Securities / Derivatives

Malaysia, Shenzhen Bourses Enter MoU on Cross-border Collaboration

15/04/2020

The MoU will facilitate the display and joint promotion of Bursa Malaysia and SZSE benchmark indices in each other’s markets.

Fintech / Regtech

Two Singapore Bodies Merge to Form New Blockchain Association

15/04/2020

The new industry body will be co-chaired by SFA president Chia Hock Lai and OneConnect Financial Technology’s APAC chief Ms Tan Bin Ru.

AML / KYC

CBIRC Simplifies Administrative Licensing for Trust Companies

15/04/2020

The licensing rules reflect the cancellation of a $1bn asset threshold previously required of foreign financial institutions that invest in domestic trust companies.

Enforcement

FSC Taiwan Probes Trading Controls at Hua Nan Securities

15/04/2020

Hua Nan Securities reportedly lost $158mn on derivative warrants in March as a result of poor internal controls.

Market Infrastructure

Cambodia: Securities Regulator to Undergo Digital Transformation

15/04/2020

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia will develop a digital reporting system and adopt technology requirements in its regulatory framework.

Securities / Derivatives

Thailand: SET Gets Powers to Respond to Market Disruptions

15/04/2020

In a market disruption event, the SET board now has the power to prohibit short selling and algorithmic trading on the spot, among other measures.

Bangladesh: Bankers Get Incentives to Work During Lockdown

15/04/2020

The central bank has ordered banks pay officers and employees full month salary for 10 days’ work during Covid-19 lockdown.

ASIC Eases Financial Advice Rules to Facilitate Super Withdrawals

15/04/2020

Under ASIC relief, advice providers, tax agents and superannuation trustees are allowed to advise consumers on early withdrawals of their superannuation savings.

ESG / Sustainability

IOSCO Forms Task Force to Address Sustainable Finance Issues

15/04/2020

The Task Force will work on sustainability and ESG disclosure challenges for investors, including to enhance transparency and address investor protection issues.