Aunusual combination of events is causing concern over the future of some of the world’s leading financial centres. Brexit, of course, has long been a source of doubt regarding London’s long-term prospects as a magnet for capital, financial services and brainpower. And in Asia, Beijing’s response to ongoing protests in Hong Kong may jeopardise the special administrative region’s international standing.
On the other hand, if successful, ambitious deals such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s bid to buy the London Stock Exchange, subsequently rejected by the British bourse, would put the Asian hub on a more hopeful course.
