Bradley Maclean, Regulation Asia

Why Hong Kong’s New Trust Rules Won’t Boost AML/CTF Efforts

Rather than comply with new rules on beneficial owner registration and due diligence, many trusts are likely to simply leave Hong Kong for less onerous jurisdictions.

Australian Sell-side Research Rules Threaten IPO Bonanza

Guidance on sell-side research could disappoint investment bankers who expected a strong year for new listings.

Europe’s Latest AML Directive a Huge Challenge for Asian Operations

4th AMLD to prove a headache for Asian institutions which already share clients and data with EU-based subsidiaries, potentially influencing Asia-based parent institutions themselves.

SFC Highlights Areas of Concern on Best Execution

Hong Kong SFC's recent report on licensed corporations attitudes towards best execution practices shows there is much to be desired.

How GDPR Could Deflate the Blockchain Hype

Firms adopting blockchain technology could struggle to comply with the EU's incoming GDPR rules.

China’s Vicious Cycle – Household Debt, Mis-selling and Systemic Risk

Increased regulation in an effort to rein in personal borrowing could foster an attitude of ‘bare minimum compliance’ among banks, leading to future systemic risk.

Decentralised Crypto Exchanges Could Render Regulatory Efforts Meaningless

SEC Refusal to Support Crypto-based ETFs Will Influence Asian Regulators

US regulator cited concerns around valuation and liquidity, among other issues; but comments made in rejection letter open path to eventual approval.