AML / KYC

Ex-HSBC Staff Admit to Bribery for Account Opening Scheme

20/03/2026

Three former employees pleaded guilty in an ICAC case involving bribes to open accounts, with dozens of accounts flagged for money laundering risk.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Clarifies Legal Privilege Rules for AML Reporting

20/03/2026

New guidance outlines when legal professional privilege does not apply to suspicious activity reporting, creating new record-keeping duties for law firms.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Official Sheds Light on Approach to 'Responsible Innovation'

20/03/2026

Carmen Chu outlined the HKMA's push to move "from principles to practices" in the adoption of financial technology.

Enforcement

Hong Kong SFC Bans Former Yuanta Officer over Dishonest Trading Scheme

20/03/2026

SFC fines and bans former RO for executing trades that disadvantaged his employer and for concealing personal trading accounts.

Market Infrastructure

Australia Flags Heightened Financial Risks, Tightens FI Oversight

20/03/2026

Regulators are stress-testing firms and have activated new lending limits, with a sharp focus on operational resilience and ASX governance.

Hong Kong Regulators Intensify Monitoring Amid Mideast Tensions

20/03/2026

Authorities confirm minimal direct financial exposure to the region but have intensified stress testing and market surveillance in response to geopolitical risks.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong to Offer Fee Relief to Facilitate Transition to Scripless Market

20/03/2026

The government has ruled creating a dedicated fund to help securities dealers cover costs, but will offer fee waivers to ease the burden on small and medium firms.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong to Pilot Cross-Border Carbon Settlement with GBA Exchanges

20/03/2026

Hong Kong is testing cross-border settlement and has explored tokenisation to help connect China's developing carbon market with international finance.

Securities / Derivatives

Korea Exchange to Overhaul Disclosures After Designation Error

20/03/2026

KRX will create a new oversight committee and use AI to vet market-moving announcements after mistakenly clearing a company's administrative status.