Anti-Money Laundering

Australian Banks Exit 1,000+ Customers in Illicit Tobacco Crackdown

15/04/2026

AUSTRAC reports significant results from a targeted crackdown on illicit tobacco financing, with banks filing hundreds of suspicious matter reports.

Cryptocurrency

BOK Calls for Crypto to Adopt Stock Market-Style Circuit Breakers

15/04/2026

BOK has urged the government to mandate stock market-style trading curbs for crypto exchanges following Bithumb's multi-billion dollar payout error.

Operational Risk

OJK Indonesia to Strengthen Insurance and Pension Fund Regulation

15/04/2026

OJK is issuing new rules on governance and risk-based supervision, setting ambitious growth targets to support national development and sustainable finance.

Structural Regulation

SFC Ramps Up IPO Banker Licence Approvals After Quality Clampdown

15/04/2026

The SFC issued 53 percent more licences in March, signalling a cautious easing after a period of intense scrutiny over IPO application quality.

Payments & Settlements

Hong Kong to Propose Bill for RMB Stamp Duty Payments

15/04/2026

The government plans to introduce legislation allowing stamp duty on RMB-denominated stock trades to be paid in yuan, alongside the move to a scripless market.

Tokenisation

HSBC Completes Tokenised Deposits Pilot on Public Blockchain

15/04/2026

The bank has simulated issuing its tokenised deposits on the Canton Network, a move demonstrating interoperability and testing public blockchain infrastructure.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Tackles Retirement Anxiety With New Guidance Tools

14/04/2026

ASIC has launched new resources after research revealed low financial literacy and significant retirement planning gaps among older Australians.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Proposes Tougher Penalties for Tax Practitioners After PwC Tax Leaks Scandal

14/04/2026

Treasury releases draft legislation to significantly strengthen the TPB’s powers, introducing criminal penalties and higher fines.

Trading & Investment

HKEX Launches Tech Indices to Boost ETF Connect Scope

14/04/2026

HKEX has launched two technology-focused indices and licensed five issuers, aiming to expand product options for mainland investors.