Singapore could follow Hong Kong in handing out virtual banking licenses, according to the head of the largest local lender, in a move that would create another source of competition for the city state's established banks.

BEST World International's trading halt has been extended again as the company looks to release its quarterly results. Trading in shares of Best World has been halted since Apr 24, after its stock price tumbled on the back of a shortseller report that probed the accounting behind the skincare product seller's profits and its sales practices.

US and Chinese officials say a historic deal ending their ongoing trade war could be imminent, but a key question is how can Washington be sure Beijing will live up to its end of the bargain? With up to 100 Chinese officials reportedly expected next week in Washington, with the possibility of unveiling a grand agreement after months of tensions, that question is  hanging over the talks.

A surge in junk-rated bonds has made Chinese borrowers more aggressive, with select ones succeeding in cutting their costs for repaying bonds early, a change from standard practice that worries some investors and bankers.

Source: SGX Masnet, The Business Times, Bloomberg, Channel NewsAsia, Reuters, PSR