The Brief: Asia's economy, 22 September 2026

Economies

India: Central Staff Demand Insurance Hike, 8th Pay Commission: Central government employee groups in India are demanding updated insurance coverage and revised contributions under the CGEGIS scheme, citing decades of unchanged benefits, with a Group C cover of ₹1.5 lakh.

Philippines DOJ confirms agrarian reform programme ended 2014: The Philippine Department of Justice issued an opinion in March 2026, clarifying that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program's sunset clause took effect over a decade ago.

Markets

US Futures Rise, Oracle Jumps as Oil Retreats: US stock futures climbed on September 11, reversing recent losses as Brent crude prices eased. This occurred ahead of key US inflation data, with the European Central Bank already raising rates.

Multi-Chem CEO, COO Questioned in CPIB Probe; Shares Plunge 40%: Singapore-listed IT distributor Multi-Chem saw its stock halt trading after its chief executive and chief operating officer were asked to post bail and surrender travel documents.

S&P Global leads $110 million Kaiko funding round: The crypto data provider plans to expand its offerings across over 150 exchanges, drawing capital from major financial institutions including BNP Paribas and Nasdaq.

Paramount Nears Warner Bros Deal Settlement Amid Regulatory Pressure: Paramount Skydance is in advanced talks with US states to settle challenges to its US$110 billion Warner Bros Discovery takeover, facing US$7 million daily late fees if no agreement is reached by late September.

Banking & Fintech

Banking Circle expands OSL stablecoin payments with five currencies: Institutional clients of OSL Group can now use Australian, British, Hong Kong, Singapore, and US dollars for transactions, alongside existing euro support, through Banking Circle's infrastructure.

Deutsche Bank Private Bank to Grow Asia Wealth Teams: The German lender seeks experienced relationship managers and client teams across Asia to achieve double-digit growth in its high-net-worth segment.

Industries

FD-SOI Chips See Demand Surge as China Builds Domestic Supply Chain: The fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by AI integration into physical devices. China is developing a full domestic supply chain, with YMTC's capital arm reportedly investing in 12-inch SOI technology.

Yatsen Group shifts to skincare, boosts R&D spending: Chinese beauty firm Yatsen Group will slow overseas brand acquisitions, focusing on its existing skincare portfolio and increasing R&D investment.

Focused Ultrasound Foundation Sees Cancer, Alzheimer's Advances by 2029: Global clinical trials, including those led by researchers in Hong Kong, are expected to deliver significant progress in treating glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer within three years, according to the US-based Focused Ultrasound Foundation.

Corning to Raise Display Glass Substrate Prices 15% Globally: The US supplier cited ongoing cost pressures across the electronics supply chain for the worldwide adjustment to its yen-denominated products, effective from Q4 2026.

Europe Q4 Jet Fuel Deficit Looms; South Korea Ramps Up Exports: Energy Aspects forecasts Europe's fourth-quarter jet fuel deficit at 510,000 barrels per day, prompting increased shipments from Asian suppliers like South Korea.