Australian Finance Sector Unites to Combat Abuse of Financial Products

29/01/2026

A new industry-wide alliance aims to provide tools for over 200 lenders to proactively prevent the misuse of financial products.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong FSDC Outlines Strategy for Deeper Integration with Africa

29/01/2026

A new report says Hong Kong's digital asset and green finance regulations can act as a "super-connector" for channelling Asian capital into African markets.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Touts New Data-Sharing Model in Financial Crime Crackdown

29/01/2026

A public-private taskforce used a new data typology and pooled bank data to identify suspects, signalling evolving compliance expectations for financial institutions.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippines SEC Mandates Strict 9-Year Term for Independent Directors

29/01/2026

The SEC removes extensions and sets a firm nine-year cumulative term for independent directors of listed firms to bolster board independence.

Fintech / Regtech

Philippines to Name Successful Digital Bank Applicants Within Q1

29/01/2026

The BSP is reviewing applicants for four new licences, aiming to lower costs, streamline services, and enhance financial inclusion with fresh competition.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Sets Fraud Precedent in Landmark Naked Short-Selling Case

28/01/2026

A court convicted four individuals of fraud, not just regulatory breaches, for a scheme that netted HKD 3.3 million.

Enforcement

ASIC Secures A$14m Penalty Against Crypto Firm BPS Financial

28/01/2026

Court finds that the 'Qoin Wallet' issuer operated without a licence and made misleading claims, setting a key precedent on penalty calculations.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Flags AI, Cyber, and Superannuation Failures as Key 2026 Risks

28/01/2026

ASIC highlights growing threats from technology, poor superannuation fund operations, and increased market risk in its key issues outlook.

AXA Completes Re-domiciliation of Regional Insurer to Hong Kong

28/01/2026

AXA becomes the second major insurer to use Hong Kong's new re-domiciliation regime, aligning its legal base with its regional operations.