KYC & CDD

Hong Kong Regulators Mandate Stricter Controls on Client Onboarding

25/05/2026

The SFC and HKMA have ordered firms to review client accounts and tighten controls following a probe into onboarding deficiencies.

Capital Adequacy

Philippines Finalises Rules for Releasable Bank Capital Buffer

25/05/2026

The central bank will require banks to build releasable capital buffers that can be drawn down during crises to sustain lending, a move that aligns the country with other jurisdictions in the region.

Structural Regulation

Philippines SEC Finalises Term Limit Rules for PSE Directors

25/05/2026

The SEC has finalised a governance overhaul for the PSE, imposing tenure caps and board diversity requirements to align with international standards.

Sustainable Finance

Japan to Widen Green Bond Scope Amid Issuance Slowdown

25/05/2026

Tokyo plans to revise its green bond guidelines to include a broader range of technologies, responding to a downturn in climate-related fundraising.

Sustainable Finance

Cathay United Bank Joins MAS-Backed Green Investment Partnership

25/05/2026

Cathay United is the first bank from Taiwan to join the blended finance platform, which aims to fund sustainable infrastructure in Asia and is expected to reach USD 800 million.

AI Risk & Governance

StanChart Faces Regulator Scrutiny in Asia Over CEO’s AI Job Cut Remarks

25/05/2026

Regulators in Hong Kong and Singapore have questioned Standard Chartered over its CEO’s comments on replacing staff with artificial intelligence.

AI Risk & Governance

Vietnam Drafts Strict Rules for AI, Deepfakes and Online KYC

25/05/2026

New draft decrees aim to penalise AI-generated misinformation, impose liability on platforms, and mandate unified identity verification for bank and social media accounts.

Market Abuse

Korea Penalises 16 in Insider Trading Ring Led by Former NH Securities Exec

25/05/2026

Regulators have filed a criminal complaint against a former NH Investment & Securities executive and seven others for using non-public tender offer information.

AI Risk & Governance

ASIC Releases Research Affirming Australia's Innovative Capability, While Identifying Gaps

25/05/2026

An ASIC-commissioned report highlights Australia's strengths in payments and BNPL regulation, but points to the need for clearer AI governance and expanded open finance.