
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

Securities / Derivatives
New Zealand Enhances Audit Rules on Fraud and Going Concern
19/12/2025
The XRB has introduced significant revisions, including new reporting requirements, to increase auditor focus and transparency on fraud and going concern.

Sanctions
EU Sanctions Key Oil Traders, Widens Net to Asian Refiners
18/12/2025
New measures target individuals and entities in Russia's 'shadow fleet' and will disrupt refined product exports from Asia.

Securities / Derivatives
SEBI Overhauls Fund Fees, Tightens IPO Rules in Major Reform Push
18/12/2025
SEBI has approved new rules to lower investor costs and enhance disclosures, while deferring a key internal governance decision.

Market Infrastructure
Singapore, Vietnam Target Q1 2026 for Launch of QR Payment Link
18/12/2025
The cross-border payment initiative between Singapore's NETS and Vietnam's NAPAS is currently in a pilot phase with two Vietnamese banks.

Market Infrastructure
BIS Paper Proposes Auction Model to Boost RTGS Liquidity Efficiency
18/12/2025
A new working paper suggests using auctions and side payments to improve liquidity efficiency in RTGS systems.

Securities / Derivatives
HKEX CEO Outlines Planned Reforms for Asia Connectivity Push
18/12/2025
Bonnie Chan details plans for new products, technology upgrades, and a review of the listing framework to bolster Hong Kong's role.

AML / KYC
Pakistan Tightens AML Oversight on Gold and Real Estate Sectors
18/12/2025
The central bank has rolled out a new monitoring system to address trade-based money laundering risks in high-risk sectors.

Fintech / Regtech
Indonesia FIU Flags Stablecoin Risk, Cites Shift from Bitcoin for Illicit Use
18/12/2025
The FIU hosted international experts to discuss regulatory gaps and prepare for its upcoming FATF mutual evaluation review.

Fintech / Regtech
ACCC Calls for New Powers to Address AI Risks to Competition, Consumers
17/12/2025
New report details risks from vertical integration, AI-washing and scams, reiterating calls for a digital competition regime.

Fintech / Regtech
Bhutan Commences Trading in New Sovereign Gold-Backed Token
17/12/2025
The token is issued via a special administrative region and distributed exclusively by Bhutan's first licensed digital bank.
JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
A daily selection of top stories from the Regulation Asia editorial team