Global Research ab 6 January 2025 APAC Technology UBS Tech Views: CES kicking off, Microsoft capex comments, China smartphone subsidies and TSMC 2nm schedule updates CES kicks off the tech calendar this week. CES will be hosted this week in Las Vegas with over 4,000 exhibitors and 138k+ attendees along with keynotes and press conferences from NVIDIA, Intel, Samsung and AMD among others. The Taiwan press expects ASIC plays such as Alchip (3661) & Mediatek (2454) to potentially see stronger sentiment support ...

Public Disclosure Authorized Understanding the Challenges and Constraints of Bhutanese Youth in Accessing Employment Opportunities Tshering Choki and Alvin Etang1 November 30, 2023 Poverty and Equity Global Practice, South Asia Region 1 Tshering Choki is the Director of Athang Training Academy, Athang Private Limited, Thimphu, Bhutan. Alvin Etang is a Senior Economist in the Poverty and Equity Global Practice of the World Bank. The report was prepared as a background paper for the Bhutan Poverty and Equity ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - Vietnam aims to achieve upper middle-income status by 2030 and high-income status by 2045, requiring gross capital investments to account for 32-35% of GDP, with government investment at 7.3% of GDP annually to support infrastructure development [14] - Public investment in Vietnam has declined from 8% of GDP in 2011 to 6% in 2022, with chronic under-execution of investment budgets and significant delays and cost overruns in major projects [15][16] - Vietnam's infrastructure quality lags behind regional peers, with low expressway density and high road transport costs, which could impact its attractiveness as an FDI destination [19][20] - The public investment management (PIM) and intergovernmental fiscal (IGF) systems in Vietnam suffer from allocative inefficiencies, lack of coordination, and weak enforcement mechanisms, leading to suboptimal investment outcomes [28][29][30] Public Investment Trends - Vietnam's public investment has been declining, with the share of public investment in GDP falling from 8% in 2011 to 6% in 2022, while the economy remains capital-scarce compared to upper middle-income and high-income countries [24][25] - The central government's share in total government investment has decreased from 40% seven years ago to 20% in 2022, with provinces accounting for 80% of infrastructure investment [16][52] - Vietnam's infrastructure quality ranks 77th globally, behind regional peers like China, India, and Malaysia, with road transport costs being the highest in the region [19][20] Inefficiencies in PIM and IGF Systems - Allocative inefficiencies are evident in strategic infrastructure, with provinces over-investing in low-value projects like industrial parks and provincial ports, while national infrastructure spending has been squeezed [16][30] - There is a lack of investment in environmental protection and climate adaptation, with Vietnam being among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change, yet public investment in disaster protection is only 0.05% of GDP [40][41] - Implementation inefficiencies are significant, with an average delay of 5 years and cost overruns double the original budget for large-scale transport projects [42][45] Systemic Problems in Subnational PIM and IGF Systems - The lack of a conducive intergovernmental fiscal framework has led to fragmented investment decisions, with provinces holding 78-85% of public investment resources, leaving the central government with limited capacity to fund national infrastructure [52][53] - There is no enabling legal framework for vertical and horizontal investment coordination, with the State Budget Law banning the transfer of investment funds between provinces, creating financing gaps for regional projects [59][60] - The absence of effective incentive and enforcement mechanisms has resulted in a race-to-the-bottom competition among provinces, leading to wasteful investments in uneconomic projects [62][63] Recommendations and Next Steps - The report recommends rebalancing infrastructure investment from provincial to central levels, addressing legal loopholes, and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to improve public investment efficiency [16][75] - It suggests adopting effective instruments for vertical and horizontal coordination, such as co-financing arrangements and matching grants, to enhance regional investment coordination [80][81] - The report also calls for a review of expenditure responsibilities and the establishment of a regional Public Investment Program to align with integrated masterplans and improve investment outcomes [78][79]

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an industry investment rating [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - The report focuses on economic empowerment and how companies can benefit more people by improving income and affordability [1][9][16] - It analyzes 120 economies, covering 90% of the global population, categorized into lower-income (GDP per capita < $5,000), middle-income ($5,000-$20,000), and higher-income (>$20,000) groups [2] - The empowerment line is defined as the private cash expenditure required for basic needs, including a 10% allocation for recreation and a 5% savings buffer [3][5] - The report estimates the share of the population below the empowerment line using consumption and distribution data [6] - It highlights the importance of stable jobs with sufficient wages and affordable essential goods (housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education) for economic empowerment [12][16] Income Analysis - The report uses four labor market metrics: working-age population, labor force participation, unemployment rates, and stable jobs with sufficient wages [12] - For countries with GDP per capita > $10,000, it considers time-related underemployment and low-pay rates, while for those < $10,000, it focuses on formal employment share [13] - The analysis identifies best-performing countries based on labor market metrics and estimates the population that could be lifted to empowerment by improving one element [14][15] Cost Analysis - The report calculates a "lowest-cost line" for essential goods and services, excluding statistical outliers and identifying top-quartile economies [18][19] - It estimates the population that could achieve empowerment through improved affordability by comparing costs to the lowest-cost line [20] Cost-to-Impact Ratios - The report evaluates cost-to-impact ratios for initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, using external data and academic assumptions [21] - It notes that ratios may improve with better targeting or more substantial benefits, such as supporting housing for low-wage employees [22]

Industry Overview - The Mosaic by ACT Social Emotional Learning Screener assesses social emotional skills in elementary, middle, and high school students, measuring skills such as Sustaining Effort, Getting Along with Others, and Maintaining Composure [9] - The screener also evaluates two dimensions of school climate: Relationships with School Personnel and School Safety [9] - The elementary school screener uses image-based Likert items, while middle and high school screeners use forced-choice items for social emotional skills and text-based Likert items for school climate perceptions [9] - The screener can be completed online in 5–7 minutes, with elementary school screener containing 23 items and middle/high school screeners containing 30 items each [9] Framework and Definitions - Social emotional skills are defined as interpersonal, self-regulatory, and task-related behaviors important for adaptation and success in educational and workplace settings [12] - These skills are linked to the Behavioral Skills portion of ACT's Holistic Framework, which is based on the Big Five personality factors [13] - The framework aligns with the five competencies outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) [14] - School climate dimensions, such as Relationships with School Personnel and School Safety, are positively associated with student motivation, self-regulation, and social engagement [15] Assessment and Scoring - The elementary school assessment measures three social emotional skills and two school climate dimensions using Likert items, with 12 items for social emotional skills and 8 items for school climate [17][18] - Middle and high school assessments measure five social emotional skills and two school climate dimensions, with 30 items for social emotional skills and 15 items for school climate [20][22] - Scores are norm-based, with students receiving scores from 1 (Developing) to 4 (Mastering) for each skill and school climate area [24][25] - Reports flag students who score 1 in any category, indicating a need for further skill development [25] Reliability and Validity - Reliability estimates for elementary school screener scales range from α = .63 to α = .79, with similar reliability found in middle and high school screeners [35][64][88] - Convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity evidence supports the screener's effectiveness, with social emotional skills correlating most highly with their respective Big Five factors [38][66][92] - Students scoring at the Developing level for social emotional skills or school climate had significantly lower academic performance and less positive attitudes toward school [43][44][72][107] Subgroup Differences - Subgroup differences by grade, gender, and race/ethnicity were evaluated, with small but significant differences observed across various scales [48][52][55][74][77][109][112][114] - Females scored higher than males on Getting Along with Others and Relationships with School Personnel, while males scored higher on Maintaining Composure [52][112] - White students generally scored higher than other racial/ethnic groups on most scales, with Black students scoring lower on several measures [55][114]

Industry Investment Rating - The report highlights a strong focus on digital transformation and sustainability, indicating a positive outlook for industries adopting these trends [2][5][11] Core Report Viewpoints - The report emphasizes the shift towards Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) and embedded finance as key drivers of industry transformation [2][5] - Digital platforms and B2C expansion are identified as critical for scalable growth and enhanced customer engagement [7][106] - Green asset financing and sustainability are reshaping the investment landscape, with a focus on eco-friendly assets and regulatory compliance [11][12] Trend Summaries Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) - EaaS is driven by digitization and demand for customized solutions, offering operational efficiency and customer value through equipment, digital tools, services, and OEM know-how [2] - The auto finance industry has seen early adoption of servitization, with mobility-as-a-service and connected cars becoming popular offerings [2] - EaaS requires business transformation, including better asset management, agile billing, and technological agility [2] Embedded Finance - Embedded finance integrates financial services seamlessly into the purchase process, enhancing convenience and accessibility for customers [5] - The rise of digital platforms and APIs has accelerated the adoption of embedded finance, particularly in equipment leasing [5] - Companies like HP and Lenovo are integrating leasing options directly into their e-commerce platforms, offering flexible financing plans [68] B2C Channel Expansion - Advances in digital technology enable leasing companies to create robust online platforms, expanding their reach to a broader audience [7] - Embedded finance allows for seamless integration of financial services into digital interfaces, improving customer experience [7] - Traditional B2B-focused leasing companies are now investing in digital infrastructure to scale B2C operations profitably [7] Green Asset Financing - Green asset financing is driven by rising environmental awareness and customer demand for sustainable investments [11] - Investments in electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy-efficient machinery are contributing to a greener economy [11] - Regulatory incentives, such as tax credits and green bonds, make green financing cost-effective for companies [11] Digital Transformation - Data-driven decision-making and AI are central to digital transformation, enabling better customer engagement and risk management [84] - Companies like John Deere and Hitachi are leveraging AI and IoT for predictive maintenance and flexible consumption models [85] - Simplifying and standardizing processes across geographies is essential for scalable AI and ML implementations [87] Balancing Automation with Human Expertise - Automation through AI and ML is effective for repetitive tasks, while human expertise remains crucial for complex decision-making [131] - Combining automation with human oversight enhances efficiency without losing the personal touch in customer interactions [131] - Companies like Caterpillar and Rolls-Royce are using AI to monitor asset performance and optimize maintenance schedules [88] Regulatory Landscape - The EU and US have differing regulatory environments, with the EU leading in cohesive sustainability frameworks and the US facing a fragmented approach [98] - Financial institutions must invest in systems to meet rising compliance costs from ESG, risk management, and data protection regulations [98] - Lenders are prioritizing financing for low-emission, sustainable assets to align with regulatory requirements and capitalize on green finance opportunities [98]

Industry Investment Rating - The report highlights a medium to high business impact for the financial services industry in 2025, particularly in areas such as customer experience, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance [6][25] Core Industry Trends Customer Experience Transformation - Wealth management firms are focusing on seamless digital experiences, hyper-personalized advisory services, and bridging generational gaps to cater to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) of all ages [5][12][19][20] - Digital platforms are being enhanced to consolidate services, improve client retention, and accelerate onboarding processes [13][14][15][16] - AI-powered tools are enabling personalized investment advice, tax optimization, and portfolio rebalancing based on client life events [31][34][35] Operational Efficiency and Innovation - Wealth firms are adopting cloud-native platforms to scale workflows, reduce costs, and enable efficient wealth management processes [12][89][90] - Generative AI is being leveraged to automate repetitive tasks, freeing relationship managers to focus on client interactions and strategic activities [72][81][82] - Real-world asset tokenization is improving liquidity and accessibility for assets like real estate and investment funds through blockchain technology [73][85][99] Regulatory and ESG Compliance - Wealth firms are implementing ESG asset transparency metrics to comply with evolving regulatory standards, such as the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) [58][60][74] - Digital onboarding solutions are being used to enhance compliance, reduce penalties, and streamline client acquisition processes [62][63][75][76] Inorganic Growth Strategies - Wealth management firms are pursuing mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand services, enter new markets, and boost revenues [40][42][55] - The industry is seeing a surge in M&A activity, driven by demographic shifts, regulatory changes, and the need for sophisticated investment products [55][56] Sector-Specific Insights Wealth Management - Firms are unifying operating models to deliver consistent experiences for HNWIs across geographies, enhancing scalability and operational efficiency [66][67][79][80] - AI-driven tools are being used to improve relationship manager productivity, with 67% of their time currently spent on non-core activities [81][83] Payments and Retail Banking - Open finance and instant payment adoption are reshaping the payments landscape, with innovations like multi-rail payment strategies and cross-border payment corridors [5][10] - Retail banks are focusing on financial literacy, next-gen banking, and operational resilience to attract younger customers and ensure regulatory compliance [5][10] Capital Markets and Lending - Capital markets are adopting DLT and tokenization to modernize systems and improve capital efficiency [22][73] - Lending institutions are transitioning to Equipment-as-a-Service models and green asset financing to align with sustainability goals [22] Key Industry Players - Firms like UBS, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley are leading the way in digital transformation, AI adoption, and ESG compliance [17][45][51][96] - J P Morgan and Deutsche Bank are pioneering blockchain-based solutions for asset tokenization and cross-border payments [86][87] Future Outlook - The financial services industry is expected to continue its digital transformation, with significant investments in AI, cloud platforms, and blockchain technologies [72][89][90] - ESG compliance and sustainability reporting will remain critical, with regulators pushing for standardized metrics and transparency [58][60][74]

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an overall industry investment rating, but it highlights significant trends and opportunities in the retail banking sector that could influence investment decisions [1][4][5] Core Report Viewpoints - The report identifies three broad themes for 2025: Customer First, Enterprise Management, and Intelligent Industry, focusing on transforming customer experience, operational efficiency, and leveraging modern digital solutions [3][4][5] - Retail banking trends emphasize omnichannel experiences, financial literacy, operational resilience, and AI-driven efficiency gains [6][11][12][42][74] Retail Banking Trends Customer First - Omnichannel experience: Retail banks are enhancing customer journeys across digital platforms, contact centers, and branches to create seamless interactions [11][18][20] - Financial literacy: Banks are leveraging apps and educational programs to boost customer confidence and promote financial inclusion [24][27][29] - Next-gen banking: Retail banks are targeting younger customers with tailored services to secure long-term growth [32][35][36] Enterprise Management - Operational resilience: Digital operational resilience is critical for regulatory compliance, with banks investing in cybersecurity and IT security measures [42][45][46] - RegTech for compliance: Intelligent RegTech solutions are reducing compliance costs and timelines, helping banks manage escalating risks [52][55][56] - Deposit growth: Deposit growth remains a priority, with banks focusing on lowering funding costs and targeting specific customer segments [59][62][63] Intelligent Industry - AI for efficiency gains: Artificial intelligence is driving productivity by reimagining customer and employee journeys, with banks investing in AI-powered tools [74][77][78] - ESG product strategy: Banks are implementing intelligent ESG product strategies to meet regulatory demands and customer expectations [82][85][86] - Leveraging open finance: Open finance regulations are enabling banks to develop a 360-degree customer footprint, improving data access and personalized services [92][95][96] Case Studies and Examples - RBC Royal Bank and NatWest are examples of banks implementing omnichannel strategies to enhance customer experience [21] - Chase and Regions Bank are expanding financial literacy initiatives to underserved communities [30] - Barclays and Arab National Bank are enhancing digital security and operational resilience through strategic partnerships [50] - J P Morgan Chase and Commonwealth Bank are leveraging AI to boost employee productivity and loan processing efficiency [80] - Bank of Ireland and NatWest are integrating ESG data into their product offerings to meet sustainability goals [89][90]

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry [1][2][3] Core Viewpoints - The Capgemini FS Top Trends 2025 report highlights three broad themes for the insurance sector: Customer First, Enterprise Management, and Intelligent Industry [5][7] - These themes focus on transforming customer experience, revamping enterprise processes, and leveraging modern digital solutions to enhance the value chain [7] Customer First - Insurers are focusing on omnichannel interactions and enhancing the value of products and services to improve customer experience [7] - Customer centricity is a key focus, with carriers rebuilding experiences and journeys around customers to maximize win rates, cross-sell, and up-sell opportunities [9] - Modern experiences are being revamped to increase engagement, win rates, and retention, with 55% of policyholders dissatisfied with claims and surrenders [21] - Gen AI is expected to revolutionize life insurance, with 73% of North American life insurers and 55% of EMEA life and health insurers ranking servicing and operations as a top-three impact area [21] Enterprise Management - Insurers are investing in cutting-edge underwriting platforms and high-speed pricing capabilities to stay competitive [9] - Legacy modernization is a priority, with 52% of life insurers facing challenges due to outdated technology [70] - Cloud-based CRM platforms are enabling personalized, multi-channel communications and improving operational efficiency [70] - Retention strategies are being developed to respond to changing customer behavior and economic landscapes, with 72% of consumers reporting significant impacts from high inflation [78] Intelligent Industry - Insurers are leveraging modern solutions to deliver end-to-end digital experiences, transforming the value chain from design to delivery [7] - Fortified security measures are being implemented to protect against data breaches and build trust, with 70% of financial services organizations reporting challenges in protecting customer data [85] - Claims processes are being enhanced with empathetic and intelligent investments to improve beneficiary experience and encourage reinvestment [92] - Advanced analytics and AI are being used to analyze claims data, minimize fraud-related losses, and streamline genuine claims [92] Life Insurance Trends - Life insurers are designing flexible, life goal-based products for younger consumers to drive the next wave of revenue [46] - Non-insurance services tailored for the silver economy are enhancing customer lifetime value, with 44% of affluent customers aged 50+ expecting such offerings [37] - Simplified onboarding processes are being developed using AI, Gen AI, and automated risk assessments to provide low-touch and personalized experiences [62] Sustainability - Sustainable product opportunities are growing, with innovative and eco-friendly debt instruments and insurance products gaining traction [10] - Financial institutions are incorporating ESG risk factors into their investment strategies and risk management processes [10] - Industrialized climate risk modeling is intensifying, with institutions assessing, managing, and disclosing climate-related risks to stakeholders [10]

Industry Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an overall industry investment rating, but it highlights significant trends and opportunities across various sub-domains within the financial services sector, particularly in banking, capital markets, and sustainability [7][8][9] Core Report Viewpoints - The report identifies three broad themes driving the financial services industry: **Customer First**, **Enterprise Management**, and **Intelligent Industry**, focusing on transforming customer experience, operational efficiency, and leveraging modern technologies [5][7][8] - Key trends include the adoption of **Generative AI**, **DLT & tokenization**, **sustainable finance**, and **modernized resilient platforms** to enhance efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction [7][8][63][71] Banking Sector Trends Wealth Management - **Seamless digital experience**: Wealth firms are consolidating services on digital platforms to create seamless customer experiences [7] - **Hyper-personalized advisory**: AI enables tailored investment advice strategies, catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) across generations [7] - **Real-world asset tokenization**: Blockchain-powered tokens improve liquidity and access to assets [7] Retail Banking - **Omnichannel experience**: Retail banks are enhancing customer journeys across digital platforms, contact centers, and branches [7] - **Financial literacy**: Apps promoting financial literacy and personal budgeting are boosting customer confidence and inclusion [7] - **Next-gen banking**: Banks are targeting younger customers to secure long-term growth [7] Payments - **Open finance**: Regulators are improving financial data access, enabling growth in open-finance-based use cases [7] - **Instant payment adoption**: Instant payment rails are replacing checks and debit cards, while mobile wallets dominate [7] - **Cross-border payments**: Multi-territory instant payment corridors are revolutionizing cross-border transactions [7] Capital Markets Trends Key Drivers - **Perpetual KYC revolution**: Digitizing and automating KYC processes to reduce compliance costs and enhance customer experience [9][13] - **Accelerating sustainable lending**: Banks are leveraging green lending and sustainable finance as growth engines [20][23] - **Changing investment landscape**: Organizations are adapting to passive investing, retail investor growth, and geopolitical forces [31][34] Technology and Innovation - **DLT & tokenization**: Increased integration of distributed ledger technology and tokenization is transforming financial services [63][65] - **Generative AI**: Capital markets organizations are using Gen AI for actionable insights, efficiencies, and differentiation [71][74] - **Modernized resilient platforms**: Legacy system limitations are driving firms to modernize core systems for scalability and resilience [55][57] Sustainability Trends Sustainable Finance - **Green asset financing**: The need for sustainability is reshaping the investment landscape, with banks focusing on green lending and ESG-compliant products [8][20] - **Decarbonization of portfolios**: Stakeholders are prioritizing low-carbon investments to reduce carbon footprints [8] - **ESG risk criteria**: Financial institutions are incorporating ESG factors into investment strategies and risk management [8] Regulatory and Operational Shifts - **Increased regulation**: Enhanced regulatory frameworks are reshaping corporate accountability through rigorous ESG standards [8] - **Industrialized climate risk modeling**: Financial institutions are intensifying efforts to assess and disclose climate-related risks [8] Case Studies and Examples - **JPMorgan Chase**: Enhanced KYC operations through AI, aiming to process 230,000 KYC files by 2025 with 20% fewer staff [18] - **Barclays**: Committed to financing USD 1 trillion of sustainable financing by 2030, launching green bonds and climate advisory services [29] - **Euroclear**: Modernizing its settlement system, CREST, to enhance operational resilience and client value [58] Future Outlook - **Global accelerated settlement**: The drive for a global T+1 settlement cycle continues, with the UK and EU pushing forward with plans [81][84] - **Transaction reporting optimization**: Firms are focusing on efficiency and control following recent regulatory rewrites [92][95]