
Manesh Samtani is the Editor at Regulation Asia, where he leads the regional news desk from Hong Kong, directing coverage of critical regulatory developments impacting financial services across APAC. Manesh specialises in analysing how new rules and technologies are reshaping banking, capital markets, and the fight against financial crime, providing finance professionals, compliance leaders, and policymakers with the intelligence they need to navigate risk and understand the impact of regulatory change in the region. manesh@regulationasia.com

AI Risk & Governance
US Asks for Pre-Release Access to Frontier AI Models
03/06/2026
New executive order establishes a voluntary framework for AI firms to provide the US government with early access to powerful models for security reviews.

PEPs & Sanctions
Australia Sanctions Israeli Settlers in the Occupied West Bank
02/06/2026
The move adds new individuals and entities to Australia's sanctions list in response to escalating violence by extremist settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Credit Risk
IMF Urges Hong Kong to Bolster Oversight of Property and NBFI Risks
02/06/2026
The report calls for sustained vigilance over CRE exposures, enhanced system-wide stress testing, and stronger climate risk integration for FIs.

Anti-Money Laundering
China Drafts Tough New Anti-Pyramid Scheme Rules for FIs
02/06/2026
Proposed amendments to existing regulations will require financial and payment institutions to monitor and report suspicious funds and create an information-sharing mechanism with law enforcement.

Cryptocurrency
CME Adopts 24/7 Crypto Trading, Setting Global Precedent
02/06/2026
The move by the world's largest derivatives exchange to embrace always-on trading for regulated crypto products signals a major structural shift for institutional finance.

UK FCA Demands Stronger Sanctions Controls from Firms
02/06/2026
The FCA found persistent weaknesses in firms' trade sanctions compliance and screening processes, signing a new pact to boost enforcement cooperation.

PEPs & Sanctions
US, Allies Name Vessels in Call for UN Action on DPRK Sanctions
02/06/2026
The US and its allies have identified 12 vessels allegedly involved in illicit North Korean coal and iron ore exports, urging the United Nations to take action.

Structural Regulation
IOSCO Issues New Global Standards for Fund Valuation
02/06/2026
The new framework focuses on governance, illiquid assets, and conflicts of interest, updating principles for a changed market landscape.

PEPs & Sanctions
US Treasury Culls Sanctions List to Ease Compliance Burden
02/06/2026
The move is part of a new modernisation effort by OFAC to ensure sanctions remain targeted and effective.

Reporting & Disclosures
US SEC Proposes Full Reversal of 2024 Climate Disclosure Rule
02/06/2026
The regulator has proposed a full rescission of its landmark rules, citing concerns over statutory authority and a return to financial materiality.
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