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From Launch to Leadership: The 90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market

AGBrief Editorial
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From Launch to Leadership: The 90-Day Playbook for Winning Asia’s Gaming Market

Every operator can launch, but few can lead. In Asia, leadership is won in the 90 days after go-live, when payments feel effortless, content resonates locally, and every touchpoint builds trust. From Kate Pozdnysheva‘s perspective as the Chief Client Officer at GR8 Tech, the early phase is about practical optimization: localizing product and communication, aligning operations to regional realities, and executing with discipline. That’s what turns a launch into lasting success.

The Window That Makes or Breaks Operators in Asia

In Asia, player behavior is defined by precision. In India, 90% of bets are in-play on cricket and kabaddi. In the Philippines, basketball and social casino dominate. In Korea, it’s baseball, football, and esports. Across East Asia, baccarat and culturally attuned slots are non-negotiable.

Operators that miss these nuances lose trust fast. Payment rails, live dealers in the right language, and culturally relevant content aren’t “nice to have”—they are the market entry ticket. Get them right, and engagement and retention multiply.

At GR8 Tech, we’ve proven that localization at every layer, from odds formats and promotions to communication channels and technical infrastructure, is the only path to traction in Asia. That’s why we built geo-specific presets into our platform: to enable operators to launch quickly and optimize in line with real market habits from day one. 

Why Many Operators Struggle Post-Launch

Even with clear priorities, many operators stumble in Asia. The most common mistakes we see:

  1. Underestimating infrastructure gaps → Platforms that run fine in Europe can lag or crash on older Android devices common across Asia.
  2. Treating payments as “set and forget” → Local payment methods work brilliantly, until they don’t. Outages and freezes can double support volumes overnight.
  3. Missing cultural timing → Global campaigns ignore surges around Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Mobile Legends finals.
  4. Overloading content → Flooding the lobby with global slots and sports leaves players cold if their local favorites aren’t front and center.
  5. Ignoring price sensitivity → Margins are tighter in Asia. Aggressive odds and cashback are expected. Without efficiency, operators lose competitiveness fast.

The 30/60/90 Day Roadmap to Asian Market Success

First 30 Days—Stabilize the Core: Payments, odds, devices, support—everything must just work, because trust is won or lost here. Payments must run flawlessly through local rails with redundancy in place. Odds formats and languages should already be localized. Platforms need to run light on older devices. Support must be immediate, multilingual, and always available. From the player’s perspective, the platform should “just work.”

Next 30 Days—Drive Retention: Local loyalty mechanics, VIP programs, festival-driven campaigns. With stability in place, loyalty becomes the focus. Cashback and turnover rebates outperform deposit bonuses across Asia. VIPs expect managers, personalized rewards, and gamified loyalty programs like leaderboards or “Spin the Wheel.” Timing is everything: festival-driven campaigns and real-time alerts during IPL or MLBB, keep engagement high. Compliance is part of the retention engine: smooth KYC, transparent payout SLAs, and responsible gambling tools tuned to local expectations build trust where it matters most.

Final 30 Days—Scale and Differentiate: Content expansion, peak traffic readiness, visible responsibility. This phase separates entrants from leaders. Content expands with local favorites: kabaddi, anime-inspired slots, baccarat, esports. Operations must scale seamlessly to handle peak traffic: thousands of bets per second, real-time odds refreshes, and uninterrupted live casino streams.

This is why GR8 Tech has invested in Asia-specific infrastructure: automated deployments, a new regional data center, and optimizations that cut load times by 25% while delivering 99.96% uptime during events like the World Cup. With scale secured, operators can double down on long-term trust: responsible play tools, transparent service, and visible community engagement.

From Launch to Leadership

In Asia, launch is only the beginning. The operators who win treat the first 90 days as decisive: stabilizing the core, driving loyalty, and scaling with precision. Market-fit product, strong operations, service excellence, engagement, and compliance are the levers that transform a new entrant into a market leader.

Why Asia chooses GR8 Tech (and why it’s just the beginning)

The first 90 days decide your future in Asia. With GR8 Tech, you don’t just launch—you lead.

Meet us at SBC Summit Lisbon, 24–25 September 2025, Stand C350, or book a meeting beforehand. Let’s map how your first 90 days in Asia can outperform the market.

Isle of Man GSC highlights remediation-led approach as operators continue to leave island

Frank Schuengel
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Isle of Man GSC highlights remediation-led approach as operators continue to leave island

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) is seeking to highlight progress in strengthening enforcement and anti-financial crime measures over the past year, as the jurisdiction works to maintain its reputation in an increasingly competitive global regulatory landscape.

Once regarded as a pioneer in online gambling regulation, the island has recently seen a number of license holders hand back licenses and exit, while rival jurisdictions such as Malta, Anjouan, and Curacao have expanded their global reach. Against this backdrop, the GSC is emphasizing its commitment to international standards and the integrity of the businesses still operating locally.

The GSC introduced a new enforcement framework in 2024 to bring its supervisory regime in line with evolving AML/CFT expectations. More than a year on, the framework has already been used to impose sanctions and civil penalties where remediation could not be achieved.

Since April 2023, the regulator has completed 57 AML/CFT-focused inspections using a risk-based approach that prioritizes licensees by size, model, and compliance history. Roughly 10 percent of inspections led to enforcement investigations, though most deficiencies were addressed through remediation and education.

IOM Isle of Man GSC, Responsible gambling

The regulator has also leaned on thematic desk-based reviews, prompted by international reports such as those from the UNODC, to sharpen its oversight of emerging risks. These reviews have informed targeted inspections, contributed to the National Risk Appetite Statement published in May 2025, and shaped ongoing legislative changes aimed at strengthening the island’s defenses against criminal misuse.

Where material risks cannot be remediated, enforcement remains a necessary tool. However, the GSC stresses that remediation is the preferred route where possible, with enforcement reserved for cases of repeated noncompliance or serious risk. Notably, several enforcement investigations since April 2023 were curtailed when the licensees in question surrendered their licenses altogether, reflecting the broader trend of operators exiting the island.

Isle Of Man, Online Gambling Jurisdiction

The regulator has also expanded cooperation with local and international agencies. Earlier this year, the GSC entered into a data-sharing agreement with the Isle of Man Police, building on new powers under the Gambling (Permitted Disclosures) Order 2025. Memoranda of understanding with peer regulators are also being refreshed to enhance cross-border information sharing.

Looking ahead, the GSC says it plans to expand its ability to analyze data, refine its risk-based supervision, and further embed cooperation with stakeholders. Regulators are keen to underscore that these measures are designed to safeguard the island’s reputation and ensure that the Isle of Man remains a credible place to do business.

But the timing of the message is significant. With a shrinking pool of license holders, a MONEYVAL visit on the horizon, and other jurisdictions stepping up to capture market share, the Isle of Man’s challenge will be to prove that a strong regulatory approach can coexist with an attractive environment for operators.

As the B2C grey market model is slowly fading away, the island has to reinvent itself and focus on more sustainable models such as B2B, while modernizing processes within the GSC and carrying out internal reforms to catch up with the market and remain competitive.

Paradise Entertainment warns of material revenue drop after satellite casino closure

Viviana Chan
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Paradise Entertainment warns of material revenue drop after satellite casino closure

Paradise Entertainment has warned investors that it expects to report a ‘material reduction in the reported revenue and profit attributable to shareholders’ following the non-renewal of its casino management contract for Casino Kam Pek Paradise in Macau, which expires on December 31st, 2025.

The Hong Kong-listed gaming equipment supplier and satellite casino operator disclosed that it received notification on June 9th that its provision of casino management services to Casino Kam Pek Paradise would not be renewed or extended upon expiry of the service agreement with SJM Resorts. The company has managed the property since 2007, spanning nearly 18 years.

According to AGB’s calculations, revenue from the satellite casino operation reached HK$382.6 million ($49.1 million) in the first half of 2025, accounting for 75.3 percent of total revenue of HK$507.9 million ($65.2 million). This suggests the company could lose roughly three-quarters of its revenue once the satellite casino contract ends.

In an earlier interview with AGB, company chairman and managing director Jay Chun said Paradise Entertainment would pivot its business strategy to focus on gaming equipment operations.

Paradise Entertainment

Strong interim results despite looming contract expiry

Despite the impending contract termination, Paradise Entertainment reported solid interim results for the first half of 2025. Revenue rose 19.4 percent year-on-year to HK$507.9 million ($65.2 million), compared with HK$425.3 million ($54.6 million) in the same period of 2024.

Profit attributable to shareholders surged 48.5 percent to HK$172.5 million ($22.1 million).

The revenue boost was mainly driven by higher income from casino management services and strong sales of electronic gaming equipment and systems in Macau. Casino management services revenue climbed to HK$382.6 million ($49.1 million) from HK$356.5 million ($45.7 million) a year earlier. Meanwhile, gaming systems revenue nearly doubled to HK$125.4 million ($16.1 million) from HK$68.1 million ($8.7 million).

The company’s gaming systems segment performed particularly well, with revenue from sales and leasing of electronic gaming equipment in Macau surging 83.3 percent to HK$125 million ($16 million). Growth was largely driven by increased demand for Live Multi Game terminals and related products.

Gross profit for the period reached HK$328.6 million ($42.2 million), up 27.3 percent from HK$258.2 million ($33.2 million) in the first half of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA rose 43.4 percent to HK$211.8 million ($27.2 million), compared with HK$147.7 million ($19.0 million) a year earlier.

Casino Kam Pek Paradise continued to deliver steady performance in the first half of 2025, generating gross gaming revenue of HK$698.9 million ($89.8 million), up 7.2 percent from HK$651.7 million ($83.7 million) in the same period of 2024. The casino operates 30 gaming tables along with 100 slot machines and electronic table game machines under Paradise Entertainment’s management.

Dividend payout raised

Paradise Entertainment declared an interim dividend of HK$0.075 per share for the six months ended June 30th, 2025, compared with HK$0.05 a year earlier. The dividend, totaling HK$78.9 million ($10.1 million), is expected to be payable on October 15th to shareholders on record as of September 19th.

The company also distributed a final dividend of HK$0.11 per share for 2024, amounting to HK$115.7 million ($14.9 million), which was paid in June 2025.

Philippines gaming firm DFNN appoints US lottery expert as regulatory advisor

Viviana Chan
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Philippines gaming firm DFNN appoints US lottery expert as regulatory advisor

Philippines-listed technology provider DFNN has appointed Charles R. McIntyre, a senior New Hampshire Lottery executive, as Independent Board Advisor to strengthen its efforts against illegal gaming.

Paradise Entertainment
Charles R. McIntyre

The appointment, approved during a special board meeting on August 22nd, comes as the Philippines considers a potential ban on all online gambling due to social harm concerns.

According to the company’s filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday, McIntyre brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the lottery and regulatory sector to DFNN’s advisory team. He previously served as Assistant Executive Director and General Counsel of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission from 2003 to 2010, where he ‘managed legal compliance and operations for a $4.7 billion lottery system.’ McIntyre, a licensed attorney, was inducted into the PGRI Lottery Hall of Fame in 2017 in recognition of his expertise in gaming law.

DFNN said the appointment reflects its strategic response to growing regulatory pressure on the Philippine gaming industry. As government officials and lawmakers raise social harm concerns to justify potentially banning online gambling, industry players are intensifying responsible gaming measures to demonstrate compliance with emerging standards.

In its filing, the company stated: ‘Mr. McIntyre’s appointment strengthens DFNN’s commitment to expanding its global knowledge and expertise in compliance and in the unified issue of combating illegal gaming.’ DFNN added that his expertise will ‘further enhance DFNN’s compliance framework and governance structures, ensuring that its gaming sector operations continue to adhere to internationally recognised legal and ethical benchmarks.’

The Star Entertainment confirms debt negotiations, considers lenders demands ‘unacceptable’

Nelson Moura
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The Star Entertainment confirms debt negotiations, considers lenders demands ‘unacceptable’

The Star Entertainment has confirmed it remains in talks with its banks over debt covenant waivers, saying it rejected lender demands it considered ‘unacceptable’ as the casino group faces a high-stakes standoff over AU$430 million ($278.5 million) in loans.

In a statement on Wednesday responding to media reports, the ASX-listed company said it ‘has been, and continues to be, in discussions with the SFA lender group in respect of potential covenant waivers for September 30th and December 31st 2025’.

It said lenders had proposed terms in exchange for those waivers which were ‘in aggregate, unacceptable to The Star’.

The company added that it plans to lodge unaudited accounts for the six months to June 30th on August 29th, with audited results expected by September 30th.

The reply followed a report in the Australian Financial Review detailing a dispute between Star and lenders, including Washington H Soul Pattinson, Macquarie and Deutsche Bank.

The group is seeking waivers to avoid breaching loan covenants after sharp financial deterioration in recent years. The Star has been hit by a AU$100 million ($64.8 million) penalty in 2022 over money-laundering breaches and remains under regulatory scrutiny.

To shore up its balance sheet, the company has agreed to sell its 50 percent stake in the AU$3.6 billion ($2.33 billion) Queen’s Wharf Brisbane project to its Hong Kong partners and plans to exit Brisbane operations entirely.

At the same time, US operator Bally’s has tabled a AU$300 million ($194.4 million) takeover bid, which has received backing from Star’s board but will require regulatory and shareholder approval.

This month The Star has also ‘entered into binding long-form documentation’ with its JV partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) and Far East Consortium (FEC) to dispose of is interest in Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC).

PAGCOR chief recognized for leadership in gambling advertising regulation

Viviana Chan
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PAGCOR chief recognized for leadership in gambling advertising regulation

The Ad Standards Council (ASC) honored Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco for his leadership in promoting responsible advertising in the gaming industry during the council’s Patas na Patalastas Summit in Makati City.

Tengco received a Plaque of Appreciation from the ASC, recognizing his efforts to ensure ethical and truthful gambling-related advertisements. The PAGCOR chief emphasized that the recognition belonged not only to him but also to PAGCOR employees who remain committed to fairness, truth, and accountability in their duties.

“Industries like ours carry an even greater responsibility to protect public trust,” Tengco stated during the ceremony. “Our partnership with ASC ensures that gambling-related advertisements are not only creative and compelling but also ethical, truthful, and mindful of their impact on society.”

The recognition comes months after PAGCOR and the ASC signed a memorandum of understanding in July that formalized their collaboration on gambling advertisement regulation. Under the agreement, all gambling-related advertisements across television, radio, online, and outdoor platforms must undergo ASC review and approval before public release.

Paradise Entertainment

The MoU added gambling to the ASC’s list of ‘must-screen’ categories, joining alcoholic beverages, over-the-counter medicines, food supplements, airline services with promotional fares, and breast milk substitutes. The measure aims to curb misleading content and protect vulnerable groups from potential harm.

As part of stricter regulatory measures, PAGCOR also ordered the removal of all outdoor gambling billboards last month. Tengco described these actions as proof that “when it comes to protecting the public, we will always choose to do what is right.”

Tengco commended the ASC for its role in upholding truth, decency, and accountability in Philippine advertising. The ASC summit brought together regulators, advertisers, and industry stakeholders to reinforce collaborative efforts in ensuring truthful, ethical, and accountable advertising practices in the Philippines.

Asia Pioneer Entertainment swings to profit in 1H25 on gaming equipment boost

Nelson Moura
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Asia Pioneer Entertainment swings to profit in 1H25 on gaming equipment boost

Asia Pioneer Entertainment said Wednesday it returned to profit in the first half of 2025, as demand for electronic gaming equipment in Macau and Asia lifted revenues despite higher costs and weaker contributions from some services.

The Hong Kong-listed gaming supplier posted a net profit of HK$24,959 ($3,209) for the six months to June 30th, compared with a loss of HK$0.6 million ($77,000) a year earlier, according to its unaudited interim results.

Group revenue climbed 15.7 percent to HK$23 million ($2.96 million), up from HK$19.9 million ($2.56 million) in the same period of 2024, supported by a 39.6 percent surge in technical sales and distribution of gaming machines to HK$19.3 million ($2.48 million).

The company said this reflected steady orders from Macau’s six casino concessionaires, as well as regional demand from land-based casinos in Asia.

Gross profit increased to HK$10.9 million ($1.40 million) from HK$9.4 million ($1.21 million), with margins little changed at 47.5 percent. Operating expenses rose 6.8 percent to HK$11 million ($1.41 million), driven by higher staff and travel costs, while staff numbers edged up to 39 from 38.

Other revenue streams were less robust. Consultancy and technical services fell 45.2 percent to HK$2.5 million ($322,000), repair services contracted 54.8 percent to HK$0.2 million ($26,000), and product sales through smart vending machines slipped 27.2 percent to HK$0.7 million ($91,000).

Leasing of vending machines, however, jumped nearly fourfold to HK$0.3 million ($41,000), showing signs of traction in the business line.

The group, which has supplied gaming machines in Macau since 2005, said it expects momentum to continue into the second half of 2025 as casinos expand orders for new equipment.

‘We believe this resurging growth will continue in the second half of 2025 and beyond as casinos strengthen their financial positions’, the company headed by Herman Ng noted. ‘We are working with suppliers to introduce new products and technologies to meet the growing demands of the mass gaming market.’

Asia Pioneer said it remained debt-free as of June 30th, with net current assets of HK$16.8 million ($2.16 million) compared with HK$16.2 million ($2.08 million) at the end of 2024.

The group added that it was seeking to broaden its portfolio by developing new casino-related products, both for gaming operations and marketing.

Platipus and Alea join forces in a multi‑regional deal to accelerate growth in Latin America

AGBrief Editorial
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Platipus and Alea join forces in a multi‑regional deal to accelerate growth in Latin America

Platipus Gaming, a global game provider for online casinos, signed a strategic partnership with Alea, the Spanish-based leading aggregation platform in Europe and the LatAm regions. 

Latin America is a key strategic priority for Platipus in 2025, as the region’s fast-growing iGaming market offers both scale and strong growth potential. The company already has a presence in several territories across Latin America, and its latest partnership with Alea will further strengthen its position in Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and beyond.

Ramon Glieneke, COO at Alea
Ramon Glieneke

“At Alea, we see partnerships like this as true cornerstones of our growth and the value we deliver to operators. Platipus’ creativity, innovation, and dedication to quality perfectly align with our mission to provide operators in Europe and Latin America with the most engaging content through the most reliable aggregation platform. This collaboration is more than a commercial agreement; it’s a shared commitment to helping each other grow and succeed in the markets where we lead,” said Ramon Glieneke, COO at Alea.

This alliance opens up new opportunities for Platipus to grow strategically in Latin America, as well as in some European countries. Due to Alea’s strong reputation among local operators, Platipus gains access to an extensive network of trusted partners. This will help accelerate integrations, optimize entry into new markets, and ensure a smoother, faster go-live process for its games.

Stanislav Mykhailov, Platipus Gaming
Stanislav Mykhailov

“Partnering with Alea brings us closer to our main goal – to provide an exceptional gaming experience to players around the world. This time, we are pleased to introduce even more players from Europe and Latin America to our exciting gaming portfolio,” shared Stanislav Mykhailov, Platipus Gaming CCO.

This multi-regional partnership between Platipus Gaming and Alea demonstrates strategic flexibility and geographic diversification. Moreover, this alliance allows to cover the players both from Latin American and European markets, and reach a wider audience globally. 

Platipus continues building its global presence in the frames of its expansion strategy and remains committed to being a reliable partner helping to deliver high-quality experiences for the players worldwide. The Company plans to expand its presence in new countries in the region, strengthen existing partnerships and launch even more personalized content to meet the specific needs of each market. Platipus Gaming will continue to invest in innovation, quality and strategic partnerships to accelerate its growth.

Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sri Lanka bets on casinos for tourism push

AGBrief Editorial
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Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Sri Lanka bets on casinos for tourism push

Good Morning. ‘What happens in Colombo…’ could be Sri Lanka’s new tourism slogan, as the nation aims to significantly improve visitation by leveraging its casino offerings. The opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka has highlighted the need for regulatory oversight and the focus on affluent Indian and Chinese clients. But its success depends on more than legislation and expectation. Moving to the world’s gaming hub, Macau could see a rise of up to 15 percent in GGR for 2H25, according to analysts, as August results are tracking well, driven by strong visitation.

What you need to know

On the radar

AGB Intelligence

SRI LANKA

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Casinos to drive tourism’s contribution to GDP

While many countries are aiming to rein in gaming and casino operations, Sri Lanka is moving strongly into the sector, with aims to significantly elevate tourism’s proportion of GDP by leveraging casinos. With the goal of attracting affluent Chinese and Indian tourists, the nation hopes to bring in up to 3 million visitors this year. Part of this is the establishment of regulatory oversight for gaming, accompanying the opening of South Asia’s first integrated resort: City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

Corporate Spotlight

Why Asia’s iGaming operators must rethink risk strategy | SEON

SEON,Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud: Why Asia’s iGaming Operators Must Rethink Risk Strategy

Winning Trust, Stopping Fraud. Asia Pacific’s iGaming market is expanding extremely fast, and a new wave of digital-savvy players is pushing demand through the roof. But the rise in adoption has outpaced regulation in many markets, and fraudsters have taken notice.

Industry Updates

INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS

Macau Legend registers $165M impairment loss due to upcoming shuttering of satellite casino

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Macau Legend registers $165M impairment loss due to upcoming shuttering of satellite casino

Satellite casino operator Macau Legend is expecting to record a loss of approximately HK$1.42 billion ($182.32 million) for the first half year as its casino is going to shutter by the end of 2025.

According to a company filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the company’s subsidiaries which operate Macau Fisherman’s Wharf – where its Legend Palace Casino is located – suffered a ‘significant impairment loss’ of approximately HK$1.28 billion ($165.25 million) ‘as a result of the non-renewal of service agreement with SJM Resorts upon expiry on 31 December 2025’.

Legend Palace is one of the nine satellite casino operations closing by the end of the year, with concession holder SJM only aiming to hang on to two satellite operations: Ponte 16 and L’Arc.

The group’s latest profit warning also indicates that the group saw a 12 percent drop in revenue for 1H25, ‘mainly attributable to the decrease in revenue from gaming related operation’.

Even despite the blow dealt by the upcoming loss of its Macau gaming operation, the company was already in financial difficulties. Excluding such an impact, loss for 1H25 is expected to increase by 21 percent, or approximately HK$23 million ($2.95 million), as it saw a decrease in adjusted EBITDA from its gaming related operation of ‘approximately HK$30 million ($3.85 million)’.

In July, Macau Legend announced plans for a share consolidation, shifting from 10 billion shares amounting to HK$1 billion ($127.4 million) into 1 billion shares worth HK$1 ($0.13) each. After the consolidation there would be some 620.11 million consolidated shares in issue ‘which are fully paid or credited as fully paid’.

The group notes that the consolidation ‘will not alter the underlying assets, business operations, management or financial position of the company or the proportionate interests or rights of the shareholders’.

The group is expecting that the share consolidation could become effective by September 4th, after which trading will only be in consolidated shares.

As of the end of 2024, Macau Legend reported HK$2.07 billion ($265.41 million) in bank borrowings and HK$339.4 million ($43.57 million) in shareholder loans either due within 12 months or repayable on demand, despite holding HK$52.3 million ($6.68 million) in cash and bank balances.

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