BEA and DBS open FTZ outlets

Bank of East Asia and DBS Bank were the first among overseas lenders that officially opened their sub-branches in the Shanghai free trade zone yesterday, as they were attracted by potential opportunities in China's latest financial reform test bed.

In addition, at least six foreign banks have received the nod from the China Banking Regulatory Commission to prepare for a new outlet in the FTZ. They include Citi, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Deutsche Bank, United Overseas Bank and ANZ. The FTZ will allow overseas banks to introduce new services and expand more rapidly in the country, said Geoffrey Choi, assurance leader of financial services at Ernst & Young for China.