Recent advances in catalytic asymmetric synthesis promoted by transition metal complexes are reviewed. This revew covers asymmetric hydrogenation, hydrocarbonylation, hydrosilylation, isomerization, epoxidation, oxidation, cyclopropanation, cross-coupling and allylic alkylation from 1982. Newer aspects of chiral catalysis are emphasized. Current trends and possible future development of potentially useful catalytic asymmetric reactions are disussed.