Cash & Liquidity

April's US inflation reading was the highest since May 2023. The Philippines has also been hit with inflation of 7.2% in April as the result of the high oil price as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked.

Many larger companies across the region are creating shareholder value and sustaining their dividends amid growth in the region, making it a go-to destination for investors; however experts expect some moderation in 2026.

18 banks involved in Hong Kong's SME Lending Taskforce have increased their SME loan funding to over HK$450bn, in part to help mitigate rising fuel prices.

From blocked shipping lanes to soaring raw material costs, senior company executives warn that supply chain pressures are structural, not cyclical, and the bill is heading to consumers, with long-term finance planning becoming harder.

Despite the race to adopt AI and use fintech tools, CFOs and treasury leaders say communication, judgement and teams matter, and that career paths in finance are becoming anything but linear, said a panel at CTWeek.

The renewal and modernisation of container ships is a priority for the global firm, including the use of green methanol-powered ships.

As oil prices soar, one senior economist argues the currency is "adjusting to a new global equilibrium". Foreign investors pulled over $10bn from Indian shares in March and the RBI is introducing controls on banks' FX positions.

Amid rising inflation, interest rates, and liquidity pressures, Apac corporates are seeing efficient cash flow management as essential, according to Visa's latest Growth Corporates Working Capital Index.

The Fed is concerned about inflation coming from tariffs and energy prices. An attack on the world's largest gas facility is increasing concerns of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East as the price of oil soars above $110 a barrel. Many Asian countries are taking emergency measures.

The private healthcare firm has rebuilt its treasury architecture to prioritise liquidity mobility, policy-driven hedging and system-led control amid rate volatility and fragmented capital markets. CT spoke with Manjiv Dodanwela, the firm's transformation lead for group treasury.

China, in particular, saw a large number of firms going under. The insurer is expecting a prolonged high level of insolvencies in 2026 and 2027, including in Apac.

The RBA’s target for inflation is 2.5% while year-ended headline inflation was 3.6% and underlying inflation was 3.4%.