With every issue, we strive to push the boundaries by presenting not just what’s top-of-mind for the industry, but also what’s on the horizon. We currently stand at a critical turning point in banking and finance.

In this special edition of Banking Insight, we spotlight ASEAN and the leading role it is tipped to inherit as geopolitical uncertainties redraw the lines of a new world order.

As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia’s dedication to make things happen for the regional bloc is already delivering tangible benefits.

This May, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim concurrently hosted the inaugural ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit, securing the bloc’s centrality through the expansion and diversification of partnerships.

The launch of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, a vision document that outlines the strategic thrusts that will underscore the region’s development, highlights the transformation that will be championed across climate and sustainability sectors. This includes strengthening the ASEAN Power Grid and dialling up of financing mechanisms in the region’s transition to green.

Then, on 27 May 2025, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the upcoming accession of Timor-Leste as the 11th member-state of ASEAN by the Summit in October 2025.

It is thus timely that we hear from Helder Lopes, Governor of the Banco Central de Timor-Leste, about the supervisory landscape and arduous work that is taking place in Asia’s first sovereign state of the 21st century. In a private interview with Angela SP Yap, the governor, who was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting, opens up about the significance of joining the bloc and the actions Timor-Leste is undertaking to meet its obligations.

We are also privileged to feature our most recent fellow inductee, Angus Salim bin Salleh Amran, FCB, who serves as Group Chief Sustainability Officer at RHB Bank Bhd and Vice President of the Financial Markets Association of Malaysia. Sharing insights throughout his decades-long service in the industry, we benefit from learning about his journey towards enhanced financial ethics and the creation of greater socioeconomic prosperity.

Drawing upon regulatory trends in Europe and America, Dr Amanda Salter shares her observations on what is next on the cards as standard-setters such as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority issue new guidelines surrounding non-financial misconduct and how Asia-Pacific regulators are approaching this in their respective contexts.

Cryptoassets are currently valued at USD3.4 trillion in market capitalisation. This raises both the levels of risk and reward it holds for financial markets. Our story, Crypto Rules by Kannan Agarwal, sets out the plurality of regulatory approaches as digital assets enter mainstream financial systems and how crafting a unique Asian response must mean embracing a range of responses.

During this time of geopolitical realignment, banks in ASEAN can truly be at the forefront of change. Through Banking Insight and our strategically curated events at the Institute, it is a priority that we prepare our members to thrive in this brave, new world.

The Editor