Operational Risk

New Zealand FMA Identifies Operational Risks at P2P Lending Firms

04/02/2026

A thematic review identified weaknesses in outsourcing due diligence, technology frameworks, and business continuity testing.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Unveils Sweeping Audit and Consultancy Reforms

04/02/2026

The reforms include a 100-fold increase in fines for promoting tax exploitation schemes and a plan to merge key standards bodies.

Anti-Money Laundering

Taiwan Proposes New Anti-Fraud Reporting Mechanism for Banks

04/02/2026

The proposals include a new reporting channel to prosecutors and expand the definition of suspicious accounts to combat financial crime.

Cybersecurity

HKMA Unveils Blueprint to Tackle AI, Quantum Risks in Banking

04/02/2026

The plan includes a new cybersecurity baseline and a quantum readiness index to address risks in advanced technology adoption.

Cryptocurrency

Hong Kong Pushes Ahead with Strict Crypto Tax Reporting Rules

04/02/2026

Legislative proposals confirm per-account penalties and personal liability for directors, despite industry warnings of unworkable compliance burdens.

Custody & Infrastructure

SFC Seeks Budget Increase to Boost Headcount for Digital Assets, IPOs

04/02/2026

Six of 18 new positions are designated for digital assets licensing and supervision work as well as the SFC's "ASPIRe" virtual asset roadmap.

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong to Raise Licensing Fees for Money Service Operators

04/02/2026

The government plans to increase licensing fees for money service operators by up to 15 percent, with implementation set for May 2026.

Stablecoins

Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Licences in March

03/02/2026

Eddie Yue said the HKMA plans to grant a "very small number" of stablecoin issuer licences under its new regulatory regime.

Cybersecurity

Hong Kong Law Reform Commission Eyes Update to Cybercrime Law

03/02/2026

Report recommends five new cyber-dependent offences, expanded jurisdiction, and a formal accreditation regime for cybersecurity practitioners.