Foreword
Regulatory harmonisation and digital automation are streamlining processes, reducing bottlenecks, and aligning settlement cycles, breaking down market barriers along the way. This edition of The Custodian explores some of the new opportunities arising from these initiatives.
Setting the scene is our first article, Harmonisation and integration: Keys to empowering emerging capital markets. Variations in clearing, documentation, and settlement cycles highlight the need for regional alignment in Asia.
India’s capital markets are booming, with record equity fundraising and Indian bonds gaining global index inclusion. On the rise: Unlocking India’s opportunities explores how regulators are improving market access and how depositories and custodians are keeping pace.
Our third piece, The calculus for shortening the settlement cycle in Middle East capital markets, examines how rising foreign capital inflows are prompting discussions about moving to a shorter settlement cycle.
In Hong Kong, the funds industry is seeing continued growth, operating in an “open market” system that allows global fund managers to operate amid local names. The future of funds – Opportunities for fund managers in 2025 outlines three key areas of development to watch.
Our final piece, Enhancing operational efficiencies in asset servicing examines how artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers are accelerating the shift to shorter settlement cycles. The key to success lies in focusing on practical solutions that maximise efficiency without over-engineering.
This edition of The Custodian highlights the balance between competition and cooperation as regulators strive to attract capital while aligning with international standards. Standard Chartered is well-positioned to help investors and fund managers navigate this evolving landscape and unlock new opportunities in both mature and emerging markets.
