News related to
Range

1. Constituent Review – ixCrypto Index Series

1. 1. ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)
The number of constituents will remain at 19 with no additions and deletions.

Additions:
No addition

Deletions:
No deletion

The free float adjusted market capitalization coverage is 84.26%* (excluding stablecoins, which represents 10.90% of the total crypto universe), while the 90-day-average volume is 77.36%*. The recapping at 40% will take effect on the effective date.

Since the last review, there has been a decrease in the crypto total market capitalization from USD3.38T to USD2.62T (-22.53%)^#, and a decrease in the daily volume from USD157.69B to USD108.17B (-31.40%)^#. Bitcoin remains the largest crypto in the constituent list, with its price decreased by 24.58% since the last review.

1.2. ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes

1.2.1 ixCrypto 5 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW5”) and ixCrypto 5 Square Root Index (“IXSR5”)

Additions:
No addition

Deletions:
No deletion

1.2.2 ixCrypto 10 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW10”) and ixCrypto 10 Square Root Index (“IXSR10”).

Additions:
No addition

Deletions:
No deletion

1.2.3 ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index (“IXAEW10”) and ixCrypto Altcoin 10 Square Root Index (“IXASR10”).

Additions: Monero

Deletions: Chainlink

1.3. ixCrypto BTC/ETH Indexes
As of the cut-off date on 31^st March 2026, the ixCrypto BTC/ETH 50/50 Index (“IX5050”) maintains a 50%/50% weighting for the ixBitcoin Index “IXBI” and ixEthereum Index “IXEI”. The ixCrypto BTC/ETH Proportional Index (“IXPI”) has a weighting of 83.12% and 16.88% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively.

At the upcoming effective date, IX5050 weightings will remain unchanged at 50%/50%. IXPI weightings will be adjusted to 84.53% and 15.47% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively, reflecting the market capitalization proportions of Bitcoin and Ethereum at the cut-off date.

1.4. ixCrypto Stablecoin Index
The number of constituents will remain at 6 (Appendix 5). Stablecoin comprises 10.90% of the total crypto universe, and ixCrypto Stablecoin Index covers 98.26% of the 90-day average market capitalization in the stablecoin universe.

2. Exchange Review
To ensure the fairest price objective, all indexes are calculated based on average of multiple exchanges. As a result of exchange review, 10 exchanges passed the review process, which are as follows:

1. Binance
2. Pionex (ADDITION)
3. BitMart (ADDITION)
4. MEXC
5. LBank
6. Bybit
7. Gate.io2
8. Kucoin
9. Crypto.com Exchange
10. Coinbase Exchange

Deletion

1. Huobi Global
2. OKEx

The selected 10 exchanges will be used to generate each of the fair average prices for the IX indexes’ constituents. The exchange review covers volume rankings, exchange background checks, founders’ background checks, USD/USDT/USDC/BTC pair coverage, overconcentration rules, exchange API coverage checks, and stability, among other aspects, for an exchange.

For more details about our exchange selection criteria, please email [email protected]. More information on the ixCrypto Indexes, including their constituents and constituents’ weights, is provided in the Appendices, or refer to the website https://ix-index.com/.

*Exclude stable coins and coins that trigger conflict of interest (based on conflict-of-interest rule methodology 3.9, effective on Oct 2, 2020)
#As of 31^th March 2026, based on the past 90 days average
XXXX ^(ADDITION)Newly introduced exchanges as of 2026 Q1

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

As of 31 March 2026

# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price, the arrangement of order may not the same as 90-day-average-Market Cap

Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume.
For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website

Appendix 3

As of 31 March 2026

Appendix 4

As of 31 March 2026

Appendix 5

As of 31 March 2026

Appendix 6

Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second interval for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. The real-time indexes are available for viewing on the IX Crypto Index official webpage and Bloomberg Page IXCI <GO>. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI” and “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.

The vendor tickers are shown below:

For further information about ixCrypto Index and other available indexes including IX Crypto spot price index series and EOD indexes, please visit company official webpage https://ix-index.com or subscribe to LinkedIn: IX Asia Indexes

For data licensing and product, please contact us at [email protected].

For free API use on academic research or trial, please contact [email protected]



Hashtag: #ixCryptoIndex

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About IX Asia Indexes and IX Asia Index Advisory Committee

IX Capital International Limited is an award-winning index and investment advisory company. The index business arm- IX Asia Indexes, providing real-time digital asset and innovative indexes, disseminated 24×7 globally and built on robust infrastructure. Since the launch of the first crypto benchmark index (“IXCI”) launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, the ixCrypto index series expand into over 40 indexes designed for exchange futures products, mark-to-market, and fund managers’ portfolio construction purposes. To ensure the professionality and impartiality of the index methodologies and operations, IX Asia Indexes has established its index advisory committee with representation from different industries, including fund management, exchanges, brokerage, financial blockchain experts, crypto service providers, etc. The committee will meet quarterly a year to discuss matters relating to the IX Asia Indexes, including to review and to comment the data sources, methodologies, and operations of IX Asia Indexes, to provide guidance to the future development of new IX Asia Indexes and to handle other issues and decisions on an as-needed basis.

IX Asia Indexes was awarded the Fintech Award (wealth investment and management) 2019 and 2021 organised by ETNet. It as well won an award for Startup of the Year and Basic Technology (Big Data) from Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022 by Metro Broadcast and KPMG. It also won Asia Pacific Enterprise Achievement Award 2024 by Echolade. IX Asia Indexes completed its IOSCO compliance statement and obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 UKAS certification.

Website: https://ix-index.com/

Advisory Committee: https://ix-index.com/committee.htm

About IX Crypto Indexes

The ixCrypto index (“IXCI”) is the first crypto index launched in Hong Kong. It was launched on 12 December 2018. It is denominated in USD with a base value of 1000 and a base date on 3 December 2018. Designed to be easy to understand while providing a good representation of the crypto market, ixCrypto index aims to cover the top 80% of the cumulative free-float adjusted market capitalization in the crypto universe and, at the same time, the crypto currencies should fall within the top liquid cryptos ranked by trading volume in the 90 days preceding the review date. The index is to be reviewed quarterly and with a fast entry rule. Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. Real time index data together with ixBitcoin Index and ixEthereum Index can be obtained from IX Asia Indexes Data Services and Bloomberg terminal on IXCI <GO>. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI”, “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged. Wechat: 信昇亞洲指數.

Malaysia is positioning itself as a discreet diplomatic channel between Gulf capitals and Tehran, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim saying leaders from the Arab world have asked Kuala Lumpur to convey their concerns to Iran’s leadership as governments search for ways to contain the Middle East conflict. Anwar made the remarks in Putrajaya on 16 April during a joint appearance with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, adding a new dimension to Malaysia’s response after it had already secured passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz through direct engagement with Tehran.

The comments suggest Malaysia sees room to act beyond its traditional Southeast Asian brief at a moment when the war-linked shock in the Gulf is reverberating through energy markets, shipping lanes and food supply chains far beyond the region. Anwar’s statement also points to how some Gulf states may be looking for intermediaries that maintain workable ties with Iran while still being able to speak with a broader range of governments. Malaysia has presented itself as a neutral actor, and Anwar has argued that any contact with Tehran should be aimed at de-escalation rather than tactical positioning inside the conflict.

His remarks fit into a chronology that has been building for weeks. On 26 March, Anwar said Iran had agreed to allow Malaysian-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after he held talks with leaders from Iran, Egypt, Turkey and other regional states. He thanked Iran’s president for facilitating the release of Malaysian oil tankers and their crews, while also acknowledging that Tehran remained wary because of what he described as broken assurances and the lack of firm security guarantees.

That earlier intervention mattered because the Strait has become one of the most sensitive pressure points in the wider confrontation. Iran’s restrictions and the broader conflict have disrupted oil and gas shipments, pushed governments to seek alternative supply arrangements and revived fears over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. ASEAN foreign ministers, in a virtual meeting on 13 April, urged the United States and Iran to sustain negotiations toward a permanent resolution and called for the restoration of safe and continuous navigation for vessels and aircraft through the Hormuz corridor.

Malaysia’s diplomatic posture is being shaped as much by economic exposure as by political calculation. Reuters reported this week that Kuala Lumpur and Canberra agreed to strengthen energy and trade ties in response to disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, with Anwar saying Petronas would prioritise supplying Australia with excess fuel. That followed reporting on Albanese’s 14-17 April visit to Brunei and Malaysia, where fuel security and fertiliser supply were central themes as Canberra sought to cushion the impact of the Hormuz disruption.

For Malaysia, that means diplomacy cannot be separated from domestic cost pressures. The government has already had to manage the implications of tighter oil and gas supplies, and Anwar said in March that while fuel subsidies would stay, Putrajaya would move to reduce subsidised fuel allocations to contain the fiscal strain. The message was that Malaysia’s outreach to Tehran is not only about foreign policy profile; it is also about protecting shipping, energy flows and household stability at home.

The broader regional setting helps explain why Gulf states might see value in using a country such as Malaysia as a messenger. Several governments in the Gulf are recalibrating how they deal with Tehran after the conflict exposed both their vulnerability to retaliation and the limits of outside security guarantees. At the same time, alternative mediators are emerging. Pakistan’s army chief was in Tehran on 16 April for talks linked to possible new US-Iran negotiations, underscoring how middle powers across Asia are trying to create off-ramps before the ceasefire window narrows further.

Malaysia is unlikely to become a formal broker on its own, and Anwar has not claimed such a mandate. What he has done is signal that Kuala Lumpur is already part of a live diplomatic relay, trusted by some Arab leaders to transmit messages to Tehran and willing to use that access in support of a political settlement. That role may suit all sides precisely because it is informal, low-key and tied to a country that has avoided the sharper alignments defining the conflict.

“SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” Captivates Thai and International Tourists

A Resounding Success Merging Tradition, Fashion, Music, and Lifestyle in the Heart of Bangkok

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 April 2026 – Siam Paragon reaffirms its status as a world-class global destination and a top-of-mind landmark for both Thai and international visitors, celebrating the remarkable success of the “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026.” This grand Songkran festival, held from April 10–15, 2026 at Parc Paragon and throughout the shopping center, attracted an overwhelming number of attendees from around the world. The event’s success highlights Siam Paragon’s ability to deliver extraordinary experiences that seamlessly integrate fashion, music, arts, culture, and lifestyle into one vibrant destination—solidifying its reputation as a world-class experiential hub.

This achievement was made possible through a strong collaboration between Siam Paragon, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, alongside esteemed partners from both the public and private sectors. Together, they created a vibrant and distinctive contemporary Songkran phenomenon. One of the festival’s standout highlights was the “SUMMERBEATS FASHION SHOW” at Paragon Department Store, showcasing curated looks from Spring/Summer 2026 collections by leading brands. The runway came alive with appearances from renowned celebrities and talents from The Face Men Thailand Season 4, setting the stage for six consecutive days of electrifying performances by top artists.

Beyond fashion, “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” also gained widespread recognition as a premier urban music festival, featuring over 150 artists including Masu–Tee, DJ Crossthy, DICE, JOEY BOY, Purpeech, Enjoy–June, Khana Bierbood, DJ Chin Chinawut, KT Kratae, LE7EL, Sweezdream, Paradise Bangkok, Tilly Birds, Billy–Babe, SONS, ALTERS, Tattoo Colour, Krit–Phop, 4MIX, Shine Boys, and Pijang Kritsana.

These artists ignited the summer energy throughout the festival, supported by world-class light, sound, and color production. The festive atmosphere became a major “magnet,” drawing people in to celebrate Songkran with unparalleled excitement and creating lasting impressions.

Throughout the festival, Siam Paragon transformed its spaces into a dynamic lifestyle landmark and one of Bangkok’s must-visit check-in destinations. The creative design blended Thai craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, offering a diverse range of activities, entertainment, and exclusive experiences tailored to shoppers, tourists, and the new generation alike, reflecting Siam Paragon’s role as a leadership in premium lifestyle experiences.

Another significant highlight was at NEXTOPIA on the 5th and 5A Floors, under the concept “NEXTOPIA: Culture of Tomorrow.” This area showcased a new dimension of Songkran by integrating Thai culture with innovation and sustainability. Through creative workshops and the landmark Crystal Pagoda, visitors actively engaged with the Circular Economy concept. This completed the Songkran vision, balancing entertainment and inspiration with genuine environmental responsibility.

The success of “SIAM PARAGON SUMMERBEATS MUSIC FEST 2026” not only reflects Siam Paragon’s strength in creating world-class magnet events that attract global audiences, but also reinforces its leadership as the premier destination. Siam Paragon remains dedicated to driving Bangkok’s vibrancy during every major festival, delivering extraordinary experiences that remain in the memories of Thai people and tourists from across the globe.

Hashtag: #SiamParagonSummerBeats2026 #SiamParagonSongkran2026 #SiamParagonSummer2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The rally reflected a market view that the worst-case economic fallout from the conflict may yet be avoided if negotiations regain momentum. Investors were encouraged by signs that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume after earlier efforts faltered, easing some fears over energy supply disruptions and allowing attention to swing back to earnings, economic data and the resilience of household demand in the United States and Asia. That shift in mood helped lift US stock futures and underpinned broader gains from Tokyo to Mumbai.

Japan led the advance, with exporters and technology names benefiting from stronger risk appetite and the market’s belief that any easing in Middle East tensions could reduce pressure on fuel costs and shipping. The Nikkei’s record level also reflected investor confidence that large Japanese companies remain well placed to benefit from global demand for semiconductors, automation and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Elsewhere, South Korean and Hong Kong shares also moved higher, while mainland Chinese markets were supported by data showing the economy expanded by 5.0 per cent in the first quarter, beating expectations and offering some reassurance that domestic activity has retained momentum despite the geopolitical shock.

Wall Street’s lead mattered. The S&P 500 closed at 7,022.95 on Wednesday, a record that marked a full recovery from losses triggered after the conflict began in late February, while the Nasdaq posted another record finish and extended a powerful winning streak. Strong results from major banks, including Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, reinforced the idea that corporate America is entering the earnings season on firmer footing than many investors had feared when oil prices spiked and risk assets sold off. Reuters reported that 84 per cent of companies that had reported by then had beaten expectations, helping to steady nerves about margins and consumer activity.

The earnings story is now sharing the stage with geopolitics. Markets are effectively pricing a narrower range of negative outcomes than they were only weeks ago, but that optimism remains conditional. Oil prices, while off their most alarming levels, are still elevated by historical standards, and every diplomatic headline continues to carry outsized weight because the Strait of Hormuz remains central to global crude flows. Reports that Iran may allow shipping through the waterway helped calm traders, though supply risks have not disappeared, especially with refinery disruptions in Australia and the threat of fresh sanctions or military miscalculation still present.

That tension between relief and caution is visible across asset classes. The dollar was broadly steady, the euro stayed firm, gold edged up and cryptocurrencies drifted lower, all signs that investors have not fully abandoned hedges even as they add exposure to equities. In India, shares opened higher as lower oil prices and hopes of renewed dialogue supported all major sectors, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex building on gains from the previous session. For economies that import large volumes of energy, any sustained cooling in crude would ease inflation pressure, support currencies and give central banks more room to focus on domestic growth rather than external shocks.

Technology remains a central pillar of the market’s confidence. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. was in focus ahead of results that investors expected to show a sharp profit jump, driven by demand tied to artificial intelligence chips. That anticipation has fed into a broader belief that the AI investment cycle can continue to offset weakness elsewhere in the global economy. Yet the strength of that narrative also creates a vulnerability: richly valued technology shares leave little room for disappointment, and any sign of slowing orders or tighter capital spending could quickly change the market tone.

The exhibition focuses on connecting Asian suppliers with global importers and exporters, streamlining cross-border procurement processes, enhancing supply-demand matching efficiency, and enabling businesses to expand into international markets more effectively.

Since its debut in 2022, ASLE, co-organized by AsianNet and TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com), has consistently attracted high-quality international buyers. With strong performance in precise matchmaking, inquiry conversion, and actual order generation, it has become one of Asia’s most representative online B2B trade exhibitions.

Global Exhibition Synergy and Expanded Scale

The 2026 edition will feature a significant scale upgrade and run concurrently with several leading international exhibitions, including the FIBO Germany International Fitness and Wellness Expo, Techtextil Frankfurt, the Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design and Innovation Expo in the USA, ISPO USA, and the India International Sports Goods Expo.

By aligning with global exhibition schedules and integrating cross-platform resources, ASLE 2026 consolidates international buyer traffic and enables procurement professionals to efficiently complete supplier selection, product comparison, and sourcing decisions. This approach significantly shortens decision-making cycles and improves procurement accuracy.

Centered on high-efficiency matching, targeted traffic, and conversion-driven results, the exhibition establishes a comprehensive B2B business connection ecosystem. It enhances exhibitors’ global exposure, improves inquiry quality, and effectively drives order conversion and market expansion.

Showcasing Verified Suppliers and Diverse Product Categories

ASLE 2026 will feature a strong lineup of leading Asian manufacturers, demonstrating the depth and innovation of the region’s sports and leisure industry. Participating companies include JIH KAO ENTERPRISE, FLYWELL INTERNATIONAL, YI CHI HSIUNG, and HSIN HAO HEALTH MATERIALS.

These suppliers will showcase a wide range of products, including fitness equipment, sports gear, functional textiles, outdoor and camping products, and health-related solutions, providing buyers with diverse sourcing options across multiple categories.

ASLE 2026 highlights core sports categories such as Sports and Game Equipment, Sport Ball Equipment and Gear, Fitness and Body Building, Skateboarding and Skating Equipment, and Water Sports Equipment and Supply. The exhibition also features sports accessories, sportswear, and technical textiles, as well as lifestyle segments including Outdoor and Camping Recreation, Sporting and Travel Goods, and Indoor Games and Leisure. Health and Wellness and health food products further extend the exhibition’s cross-industry integration.

By integrating technological innovation with practical applications, ASLE 2026 provides a high-efficiency B2B sourcing environment that enables global buyers and industry partners to expand markets, accelerate procurement decisions, and establish long-term business relationships.

Digital Features Enhancing Efficient Sourcing

The Asian Sports and Leisure Online Exhibition 2026 introduces a range of advanced digital features, including dedicated exhibitor pages, e-catalogs, and integrated online exhibition interfaces. Fully integrated with the TradeAsia platform, these tools significantly enhance supplier visibility and maximize sourcing efficiency.

In addition, the exhibition incorporates an efficient business matching mechanism, enabling buyers to quickly identify suitable suppliers based on their sourcing needs. International buyers can access the exhibition anytime, explore detailed supplier information, and utilize online inquiry functions to accelerate procurement decision-making.

This hybrid model effectively eliminates time and geographical barriers while delivering a cost-efficient and results-driven global sourcing experience.

Start Sourcing Now

Explore suppliers, discover products, and send inquiries directly through the official exhibition platform:
https://www.e-tradeasia.com/online-show/44/Asian-Sports-and-Leisure-Online-Exhibition-2026.html

Hashtag: #TradeAsia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About TradeAsia

TradeAsia (www.e-tradeasia.com) is a leading B2B international trade platform dedicated to delivering high-efficiency, conversion-driven business matching services. The platform connects millions of members, over 600,000 suppliers, and extensive up-to-date product listings, forming a highly active global supply-demand network.

In addition, TradeAsia has established strategic partnerships with hundreds of trade organizations and exhibition entities worldwide, integrating both online and offline marketing resources to maximize international exposure. Exhibitors benefit from stable, high-quality buyer traffic and expanded global reach, enhancing brand visibility and increasing conversion opportunities.

China is set to issue 15.5 billion yuan in sovereign bonds in Hong Kong on 22 April, marking its largest offshore yuan government bond sale in the city since 2023 and adding to the pool of renminbi assets available to global investors at a time when geopolitical strain and inflation fears have unsettled many other markets. The Ministry of Finance disclosed the plan on 15 April, with detailed tender arrangements to be published through Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit.

The move comes as China’s bond market has drawn fresh attention from overseas investors looking for relative stability. Foreign investors put about $2.5 billion into Chinese debt in March, while other emerging markets as a group suffered roughly $16.7 billion of outflows, according to Reuters data. That divergence has sharpened interest in yuan assets, helped by lower inflation in China, a still-supportive monetary stance and a yield curve that has behaved differently from those in the United States and Europe.

For Hong Kong, the planned sale also reinforces its role as the main offshore centre for renminbi financing. Regular sovereign issuance from Beijing has long been used to deepen the city’s yuan liquidity pool, extend the offshore yield curve and provide benchmark pricing for other issuers. Hong Kong authorities have made expansion of the offshore renminbi ecosystem a policy priority, linking bond issuance with broader efforts to promote cross-border settlement, trading and investment products tied to the Chinese currency.

Beijing has already tapped the Hong Kong market once this year. In February, the Ministry of Finance sold 14 billion yuan of sovereign bonds in the city, split across two-year, three-year, five-year, 10-year and 30-year maturities, with the offering drawing nearly four times subscription. That strong demand provided an early signal that institutional investors still had appetite for Chinese sovereign paper despite uncertainty over domestic growth and external trade conditions. The new 15.5 billion yuan deal will exceed that February size and also top the 12.5 billion yuan tranche sold in Hong Kong in April 2025.

Timing is central to the significance of the sale. Global investors have been reassessing where to park money as the war involving Iran has pushed up oil prices, clouded the inflation outlook and stirred volatility across currencies and bonds. The International Monetary Fund warned this week that the conflict is raising broader financial stability risks, especially if funding conditions tighten or inflation expectations become more entrenched. Against that backdrop, China’s comparatively subdued inflation and its ability to avoid the kind of aggressive rate response seen elsewhere have made its debt market look more defensive than many peers.

That does not mean investors are ignoring the risks. China remains a large energy importer, and any sustained period of high oil prices could feed through into producer costs, growth expectations and longer-dated bond yields. Reuters reported that investors have favoured short- and medium-dated Chinese bonds more than the long end, even as demand for the asset class has improved. There are also broader questions around China’s economy, including softer credit demand, pressure on exports from weaker global activity and the continuing need for fiscal support. March bank lending rose from February levels but still missed expectations, highlighting the uneven nature of the recovery.

The bond sale also fits within a wider fiscal picture. China’s 2026 budget includes 1.3 trillion yuan of ultra-long special treasury bond issuance, matching the previous year, and the Finance Ministry is due to brief underwriters on the broader government borrowing plan. Investors have been closely watching how Beijing balances support for growth with concerns about duration risk and market absorption, especially after expectations of a smaller allocation of 30-year special bonds helped pull those yields lower.

For Hong Kong’s market, a larger sovereign bond sale offers both symbolism and practical benefits. Sovereign paper from Beijing serves as a high-grade reference point for pricing dim sum bonds and other offshore renminbi instruments, while also supporting repo activity and secondary-market development. The more frequently and predictably such bonds are issued, the easier it becomes for asset managers, banks and reserve holders to build yuan exposure outside the mainland. Hong Kong officials have repeatedly framed that process as essential to strengthening the city’s function in renminbi internationalisation.

The backdrop is a funding strain that has become harder for lenders to ignore. Data cited in market reports show credit growth has continued to outpace deposit growth, with loans rising 14.5% year on year as of late February against deposit growth of 11.9%. By mid-March, the system credit-deposit ratio had climbed above 83%, a level analysts describe as historically stretched, underscoring how aggressively banks have had to deploy funds to sustain lending across retail, corporate and small business segments.

That imbalance is feeding directly into banks’ funding costs. Lenders have increasingly turned to certificates of deposit, a short-term market instrument used to raise money from institutional investors, because traditional deposit inflows have not kept pace with credit demand. Reuters reported that outstanding certificates of deposit had risen to a record 6.64 trillion rupees by February 28, while the premium banks were paying over comparable treasury bill yields had widened to levels last seen during the Covid-era funding stress of 2020.

Senior bankers have acknowledged the pressure. Indian Bank managing director and chief executive Binod Kumar told Reuters that some lenders had already raised fixed deposit rates, but that strong credit growth meant funding pressure was likely to persist. That suggests the central bank’s consultations are not merely precautionary; they reflect a structural concern inside the financial system over the quality and stability of bank liabilities, especially at a time when competition for household savings is no longer confined to rival banks.

A key reason lies outside the banking sector. The Economic Survey for 2025-26 said the share of equity and mutual funds in annual household financial savings had risen from about 2% in FY12 to more than 15.2% in FY25, a sharp reallocation that captures how retail investors are moving towards market-linked products. The same survey said individual investors’ share in equity ownership had reached 18.8% by September 2025, while household equity wealth had expanded by about 53 lakh crore rupees between April 2020 and September 2025.

That shift has continued into this year. Reuters reported that inflows into equity mutual funds rose 56% in March to 404.5 billion rupees, the highest in eight months, while monthly SIP contributions climbed to a record near 321 billion rupees. Data published by the Association of Mutual Funds in India separately showed total SIP collections of 32,087 crore rupees in March. Together, those figures point to a household investor base that remains willing to keep allocating money to market instruments even during volatile trading conditions.

For banks, the result is a more expensive contest for deposits. Lenders have already been raising term deposit rates in pockets of the market, particularly where they need to defend margins or maintain funding for loan books growing faster than system averages. Yet higher deposit rates carry their own cost, squeezing net interest margins at a time when analysts are already warning that wholesale funding dependence and tighter liability conditions could drag on profitability.

The RBI is trying to contain the wider liquidity effects while keeping monetary transmission orderly. In its April monetary policy communication, the central bank said it wanted the weighted average call rate, its operative rate, to stay close to the 5.25% repo rate. It indicated that maintaining liquidity surplus in a range of 0.6% to 1.1% of deposits would help keep the spread between the call rate and the policy rate within 5 to 10 basis points. Banking system liquidity surplus has already risen above 4 trillion rupees this month, giving lenders some immediate relief even as the deeper deposit challenge remains unresolved.

First-ever joint campaign for credit card unlocks enhanced digital investment solutions and exclusive lifestyle privileges for clients

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2026 – As part of its strategy to lead in digital wealth, Citi is leveraging fintech to enhance its client value proposition. Citi is committed to driving Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem by playing a unique role as both a strategic investor and a collaborator. This approach is exemplified by our partnership with Endowus, a leading digital wealth advisory and investment platform. After Citi Ventures invested in the platform in August 2023, this collaboration now sets the stage for our latest joint initiative.

Building on their established relationship, Citi Hong Kong and Endowus recently launched the “Invest with Clarity, Live in Prestige” campaign, their inaugural joint credit card promotion. Through this initiative, eligible Endowus clients who successfully apply for a new Citi Prestige Card and meet specific requirements during the promotion period will receive a HK$4,000^* cash reward. This offer seamlessly integrates a rewarding investment journey with the elevated dining, travel and lifestyle privileges that come with the Citi Prestige Card.

This partnership marks a key milestone, and both Citi and Endowus look forward to exploring further collaborations, including expanding the campaign to other Citi Credit Cards and across a broader spectrum of products, aiming to continuously drive financial innovation and enhance client experience.

Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citi Hong Kong, said, “Our strategic collaboration with Endowus exemplifies Citi’s commitment to harnessing the power of the fintech ecosystem to drive growth and innovation within our wealth business. The expanded partnership with Endowus showcases our unique, full-circle commitment to the fintech community. We are excited about the ongoing potential of this partnership to unlock even more innovative solutions for our clients.”

Steffanie Yuen, Managing Director and Head of Hong Kong, Endowus said, “Citi’s strategic backing as our shareholder, and recognition of our vision to help people invest with clarity significantly reflects a shared commitment to raising the bar for wealth management in Hong Kong. By pairing best-in-class digital investment tools with the lifestyle rewards of the Citi Prestige Card, we’re making it easier than ever for clients to invest well and live well. We look forward to deepening our partnership to build even more innovative experiences together for the clients we serve.”

Click HERE to download the photo
Photo: Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citi Hong Kong (Left) and Steffanie Yuen, Managing Director and Head of Hong Kong, Endowus (Right)

*For new Citi Prestige Card clients only. Terms and conditions for the promotion apply. Details: https://endowus.com/en-hk/campaigns/terms-conditions-for-endowus-x-citi-prestige-collaboration-promotion-2026

Hashtag: #Citi

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found atwww.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi