Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment
US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities license-free access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. The scrutiny is driven by concerns over technology transfer to China and alleged conflicts of interest. However, extensive cross-border investments between Gulf sovereign funds and US AI leaders complicate potential rollbacks.
Chinese securities brokerages have injected over CNY 50 billion abroad in 2026, highlighted by China Securities' partnership with the UAE Ministry of Investment. Meanwhile, CITIC Securities International obtained licensing in the Dubai International Financial Centre and underwrote a landmark dim sum bond for Mashreq Bank.
Dubai-headquartered Mashreq Bank has injected $125 million into its Hong Kong operations to capture expanding trade and investment flows between China and the Middle East. The bank recorded an approximate 50 percent year-on-year increase in Hong Kong revenue and profitability as of August 2026. In addition, the institution executed an inaugural 1 billion yuan dim sum bond issuance to meet demand for renminbi-denominated financing.
China's old-age dependency ratio surpassed its child dependency ratio for the first time in 2025, reaching 23.1 per cent compared to 22 per cent for children, according to official data published by the National Bureau of Statistics. The demographic turning point is placing pressure on public pension and healthcare systems while expanding investment demand across the longevity economy.
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