Hong Kong-listed companies must now obtain shareholder approval to appoint or remove auditors, following new guidance from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited to strengthen governance and transparency in the $7.5 trillion market. Firms must also disclose audit fees or ranges. The rule closes loopholes allowing boards to pressure resignations without oversight, and treats resignation-triggering actions as removals requiring a vote. Regulators are also cracking down on “opinion shopping.” The

Taiwan is considering allowing listed companies to pay dividends in US dollars instead of the local currency, with the Financial Supervisory Commission reviewing operational details, according to people familiar. The proposal, backed by firms with large dollar holdings and foreign shareholders, aims to cut conversion costs and streamline capital flows, while reducing seasonal volatility in the Taiwan dollar. Listed firms currently must convert earnings into local currency before payouts. A rollout timeline is unclear and unlikely before July’s peak dividend season. Taiwan-listed companies have announced NT$2.2 trillion ($70 billion) in dividends for 2025, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. among the largest contributors, while foreign investors held 45% of stocks last year.

Sources familiar said ByteDance’s overseas revenue grew nearly 50% in 2025, far outpacing about 20% domestic growth. Overseas revenue share rose from 25% in 2024 to over 30%, a record high. TikTok e-commerce was the main driver, with TikTok Shop GMV up nearly 70% year-on-year. The strong growth also helped TikTok achieve significant profitability in 2025.