 Nov 2017
