Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Korea Targets Leveraged ETFs, ‘Finfluencers’ in Consumer Protection Push

21/05/2026

The regulator has voiced concerns over retail speculation and market volatility, unveiling pre-emptive measures for securities, insurance, and social media influencers.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Orders External Audit of NSW Club Over AML Weaknesses

21/05/2026

AUSTRAC has ordered a major Sydney club operator to appoint an external auditor amid concerns over money laundering controls for poker machines.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

FMA Sets Out Expectations for New Zealand Insurance Act

21/05/2026

New Zealand’s financial regulator has warned insurers to begin preparations now for the new Contracts of Insurance Act, which comes into force in November 2027.

Market Data & Technology

SFC Mandates Firms to Participate in Rehearsal for HKEX Network Upgrade

21/05/2026

Regulators are requiring exchange participants to test a significant network overhaul, with a focus on operational readiness and investor ID systems.

Supervision & Enforcement

Evergrande Liquidators Seek USD 8.4 Billion from PwC in Hong Kong Lawsuit

21/05/2026

The lawsuit, one of the largest in Hong Kong’s history, targets PwC’s global, Hong Kong and mainland China entities over alleged audit negligence.

Clearing & Post-Trade

Korea to Host Forum on T+1 Settlement, Eyes 2027 Launch

21/05/2026

Authorities and industry will discuss the move to a shorter settlement cycle, aiming to align with global trends despite significant operational hurdles.

Stablecoins

Japan's Ruling Party Approves AI and On-Chain Finance Blueprint

21/05/2026

The policy proposal calls for a five-year roadmap to develop a new financial infrastructure using tokenised deposits, yen stablecoins, and AI.

Stablecoins

Japan Finalises Rules, Creating Legal Path for Foreign Stablecoins

20/05/2026

The regulator has amended key ordinances, allowing certain foreign trust-based stablecoins to be treated as payment instruments, not securities, from 1 June.

Structural Regulation

Australia Overhauls Foreign Investment Rules to Fast-Track Low-Risk Deals

20/05/2026

The government has announced reforms to streamline approvals for low-risk investments while increasing scrutiny over sensitive sectors and national security risks.