Industry News

The 2026 Global Investor Outlook by Colliers reveals a significant pivot of global capital towards Asia Pacific (APAC), driven by investors seeking growth and diversification in a region renowned for innovation and wealth creation. The report, based on insights from nearly 1,400 investors, indicates that APAC-focused capital raising has surged over 130% since 2024, now accounting for 11% of global fundraising in the first three quarters of 2025.

Investors are increasingly targeting dynamic markets such as Japan, Australia, Singapore, and India, with a renewed interest in sectors like office, retail, industrial and logistics, data centres, and residential. Sam Harvey-Jones, Colliers’ Chief Operating Officer for Asia Pacific, noted, “Investors are changing gears. After a challenging period, capital is moving decisively towards stability and opportunity.”

Private capital and innovative deal-making are gaining traction, particularly in Hong Kong and Australia, as family offices and high-net-worth individuals capitalise on unique pricing opportunities. The office sector is experiencing renewed interest, with US and Japanese capital flowing into Australia and Japan, driven by resilient demand and positive rental growth.

Retail assets are regaining attention, with investors focusing on core, high-quality assets. Lachlan MacGillivray, Colliers’ Managing Director of Retail Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, remarked, “Retail, long considered a premier asset class, then viewed as an alternative, has now swung back to premier status.”

The report also highlights the growing demand for industrial and logistics sectors, driven by e-commerce, and the emergence of data centres as a key growth sector. With increased competition and higher transaction volumes expected in 2026, APAC offers diverse opportunities for investors, each market presenting unique strengths and growth drivers.

Southeast Asia’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) market has experienced a resurgence in 2025, with 102 IPOs across six bourses raising approximately US$5.6b in the first 10.5 months, according to Deloitte’s latest report. This marks a 53% increase in total IPO proceeds compared to the previous year, despite a decline in the number of listings. The growth is attributed to larger deals and strong performances in key sectors such as real estate, financial services, and consumer markets.

The average IPO deal size more than doubled from US$27m in 2024 to US$55m in 2025, supported by several “blockbuster” IPOs. Notably, four IPOs from Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines raised over US$500m each, with 11 IPOs boasting market capitalisation exceeding US$1b.

Singapore emerged as the leader in IPO proceeds, raising US$1.6b from nine deals, driven by major Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) listings. Vietnam followed with significant contributions from the financial sector, raising US$1b through two major IPOs. Malaysia led in the number of IPOs, with 48 listings raising US$1.1b, whilst Indonesia recorded 24 IPOs with US$921m raised.

Deloitte anticipates continued investor interest in 2026, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a growing pipeline of IPOs. Singapore’s market is expected to benefit from pro-business reforms and a shift towards a disclosure-based regulatory regime. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s upcoming classification as a Secondary Emerging Market is poised to attract significant foreign capital, further enhancing its IPO landscape.

A recent study by UnaFinancial has highlighted the growing adoption of financial technology services across Southeast Asia, with 68.3% of respondents in Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam having used fintech services. The survey, conducted in November 2025, involved 400 adults and revealed that 60% of participants have used two or more fintech services, with three being the most common number.

The study indicates a strong future interest, with 80.3% of respondents likely to use fintech services in the next 12 months. Mobile payments and digital wallets are the most popular services, used by 94.1% of those surveyed, followed by digital banking and neobanks at 82.1%. Investment and trading platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges, InsurTech apps, and digital lending also feature prominently among users.

Distinct patterns emerged in the data, showing that men generally use more fintech services than women, with higher engagement in investment and cryptocurrency platforms. Conversely, women show greater adoption in digital lending and InsurTech apps. Age trends reveal that the 26–35 and 46–55 age groups have the highest adoption rates, whilst those aged 56 and above, despite lower current usage, show a strong intent to adopt fintech services in the future.

UnaFinancial analysts noted, “These data confirm that fintech has firmly entered the mainstream in Southeast Asia. Consumers are not only adopting digital financial services at scale, but are increasingly comfortable using multiple platforms for different needs.”

The findings underscore the importance for fintech companies to offer trustworthy, accessible, and locally relevant products to capitalise on this growth.

Asian firms are increasingly adapting to new trade policies, with Southeast Asia emerging as a key region for both Asian and global companies, according to HSBC’s latest Global Trade Pulse report. The survey, which gathered insights from 6,750 corporate clients, indicates a shift towards regional trade strategies, with 41% of Asian firms planning to increase reliance on Southeast Asia.

The report highlights that 68% of Asian firms now feel more certain about trade policy impacts compared to six months ago. Additionally, the anticipated negative impact on revenue from supply-chain disruptions has decreased from 18% to 13% over the next two years. Aditya Gahlaut, Regional Head of Global Trade Solutions, Asia at HSBC, noted, “Our research data suggest that companies in Asia are adapting to the new environment. Though their concerns around revenue have eased slightly, they remain alert to risks.”

The survey also identifies India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam as standout markets benefiting from current trade dynamics. In India, 80% of firms expect positive impacts from tariffs and trade uncertainty over the next two years. Similarly, positive sentiment in Malaysia and Vietnam is projected to rise significantly.

As trade-related volatility increases, 89% of Asian firms report a growing reliance on banks for strategic advice and risk management. This trend underscores the critical role financial institutions play in navigating complex cross-border trade environments.

The findings suggest a promising outlook for Southeast Asia, with the region poised to capitalise on its strategic position in the evolving global trade landscape.

Novo Holdings, a prominent global investor in life sciences and sustainability, has announced its investment in Blue Planet, a rapidly expanding waste management platform operating in India, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. This strategic move aligns with Novo Holdings’ Planetary Health strategy, which focuses on supporting scalable businesses that tackle pressing environmental challenges and promote a circular economy.

Blue Planet is renowned for its waste valorisation, transforming various types of waste, including municipal, commercial, industrial, and electronic, into valuable materials and energy resources. The company’s operations include landfill reclamation, recycling, biofuels, and e-waste processing through its subsidiaries such as Zigma in India, Wah Hua in Singapore, and Smart Environmental in New Zealand.

The investment from Novo Holdings will enable Blue Planet to accelerate its growth, enhance synergies across its operations, and expand its leadership in sustainable waste management. The company plans to advance recycling, energy recovery, and carbon credit initiatives whilst strengthening its presence in high-growth Asian markets.

Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia Planetary Health Investments at Novo Holdings, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions due to rapid urbanisation. “Blue Planet exemplifies our focus on knowledge-driven solutions that promote resource efficiency and circularity,” Hingorani stated.

Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting Novo Holdings’ expertise in sustainability and long-term investment philosophy. “Together, we aim to advance waste valorisation technologies and build a truly circular business that delivers value to communities and the environment,” Chimni said.

Blue Planet’s mission is to reduce the environmental impact of waste by creating scalable, sustainable waste-to-resource ecosystems. With this investment, the company is poised to enhance its capabilities and contribute significantly to a cleaner, more resource-efficient planet.

Bridge Alliance, a leading mobile alliance, has announced a significant expansion of its telco API ecosystem, now covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. By partnering with top local operators, the alliance has achieved over 90% API market coverage in these regions. This expansion allows enterprises and developers to create and monetise new digital services using secure, standardised telco APIs available on the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx).

The integration of APIs such as Number Verify and SIM Swap will enable seamless verification services crucial for financial and retail sectors. “Lighting up key markets is a pivotal moment in our journey to democratise access to telecom network capabilities,” said Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance. The expansion positions Bridge Alliance at the forefront of the region’s telco API ecosystem, promoting open innovation.

Bridge Alliance is also collaborating with new API channel partners, including Alibaba, Infobip, and 8×8, to accelerate enterprise adoption. These partnerships aim to enhance developer engagement and commercialisation across specific enterprise verticals. Alibaba will offer telco APIs to address Artificially Inflated Traffic fraud, whilst Infobip and 8×8 will focus on secure authentication and fraud prevention.

Looking ahead, Bridge Alliance plans to expand BAEx into additional markets in 2026 and introduce new API categories like Know Your Customer and fraud prevention signals. This ongoing expansion will drive open innovation and deliver more value to operators, enterprises, and developers across the Asia Pacific region.

Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate investment reached US$39.5b in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 2% increase from the previous year and a significant 26% rise from the previous quarter, according to JLL. Year-to-date, the investment totalled US$106.6b, up 11% compared to 2024, as markets adapt to changing interest rates and geopolitical challenges.

Hong Kong’s investment volumes stood at US$1.2b, a 10% year-over-year decline, yet consistent with 2024 averages. The office sector led with US$460m in transactions, driven by owner-occupiers. Retail followed with US$330m, as investors were drawn by high yields and stabilising sales. The industrial and logistics sector saw US$230m, highlighted by Uni-China Group’s US$95m acquisition of a Tsing Yi property.

Oscar Chan from JLL noted, “Hong Kong’s GDP grew by 3.1% in the second quarter, with consumer sentiment stabilising. Lower interest rates and government property acquisitions have bolstered investor confidence.”

India recorded a historic US$2.6b in Q3, a 511% year-over-year surge, driven by strong office fundamentals. Japan maintained its lead with US$10.3b, a 23% increase, supported by multifamily investments.

Stuart Crow of JLL remarked, “Asia Pacific’s real estate market shows resilience despite macroeconomic challenges. India’s growth and Japan’s momentum highlight the region’s potential.”

Cross-border investments reached US$12b, a 60% rise, with Japan and Korea attracting significant foreign capital. Private wealth investments grew 35% to US$6b, with Australia and Japan leading the way.

Global logistics provider J&T Express has announced a significant achievement in its year-end peak season performance, surpassing the 100-million daily parcel mark on 11 November. This milestone represents a 9% year-on-year increase, driven by global e-commerce events such as Double 11 and Black Friday.

J&T Express reported an average daily global parcel volume of 94.59 million from 1 to 12 November, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The Southeast Asia market, in particular, saw remarkable growth, with parcel volumes rising by 78% year-on-year. The Philippines experienced a 55% increase in daily parcel volumes during Double 11, whilst Vietnam’s cumulative parcel volume soared by 211% year-on-year from 1 to 11 November.

In preparation for the peak season, J&T Express undertook 18 capacity expansions and upgrades in Thailand, enhancing site capacity by 80%. This included improvements at 10 hubs and 8 distribution centres, alongside the deployment of automated sorting equipment.

In China, J&T Express continued to support small and medium-sized enterprises with flexible logistics solutions, achieving a 15% year-on-year growth in parcel volume in the Zhangzhou Longhai district. The company also upgraded 57 sorting centres and deployed over 1,000 unmanned delivery vehicles to address last-mile delivery challenges.

J&T Express’s performance in new markets was equally impressive, with Brazil’s daily order parcel volume exceeding 1 million items on 11-12 November. In Egypt, parcel volume from the local platform noon increased by 41% compared to the same period in 2024.

Looking ahead, J&T Express plans to deepen its global presence, focusing on customer-centric services and leveraging advanced technologies to support the growth of the global e-commerce economy.

Federal Express Corporation, a leading express transportation company, has expanded its intra-Asia network to meet the rising trade demand in Southeast Asia. This strategic move enhances connectivity, capacity, and agility for businesses across the region.

FedEx has introduced nonstop cargo flights connecting its Asia Pacific hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with Penang International Airport. Operating five times a week, these Boeing B767 freighters provide dedicated inbound capacity to Penang, enabling importers to benefit from deliveries that are one hour earlier, thus improving supply chain efficiency.

In addition, FedEx has extended the pick-up cut-off time in Malaysia’s Klang Valley by one hour for Asia-bound shipments departing Kuala Lumpur, offering greater flexibility to local businesses. This is part of FedEx’s broader commitment to strengthening logistics capabilities in Southeast Asia.

The company has also increased its cargo capacity in Thailand by adding five weekly Boeing 767 freighter flights between Guangzhou and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This expansion facilitates reliable access to markets across the Asia Pacific and beyond, via the South Pacific Hub in Singapore.

Salil Chari, senior vice president of Marketing and Customer Experience at FedEx, stated, “Asia Pacific is emerging as the powerhouse of global trade growth, with Southeast Asia fuelling some of the world’s most dynamic trade corridors.”

These enhancements come as ASEAN’s total merchandise trade reached $3.8t in 2024, with exports from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and South Korea growing by 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. As Southeast Asia solidifies its role as a global manufacturing hub, FedEx’s network improvements are crucial in supporting the region’s trade momentum.

HSBC and Google Cloud have unveiled the Digital Frontiers 2030 report, forecasting that Southeast Asia’s digital economy could reach US$1t by 2030, potentially doubling to US$2t. This growth is expected to be driven by regional integration and the adoption of real-time payments. The report, developed in collaboration with Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI), highlights the transformative impact of programmable money, embedded credit, and AI-driven automation on the region’s financial landscape.

The study identifies four major trends reshaping the digital economy in Southeast Asia. Firstly, digital seller platforms are expanding, with 75 million digital entrepreneurs already contributing US$175b in gross transaction volume, projected to reach US$580b by 2030. Secondly, there is a rising demand for embedded, personalised credit, with 77% of ASEAN consumers using embedded finance solutions like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), which is expected to account for 25% of online transactions by 2027.

Additionally, speed and security are crucial for consumer payment choices, with 67% of ASEAN consumers prioritising speed and 57% prioritising security. The report predicts that regional cross-border payment volumes will double by 2030, facilitated by instant payment networks and stablecoin adoption. Lastly, agentic commerce and programmable money are on the horizon, with AI agents poised to manage payments and transactions autonomously.

The report underscores Singapore’s leadership as a financial and innovation hub, ranking first globally in the International Institute for Management Development World Digital Competitiveness Index 2024 and attracting significant foreign direct investment. As ASEAN economies further integrate, the digitalisation of commerce and finance is set to redefine business models and partnerships across the region.