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.
