Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Approves Three Virtual Banks, Five More Being Considered

27/03/2019

The three newly licenced virtual banks are joint ventures involving BOCHK, JD Digits, Jardines, Standard Chartered, HKT, PCCW, Ctrip, ZhongAn Online and Sinolink.

Enforcement

India’s PNB Fined for Non-Compliance with SWIFT Norms

27/03/2019

The fine is significant because it was at Punjab National Bank where the $1.8b fraud occurred that prompted the RBI’s order for banks to link their core systems with SWIFT.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Amends Norms on Mutual Fund Commissions, Disclosures

27/03/2019

SEBI has set a cap on up-fronting of trail commissions and amended disclosure rules to “protect the interests of investors.”

Enforcement

Citigroup Faces $1.2m Fine in Japan over Alleged JGB Manipulation

27/03/2019

Citigroup’s London office allegedly placed large orders in the 10-year JGB futures market outside of Japanese trading hours that were not executed, but may have mislead investors.

Market Infrastructure

APRA Proposes Updated Guidance on Information Security

27/03/2019

APRA is seeking feedback on updated guidance which will help the industry embed the new prudential standard on information security in July.

Market Infrastructure

CFTC Expands Margin Comparability Determination for Japan

27/03/2019

The amended determination for Japan finds comparability regarding the scope of entities subject to the margin requirements, and the treatment of margining for inter-affiliate transactions.

ESG / Sustainability

SFC’s Alder Speaks on “Greening the Financial System’

27/03/2019

The financial sector will have a critical role to play in channelling investment towards sustainable projects on a global scale, said SFC chief Ashley Alder at the Bloomberg BuySide Summit.

Securities / Derivatives

Taiwan Launches Simulator for New Continuous Trading System

27/03/2019

The simulation platform will operate off-market hours and allow investors to familiarise themselves with the new system, which is set to be launched in March 2020.

Securities / Derivatives

Bangladesh Looks to Boost Capital Markets with Derivatives, Sukuk Trading

26/03/2019

Bangladesh’s securities regulator is reportedly formulating new rules to facilitate trading of derivatives and sukuk, while it also considers changes to enhance private placement regulations.