Investment bank CLSA Ltd. is nearing deals for joint ventures in Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan, Financial Times reported Aug. 12, citing Richard Taylor, the bank's head of corporate finance and capital markets.

The deals are expected to be completed by the end of 2018. Taylor did not name the companies CLSA plans to invest in but said the company will acquire minority stakes. CLSA may co-brand the joint ventures, but the final details have yet to be determined.

The investment bank sees opportunities related to China's Belt and Road initiative with its parent company CITIC Securities Co. Ltd. in markets such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, Taylor said. In Vietnam, CLSA is eyeing recent IPO activity and state privatizations as a potential area of expansion, he added.