Six companies are gauging investor demand for initial public offerings in Hong Kong that may raise a combined US$4.8bn in September, the most in a month since November 2007. (Bloomberg)

CIMB, Malaysia’s second biggest bank, plans to boost hiring in Singapore to grow its consumer lending business in the city state. (Bloomberg)

With the rising demand for wealth management in the mainland, Bank of Communications - the mainland's fourth largest bank by market value - aims to increase assets under management by 60 per cent in three years in its retail banking division. (The Standard)

The worst plunge in Shanghai equities in more than a year on Monday pulled the rest of the region’s stock markets lower. (Financial Times)

One of Taiwan's largest privately owned banks, First Commercial Bank, has chosen Brisbane for its Australian headquarters. The new branch will initially employ up to 15 people and invest about $80m in its first year of operations. (Courier Mail)