This report, consisting of three parts, is the result of Phase 2 studies of the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum Sub-Forum 2 and enhances the findings of Phase 1. Part 1 provides an overview of ASEAN+3 bond markets and their infrastructure. Part 2 reports on the bond market-related issues of economies in the region. Part 3 contains diagrams of ASEAN+3 bond market infrastructures, domestic bond transaction flows, and cross-border bond transaction flows.

This report is an outcome of Phase 3 discussions under the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum Sub-Forum 2, which have focused on making bond market infrastructures in the region more inter-operable through the harmonization of transaction flows, standardization of messaging items, and implementation of international standards. Most markets in the region will have commenced these harmonization and standardization efforts by 2020, thus taking a significant step toward the integration of ASEAN+3 bond markets.

Local currency bond markets in ASEAN+3 play an important role in diversifying financial intermediary channels and mitigating the impacts of financial crises. They also have the potential to help mobilize developing Asia's significant savings to meet the region's enormous infrastructure investment needs. Drawing extensively on knowledge generated by the ASEAN+3 Bond Market Forum, the publication looks at the essential building blocks and the enabling environment for these markets, as well as the roles of government, relevant authorities, and market participants.

This report from the Cross-Border Settlement Infrastructure Forum (CSIF) provides an update on progress toward the establishment of a regional settlement intermediary (RSI) to support investment and more integrated bond markets among ASEAN+3 economies. The proposed RSI is to be based on bilateral links between national central securities depositories and central banks' real-time gross settlement systems. This model can realize cross-border delivery versus payment settlement to enable safe and efficient cross-border financial transactions. The report also highlights emerging trends and challenges in cross-border financial transactions and sets out next steps in establishing an RSI.

The Routledge Handbook of Banking and Finance in Asia brings together leading scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge guide to Asia’s financial institutions, markets, and systems. Part I provides a country-by-country overview of banking and finance in East, Southeast, and South Asia, including examples from China, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and Singapore. Part II contains thematic chapters, covering topics such as commercial banking, development banking, infrastructure finance, stock markets, insurance, and sovereign wealth funds. It also includes examinations of banking regulation and supervision, and analyses of macroprudential regulation, capital flow management measures, and monetary policy. Finally, it provides new insights into topical issues such as SME, green, and Islamic finance. This handbook is an essential resource for scholars and students of Asian economics and finance and for professionals working in financial markets in Asia.

Rapid globalization and digitalization have transformed the financial landscape of ASEAN+3—the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Despite impressive reforms, the region faces continued challenges. These include deepening corporate bond markets, coping with cross-border bank concentration risk, reducing dependence on the United States dollar, achieving sustainable infrastructure investments, addressing pension issues, and supporting fintech development. This edited volume highlights the potential for stronger regional financial cooperation to address such challenges. It explores how regional financial cooperation could promote greater financial resilience and stability amid rapid economic and financial development and technological change.