TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan unveiled an ambitious plan Monday (Oct. 20) to transform itself into Asia's premier startup financing hub, with regulators launching a comprehensive platform designed to rival established financial centers across the region. The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC, 金管會), Taiwan's financial regulator, announced the Asia Innovation Financing Platform in partnership with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE, 證交所) and Taipei Exchange (TPEx, 櫃檯買賣中心). The initiative represents Taiwan's boldest attempt yet to establish itself as the "Asian Asset Management Center," targeting innovative enterprises seeking capital market access.
FSC Chairman Peng Jin-lung (彭金隆) outlined the platform's strategic architecture, emphasizing three core elements that distinguish Taiwan's approach from regional competitors. The initiative combines equity and debt financing capabilities, leverages partnerships between Taiwan's two major exchanges, and capitalizes on the island's established industrial ecosystem. Peng identified five essential components for financial center development: people, capital, institutions, products, and policy incentives, building upon TPEx's existing multi-tiered structure.
The platform fulfills Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) July directive to create Taiwan's "Nasdaq of Asia," with the Economic Development Committee of the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's cabinet, formally endorsing the initiative. Sweeping regulatory reforms will allow foreign financial institutions and Special Purpose Vehicles to issue international bonds in Taiwan, while new dual-listing rules enable foreign-currency bonds issued offshore to access Taiwan's market. These changes represent the most significant liberalization of Taiwan's capital markets in recent years.
Supporting infrastructure includes TPEx's enhanced "GISA Plus" system, launched in January, which streamlines procedures and strengthens support for innovative startups and young entrepreneurs. The exchange has reduced listing application review periods from three years to two years while expanding eligibility to include sustainable venture capital companies. Companies can now simultaneously apply for Emerging Stock Board registration and public issuance, dramatically accelerating capital-raising timelines. ◼
