Market Infrastructure

China Expands Pilot Programme to Boost Cross-border Trade and Investment

19/12/2023

The pilot programme, launched in 2022, is expanded to cover all of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Beijing, Zhejiang, and Hainan.

Crypto / Digital Assets

EU Publishes Details of Latest Russia Sanctions Package

18/12/2023

EU adds 147 names to asset freeze list and bans diamond imports in its 12th round of sanctions against Russia since February 2022.

Sanctions

Japan to Ban Russian Diamonds in Latest Round of Sanctions

18/12/2023

Japan imposes new round of asset freeze and trade restrictions against Russia, including ban on importing non-industrial diamonds.

Securities / Derivatives

CSRC Calls for Higher Dividends, Share Buybacks by Listed Companies

18/12/2023

Listed companies are asked to increase the frequency and amounts of their dividend payouts, and to boost share buybacks to “safeguard company value”.

Sanctions

UK Introduces New Legislation to Expand Russia Sanctions

18/12/2023

The package targets exports of military goods to Russia and the import of Russian metals. New reporting obligations also introduced to improve sanctions compliance.

Enforcement

EU Leaders Agree on 12th Russia Sanctions Package

18/12/2023

The package includes additional import and export bans and measures to better enforce the oil price cap. Agreement also reached on criminalisation of sanctions violations.

Enforcement

Ex-FBI Agent Jailed for Helping Sanctioned Russian Oligarch

18/12/2023

Former FBI agent Charles McGonigal conspired to violate US sanctions and commit money laundering to help sanctioned Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

Capital / Liquidity

FSB Outlines 2024 Priorities on Resolution-related Work

18/12/2023

The FSB will explore the adequacy of public sector backstop funding mechanisms and ways for resolution authorities to respond to the speed of bank runs.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX: GEM Reforms to Take Effect from 1 January 2024

17/12/2023

The reforms will enable enterprises to more easily list on GEM, reduce the burden of continuing obligations, and streamline the process for transfers to the Main Board.