HSBC Holdings emerged as the world’s largest dividend payer in the second quarter, distributing USD11.7bn, driven by a USD4bn special dividend from its Canadian operations sale, according to Janus Henderson Investors. This marked the largest special dividend globally, accounting for nearly a third of the total. HSBC’s payout increase followed pressure from its largest shareholder, Ping An Asset Management, for higher dividends. HSBC set its 2023 dividend at 61 US cents per share, its highest since 2008. The Asia-Pacific region saw slower dividend growth at 1.1%, constrained by cuts from Cosco. However, Janus Henderson expects improved corporate confidence as regional policies bolster dividend growth. Global dividends rose 8.2% to a record USD606.1bn.