Finance

Singapore vs Hong Kong: Which City is Winning the Race to Become Asia’s Leading Offshore Hub?

Published

3 years ago

March 20, 2023

Harry Williams

The battle between Singapore and Hong Kong continues as they compete to become the leading offshore hub in Asia. Both cities have made remarkable progress, attracting global investors and businesses with their well-established financial infrastructure, strategic location, and stable political environment. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the comparison of these two powerhouses by examining their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to determine which city is winning the race to become Asia’s top offshore hub. So sit back, relax and discover which city has what it takes to reign supreme in the world of finance!

The History of Singapore and Hong Kong

For centuries, Singapore and Hong Kong have been two of Asia’s leading offshore hubs. In the early days, both were British colonies, and they developed very differently. Hong Kong became a major center for finance and trade, while Singapore was more focused on manufacturing.

In the late 20th century, both countries underwent drastic changes. Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, and Singapore became an independent city-state in 1965. Since then, both have rapidly developed into global financial centers.

So which city is winning the race to become Asia’s leading offshore hub? It’s hard to say. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

On the plus side, Singapore has a lower tax rate for businesses than Hong Kong does. It also has a highly educated workforce and good infrastructure. And it’s geographically well located – close to other Asian markets like China, India, and Indonesia.

On the downside, some say that Singapore is too expensive to do business in. And it can be quite bureaucratic – it takes longer to get things done there than in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong also has its pros and cons. Its major advantage is that it’s part of China – so businesses there have easier access to the enormous Chinese market. And it’s still seen as a more free-market economy than mainland China is. But Hong Kong has its own share of problems too – including high rents, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

So who will come out

Economic Development

Singapore has long been considered Asia’s leading offshore hub, but in recent years Hong Kong has been quickly catching up. So which city is winning the race to become Asia’s leading offshore hub?

There are a number of factors to consider when comparing the two cities, but one of the most important is economic development. And on this front, Singapore is still ahead of Hong Kong.

Singapore’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by strong domestic and foreign investment. The city-state has attracted a number of multinational companies, including many from the financial sector. This has helped to create jobs and drive up incomes, making Singapore one of the richest countries in the world.

Hong Kong’s economy has also been growing rapidly, but not quite as fast as Singapore’s. The main driver of growth has been the city’s status as a global financial center. This has attracted banks and other financial institutions from all over the world, helping to create jobs and drive up incomes. However, Hong Kong is also facing some challenges, including high levels of inequality and rising housing costs.

So overall, both Singapore and Hong Kong are doing well economically. But if we look at just the rate of economic growth, then Singapore is still ahead of Hong Kong.

Infrastructure

When it comes to infrastructure, both Singapore and Hong Kong are well-positioned to compete for the title of Asia’s leading offshore hub.

Singapore has long been known for its efficient transportation network, and this extends to its port facilities as well. The city-state is home to one of the busiest ports in the world, handling over 30 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container traffic each year. In addition, Singapore’s Changi Airport is a regional hub for air travel, handling over 65 million passengers annually.

Hong Kong also boasts a world-class transportation infrastructure. Its port is the second busiest in the world (after Singapore), handling over 21 million TEUs of container traffic each year. And Hong Kong International Airport is the seventh busiest airport in the world, handling over 68 million passengers annually.

So when it comes to infrastructure, both Singapore and Hong Kong are well-positioned to compete for the title of Asia’s leading offshore hub.

Financial Services

It is no secret that Hong Kong and Singapore are locked in a battle to be Asia’s leading offshore financial hub. But which city is winning the race?

There are a few key indicators that we can look at to answer this question. First, let’s take a look at the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) each city has attracted. In 2017, Hong Kong attracted US$67 billion in FDI, while Singapore attracted US$61 billion. So it looks like Hong Kong has the edge when it comes to FDI.

Next, let’s look at the number of global banks that have a presence in each city. As of 2018, there were 93 global banks in Hong Kong and 81 in Singapore. Again, this shows that Hong Kong is ahead of Singapore when it comes to attracting international financial institutions.

Finally, let’s look at the amount of capital each city has raised through initial public offerings (IPOs). In 2017, Hong Kong raised US$25 billion through IPOs, while Singapore only raised US$5 billion. This is a clear sign that investors see Hong Kong as a more attractive destination for their money.

So based on these indicators, it seems clear that Hong Kong is currently winning the race to be Asia’s leading offshore financial hub.

Business Environment

The business environment in both Singapore and Hong Kong is highly competitive, with each city striving to be the leading offshore hub in Asia. While Singapore has the advantage of being a smaller and more agile city-state, Hong Kong has the deep pockets and established infrastructure that comes with being a Special Administrative Region of China.

In recent years, both cities have made significant strides in attracting foreign investment and businesses. Singapore has been aggressively courting multinational companies with its tax incentives and pro-business policies, while Hong Kong has been leveraging its close proximity to Mainland China to attract mainland businesses looking to expand overseas.

So far, it seems that Singapore is winning the race to be Asia’s leading offshore hub. The city-state has already overtaken Hong Kong as the region’s top destination for foreign direct investment, and it is also home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other city in Asia. With its strong fundamentals and commitment to attracting global businesses, Singapore is well positioned to maintain its position as the continent’s premier offshore hub.

Talent

There is no doubt that both Singapore and Hong Kong are vying for the title of Asia’s leading offshore hub. But which city is winning the race?

It is difficult to say definitively as both cities have a lot to offer in terms of talent, infrastructure, and business environment. However, if we look at the numbers, it seems that Singapore may be slightly ahead in the race.

For example, according to the most recent data from LinkedIn, there are currently more job postings in Singapore for financial services roles than there are in Hong Kong. This suggests that businesses are looking to hire more talent in Singapore than they are in Hong Kong.

Similarly, when we look at the number of graduates each year who enter the workforce, again we see that more graduates are choosing to work in Singapore than Hong Kong. This is likely due to the fact that Singapore offers a more attractive work-life balance and salary package than Hong Kong.

Of course, this is not to say that Hong Kong is not a strong contender for the title of Asia’s leading offshore hub. The city has a long history as a financial centre and continues to attract top talent from around the world. And with its close proximity to China, it is well-positioned to benefit from the country’s continued economic growth.

So while it is difficult to say definitively which city is winning the race to become Asia’s leading offshore hub, it seems that Singapore may have a slight edge at present.

Conclusion

Singapore and Hong Kong are both vibrant cities at the forefront of Asia’s financial landscape. With a mix of robust legal systems, attractive tax regimes, strategic location and diverse cultures, each city offers unique advantages for businesses looking to establish an offshore entity in Asia. Despite their similarities, there is no clear winner when it comes to which city is winning the race to become Asia’s leading offshore hub. Each has its own competitive strengths and opportunities for businesses looking for regional or global success that should be carefully weighed against one another when making this important decision.

Author

Harry Williams

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Business

RBI Gold Loan Guidelines 2025: What Borrowers Must Know

Published

17 hours ago

November 21, 2025

ishasingh1699

Reviewed
By Elena Avery

Introduction

Gold Loans continue to be one of the most accessible credit options in India. With their quick processing and security-backed nature, they’ve helped millions manage short-term financial needs. In 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a revised set of Gold Loan guidelines to improve transparency, borrower protection, and uniformity in lending practices. These updates are particularly relevant for anyone considering a Gold Loan, whether for personal emergencies, minor business requirements, or planned expenses.

Understanding RBI’s Tiered LTV Policy

RBI now follows a tiered loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the total loan amount. The LTV ratio indicates the percentage of the gold’s value that can be sanctioned as a loan. As per the latest framework:

Loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 85%
Loans between ₹2.5–₹5 Lakh: Maximum LTV capped at 80%
Loans above ₹5 Lakh: LTV restricted to 75%

This change encourages responsible lending and ensures that smaller borrowers can access slightly higher loan amounts relative to the value of gold pledged.

Assessment of Borrower Creditworthiness

While smaller loans up to ₹2.5 Lakh may be offered without detailed credit appraisals, any loan amount exceeding this threshold requires a thorough credit assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity. This step protects financial institutions and borrowers alike by aligning loan disbursements with the borrower’s ability to repay. Loan renewals or top-up loans can only be sanctioned following such credit assessments and must remain within permissible LTV limits. Bullet repayment loans may only be renewed after accrued interest has been paid.

Valuation and Purity Checks

RBI mandates a standardised process for assaying the gold pledged as collateral. The valuation of the pledged metal must be based solely on its intrinsic value without including stones, gems, or other embellishments. The price used to assess the value of the collateral should reflect its actual purity (caratage). This value must be based on the lower of either the average closing price over the past 30 days or the closing price from the previous day. These prices should be sourced from either the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. (IBJA) or a commodity exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

If prices for a specific purity are unavailable, valuation should be adjusted proportionately based on the nearest available purity. The assaying procedure and valuation methodology must be consistent across all branches of a lender, and borrowers must be present during assaying. Deductions related to non-metallic components, such as stones or lac, should be explained and documented in a certificate issued to the borrower. The lender is required to issue this certificate in duplicate, one for its records and one for the borrower’s acknowledgement.

Ownership Documentation and Anti-Money Laundering Measures

Lenders are required to ascertain that the ownership of the pledged collateral is not doubtful. Where ownership documents such as purchase bills are unavailable, lenders should obtain a declaration from the borrower affirming rightful ownership. Further, multiple or frequent loans granted to a single borrower aggregating beyond a certain threshold must be closely monitored under anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to prevent misuse or fraud.

Restrictions on Collateral Use and Loan Tenure

The RBI prohibits lending against primary gold, such as financial assets backed by gold ETFs or mutual funds. Collateral that has been pledged to a lender must not be repledged or used to secure loans from other institutions. Additionally, the tenure of consumption loans structured as bullet repayments is capped at 12 months, though renewals are permissible by appropriate regulations.

Collateral Limits for Ornaments and Coins

To mitigate risks linked to collateral management, the maximum aggregate weight of gold ornaments pledged by a borrower should not exceed 1 kilogram. Similarly, limits apply to coins: 50 grams for gold coins.

Settlement, Auction Procedures, and Borrower Protection

Upon full repayment or settlement, lenders must release the pledged collateral within seven working days immediate release on the same day is encouraged wherever possible. Before auctioning pledged items due to non-repayment, lenders are required to notify borrowers or legal heirs, allowing a reasonable time for settlement. Auctions must be conducted transparently with adequate public notice, including advertisements in a regional language newspaper and a national daily. The collateral’s reserve price at auction must not fall below 90% of its current value, except after two failed auctions, where it may be reduced to 85%.

In instances of collateral loss, damage, or discrepancies observed during audits or returns, lenders are mandated to compensate borrowers or their legal heirs promptly. Moreover, if collateral release is delayed due to the lender’s reasons, compensation at the rate of ₹5,000 per day of delay must be made.

Lender Obligations and Disclosure

Loan agreements must comprehensively describe collateral, auction procedures, borrower rights for settlement, timelines for releasing collateral, and applicable charges related to assaying or auctioning. Communication must be provided in the borrower’s regional or preferred language. Lenders must also maintain proper infrastructure and security protocols to store collateral safely and restrict handling to authorised personnel. Periodic internal audits, surprise verification of pledged items, and regular reporting to supervisory boards on unclaimed collateral are essential components of compliance.

Ensuring Borrowers Benefit from Competitive Gold Loan Rates

For borrowers, obtaining the lowest Gold Loan rate requires careful attention to lender policies, transparency in valuation, and adherence to prescribed limits. A practical approach includes using an interest calculator for a Gold Loan to estimate monthly repayments and total interest payable based on the loan amount, LTV ratio, and tenure. This tool helps borrowers compare offers across lenders and choose the most economical option while ensuring loan terms comply with RBI regulations.

Conclusion

The RBI’s updated gold loan guidelines for 2025 contribute to a regulated, transparent, and secure credit system for pledged gold collateral. By setting clear limits on LTV ratios, collateral valuation, borrower assessment, equitable auction processes, and borrower protection measures. The Reserve Bank promotes trust and stability in gold-backed lending. Borrowers are advised to understand these provisions fully and utilise tools such as the interest calculator for a Gold Loan to make prudent borrowing decisions. Adhering to the RBI’s framework will help borrowers secure the lowest Gold Loan rate while protecting their interests throughout the loan lifecycle.

Author

ishasingh1699

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Finance

FAQs List of Coinbase Support SERVICE (24/7 Talk)

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2025

coinbasetollfree

Reviewed
By Lucy Coll

Coinbase-Customer-Service-Support-by-Phone-1858-765-8486

Introduction

In the event that one encounters difficulties with their Coinbase account be it transactional anomalies, access impediments, or concerns regarding digital security it becomes imperative to ascertain the proper channels through which support may be expeditiously solicited. Coinbase affords users a multiplicity of remedial avenues, encompassing a continuous, 24-hour telephonic assistance service.

A recurrent query among users pertains to the operational mechanics of this support, the optimal junctures for engagement, and the anticipated procedural outcomes. This compendium of frequently asked questions endeavors to furnish lucid elucidations to the most prevalent inquiries surrounding Coinbase’s customer service apparatus. Regardless of whether one is a neophyte to the cryptographic domain or a seasoned practitioner, this guide is designed to facilitate the acquisition of assistance with both alacrity and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Coinbase Support Service (24/7 Talk)

Q1. What Is Coinbase’s 24/7 Talk Support?

Coinbase’s 24/7 talk support allows users to call a support agent at any time, day or night. This means if you have trouble with your account, a payment, or need help with security, you can reach a live person who can guide you through the issue. This service is useful for urgent matters that cannot wait for email or chat replies.

Q2. How Do I Reach Coinbase Support by Phone?

To call Coinbase support, you usually go through the Help Center on the Cryptocurrency exchange

website. There, you may find an option to “Request a Call” if phone support is available for your account and region. Once you click that, Coinbase arranges a support agent to call you back. This method ensures you are reaching the real support team and not giving your number to a random person.

Q3. Is the Coinbase 24/7 Number the Same for Everyone?

No, it may not be the same for every user. The number or call-back method you get depends on:

Your geographic location
Your account type (regular user, Coinbase Pro, Coinbase One)
The type of issue you raise
Because of this, Cryptocurrency exchange often uses dynamic call‑back options rather than listing a single global number for all users.

Q4. Is There a Direct Public Phone Number Listed for Coinbase 24/7 Support?

Coinbase no longer widely publishes a fixed public phone number for all customer service calls. Instead, it prefers users to go through its Help Center to request a call. This helps reduce fraud risk and ensures users connect with genuine support agents. Be careful of unofficial numbers circulating online, as they may be scams.

Q5. How Do I Request a Support Call Back From Coinbase?

To request a call back:

Go to Coinbase Help Center while logged into your account.
Find the category that matches your problem (for example, account issues, security, transactions).
Click on “Contact Us” or “Get Help.”
Select “Request a Call” if available for your issue.
Provide your phone number and submit the request.

Coinbase support will then call you back, usually within a short time.

Q6. Do I Need to Pay for Coinbase 24/7 Support Calls?

No, Coinbase does not charge users for support calls. The call-back service is part of its customer support, and legitimate calls from Coinbase support agents are free. But you should always make sure you are calling or receiving calls from the correct source to avoid fraudulent calls that may try to scam you.

Q7. What Kind of Issues Can Be Handled Over a 24/7 Call?

You can get help for many different issues:

Account access or login problems
Identity verification or KYC issues
Payment or deposit problems
Withdrawal delays or errors
Security concerns, like 2FA or phishing
Transaction status checks
Any urgent or complicated issue that needs live assistance

Some very technical questions might be escalated, but a 24/7 agent can help guide you or pass the case on as needed.

Q8. Is 24/7 Support Available for All Coinbase Users?

Not necessarily. While Coinbase does offer 24/7 support in many places, it depends on:

Your country or region
Your user level (some features may be limited for free or new accounts)
The type of support plan you have (for example, Coinbase One or premium users may get faster service)

Always check in the Help Center to confirm whether 24/7 call-back is offered for your account.

Q9. How Can I Prepare Before the Support Call?

Preparing well can make the call faster and more effective. Here are some tips:

Write down your issue clearly (what happened, when, and how)
Have your Coinbase-registered email or phone ready
Note any transaction IDs, transaction dates, or screenshots if you can
Keep your device nearby in case you need to log in or share information
Never share your password, private keys, or one-time codes

Being ready helps you get a helpful response faster.

Q10. How Long Does It Usually Take for the Support Agent to Call Back?

The wait time for a callback can vary based on how many users are asking for help, where you are, and what kind of problem you have. In many cases, you may get a return call within minutes or up to a few hours. For urgent or high-severity cases, the response tends to be faster.

Q11. What Should I Do If the Agent Asks for My Password or Private Key?

You should never share sensitive data like your password, private keys, or wallet seed phrase. Real Coinbase support agents will never ask for this kind of personal or security information. If anyone asks for these details, it is a red flag for fraud. Politely end the call and report the number or incident to Coinbase directly via their official help portal.

Q12. Can I Use 24/7 Support for Fraud or Scam Reports?

Yes. If you believe you are being targeted by a scam or if your account has been compromised, contacting Coinbase support via the call-back option is one of the best steps to take. A support agent can help you secure your account, pause transactions, or escalate the matter to Coinbase’s security team.

Conclusion

Coinbase’s 24/7 talk support is a vital lifeline for users who need help with urgent account issues, security concerns, or transaction problems. By understanding how the call-back system works, preparing in advance, and recognizing genuine agents, you can get the help you need quickly and safely. Remember never to share passwords or private keys, and always use Coinbase’s official Help Center to start the support process. With the right approach, you can navigate issues with confidence and make full use of Coinbase’s round‑the‑clock service.

Author

coinbasetollfree

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Finance

Full List of Coinbase Help Desk Number USA Numbers

Published

1 day ago

November 21, 2025

coinbasetollfree

Reviewed
By Mila Parker

Introduction

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