Cryptocurrency

Binance Restores AUD Bank Transfers After Two-Year Regulatory Freeze

20/01/2026

The exchange has re-established direct banking channels in Australia after a suspension prompted by a payments partner and regulatory scrutiny from ASIC.

Trading & Investment

HKEX Finalises Rules for Dual Counter Designated Specialists

20/01/2026

HKEX has detailed new rules allowing dual counter market makers to register corporate clients as specialists for liquidity provision, effective 26 January.

Liquidity Risk

Vietnam Proposes Raising Cap on State Funds in Banks to Ease Liquidity

20/01/2026

The MOF has proposed a temporary increase in the limit on idle state funds held at commercial banks to ease year-end liquidity pressures.

Trading & Investment

Korea Reviews Easing Leveraged ETF Rules to Lure Retail Investors

20/01/2026

The move aims to counter capital flight by allowing products like single-stock leveraged ETFs, currently banned in the country.

Payments & Settlements

Hong Kong Outlines Roadmap to Modernise Trade Finance with 20-Point Plan

20/01/2026

The HKMA has published a 20-point plan to digitise trade finance, aiming to boost SME lending and connectivity.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Korea to Ease Network Separation Rules to Permit Cloud SaaS in Finance

20/01/2026

The move allows firms to use approved SaaS on internal networks, but introduces strict security controls and excludes generative AI tools.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

SFC Chair Calls on Listed Companies to Bolster Succession Planning Efforts

20/01/2026

SFC Chairman highlighted ageing corporate boards as a key risk facing Hong Kong's listed companies, calling for succession planning to be treated as a core fiduciary duty.

Stablecoins

Japan's JCB, Resona to Pilot Retail Stablecoin Payments in Regulatory Sandbox

20/01/2026

The collaboration between JCB, Resona and, Digital Garage, aims to test USD and JPY-pegged stablecoins at physical stores.

Structural Regulation

Thai Political Parties Propose Capital Market Overhaul to Restore Confidence

19/01/2026

Eight parties outlined plans to boost liquidity, tighten governance, and introduce new products, citing a severe decline in investor trust.