Role of local banks in the development of the external economy

Abstract

With the government's call on local companies to venture overseas, domestic banks have come under pressure to support the "national objective" of promoting an external economy. As a result, much debate has been focused on this issue. This project has been embarked upon with the objective of examining the role which local banks can play in building Singapore's external economy. In the process of analyzing tills issue, interviews were conducted with local bankers in this field. Substantial amount of information were also collected from journals, annual reports and various publications. The study focuses on two main areas. First, it examines the local banks' own expansion efforts. Findings indicate that the banks are concentrating their efforts on the Asia Pacific region. The second area of research is on the services provided by the local banks to companies seeking to venture overseas. Through the interviews conducted, three main types of services were identified. These are advisory services, forex exposure management and financial assistance. Besides their own financing products, the banks also participate in the Local Enterprise Financing Scheme (Overseas) which is administered by the Economic Development Board. Most of the banks also have a venture capital arm to provide funding for more risky projects. Having reviewed the local banks' overseas network and the services offered, some recommendations are provided for the banks to enhance their role.