Ben Charoenwong
Associate Professor of Finance, INSEAD, SingaporeArticles by Ben Charoenwong
Economy
Bailing out its banks: China’s hidden debt problem
China’s recent announcement of a 10 trillion RMB stimulus package addressing local government debt has attracted attention, while its parallel trillion RMB initiative to recapitalise its state banks has gone under the radar. INSEAD academic Ben Charoenwong looks at China’s hidden state bank debt issues and evaluates its recapitalisation policies.
Ben Charoenwong
28 Nov 2024
Economy
Trump’s pro-crypto stance could be another thorn in US-China relations
INSEAD academic Ben Charoenwong explains how contrasting stances on crypto may worsen US-China relations if evolving US policies and institutional adoption create new pressures on Beijing’s control over capital flows.
Ben Charoenwong
27 Nov 2024
Economy
Rising cryptocurrency appeal in China despite ban and escalating restrictions
In times of economic uncertainty, the allure of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is stronger, despite China's ban on cryptocurrency trading and mining since 2021. In some cases, it might even be a means for wealth transfer. NUS academic Ben Charoenwong discusses the issue.
Ben Charoenwong
15 Apr 2024
Economy
China's capital flight: International investors' journey (back) to the West
Facing the threat of investment flight, China can seek to assuage fears with incentives, but in the long term, it would need to transform itself from a government-directed investment-driven economic growth model to a more balanced growth model from private sector investment and domestic consumption.
Ben Charoenwong
23 Nov 2023
Economy
Hong Kong and Singapore vying for crypto hub: Price to pay and lessons to learn
While Singapore and Hong Kong are hyped to be vying for cryptocurrency hub status, academic Ben Charoenwong notes that both cities have faced challenges navigating the tricky world of becoming a large cryptocurrency market while setting a regulatory framework. Due to China's unfavourable attitude towards cryptocurrency, activity may flow over to Hong Kong as it acts as the conduit for Chinese participants, but might this be a potential winner's curse?
Ben Charoenwong
20 Dec 2022
Economy
Geopolitics affecting HK's financial market. Can Singapore benefit?
Amid US-China tensions, mainland China companies blacklisted by the US are expected to expand their presence in Hong Kong. While it may seem that the special autonomous region will reap the benefits, NUS academic Ben Charoenwong says investors are in fact wary of the costs involved and may look to other financial hubs like Singapore. But is Singapore ready to fill that role?
Ben Charoenwong
06 Jun 2022
Economy
China's crackdown on cryptocurrencies: Trade-offs between stability and innovation
China's crackdown on cryptocurrencies has increased the volatility of the market, not least with bitcoin miners fleeing and the price of bitcoin plummeting. What are the reasons behind China's regulatory clampdowns and will other countries follow suit?
Ben Charoenwong, Zhang Weina
06 Aug 2021
Economy
Wall Street, foreign investment hankering for China deals despite US sanctions
Even as the US government blacklists several Chinese companies for being "Chinese Communist military companies" or a national security threat, Wall Street does not seem fazed; investors seem prepared to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to betting on China.
Ben Charoenwong, Zhang Weina
09 Feb 2021