Publications
From Physical to Digital
Discover the stories, insights, and lessons that define Asia’s journey from physical to digital
Asia’s economic transformation over the three decades from 1990s to 2020s has been nothing short of phenomenal. As a financial industry practitioner during this period, I had the unique opportunity of witnessing and participating in this remarkable journey.
My first book, “Asia’s Financial Industry 1986-2016”, published in 2016, captured the memorable episodes and defining moments that shaped the industry during those transformative decades.
Now, my second book “From Physical to Digital: Asia’s Securities Services Developments 1995-2021”, delves deeper into this fascinating history, exploring 25 key developments as the financial industry evolved from the physical to the electronic age and now stands on the brink of a digital future.
If you’re curious about how Asia’s financial landscape has transformed - and where it’s headed - this book is your essential guide.
Tan Lee Hock, Founder and Publisher, Asia Asset Management:
“Little has been written on the history of securities services from the perspective of a respected industry practitioner. Lawrence Au, whose career has seen him work at several of the major institutions in Asia, has written a very comprehensive book on the history of Asia’s securities services industry in the past quarter century from 1995 to 2021. From its early days when physical scrip was the order of the day to the present digital regime, many interesting milestones are detailed in this unique publication.
The book is essential reading, not just for market practitioners, but also for anyone working in banking and finance including students and academia.”
Asia’s Financial Industry 1986-2016
Explore the booms, busts, and breakthroughs that shaped Asia’s rise as a global financial powerhouse
How did Asia’s financial industry transform from a sleepy backwater to the vibrant powerhouse it is today?
This book captures the booms, busts, and countless fascinating stories that defined those three decades of Asia’s financial history. From dramatic shifts to colourful anecdotes, it provides a unique perspective on the region’s rapid rise and integration into the global economy.
Ranked #18 in Amazon Kindle store’s banking category, this book is part of the collections of many prestigious universities and pubic libraries worldwide.
If you are looking to understand Asia's financial industry development - its challenges, triumphs, and evolutions - this is the book for you.
Patrick Colle, Global CEO, BNP Paribas Securities Services:
“Lawrence Au achieves a real 'tour de force' in both telling an interesting story of the evolution of financial markets since the creation of the first stock exchanges in the middle age and revealing how the often unnoticed role of the custodian actually was a critical and constantly evolving one every step of the way. He gives us a first and brilliant bible of the custody industry and does justice to the many unsung heroes of a 'real world' banking industry which has always been, and will continue to be, a key driver of innovation and economic growth."
Steven L. Fradkin, President, Wealth Management, Northern Trust Corporation:
“Lawrence Au provides a panoramic account of Asia region’s transformation, as witnessed through the lens of the financial services sector, which has undergone dramatic change. His insights are particularly prescient as, throughout this period, he served in leadership positions at several of the industry's preeminent global financial services firms."
亚洲金融行业 1986-2016
本书是一部读起来不枯燥的亚洲金融大事记。
作者有着多年的从业经验，将亚洲金融行业在1986至2016年间发生的著名事件用双重视角进行了记录，一是历史视角，宏大叙事，介绍前因后果；二是个人视角，以一个金融从业者的角度，将这些大事件对自己工作、生活、家庭的影响记录下来，使这本大事记有了更细致的补充，让读者对这些大事件有更全面深入的了解。
全书逻辑缜密，思辨充分，叙述客观、精准而不失诙谐，不仅有研究价值，也是很好的休闲读物。