Banking, Finance & Accounting

Hong Kong’s financial sector continues to play a key role in supporting the city’s economic stability, despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and trade tensions.[1] The city’s IPO market rebounded in 2025, reclaiming its position as the world’s largest fundraising hub by Q3.[2] Hong Kong accounting firms are entering 2026 with renewed momentum, planning workforce expansion as they look to attract newly qualified accountants while accelerating the adoption of AI.[3] Hong Kong also continues to reinforce its position as a regional AI hub for financial services[4], supported by its role as Asia’s gateway and initiatives such as the HKMA’s Fintech 2030 strategy.[5]

Singapore’s financial sector’s average wage growth remains on track to meet the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025 target of 4-5% annual growth from 2021-2025, while job creation continues to progress as planned.[6] Between 2021-2024, the economy generated an average of 4,400 net jobs per year, with 90% taken up by local workers.[7] Additionally, Singapore recorded 5.7% year-on-year growth in Q4, lifting full-year GDP to its strongest level since 2021, driven by manufacturing gains and the global AI boom. However, the Prime Minister cautioned that maintaining this pace into 2026 will be challenging.[8]

Malaysia’s banking sector finished 2025 in a solid position[9] and is set to strengthen further in 2026. Lower margin pressure, steadier funding and healthier capital levels are helping banks move past a challenging year of rate changes and deposit competition.[10]

Mainland China remains cautious but focused on efficiency, compliance and fintech adaptation, keeping hiring selective but steady in priority areas.