Conduct, Culture & Accountability

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.

Structural Regulation

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.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

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.

Cryptocurrency

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.

AI Risk & Governance

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.

Structural Regulation

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.

Sustainable Finance

HKEX and Brazil's B3 Forge Alliance on Carbon Markets, Sustainable Finance

28/01/2026

The exchange operators will explore potential equity cross-listings and the development of new carbon and ESG products across Asia and South America.

Custody & Infrastructure

HK SFC, UAE CMA Sign Pact on Cross-Border Digital Asset Supervision

28/01/2026

The agreement establishes a framework for information sharing and supervisory cooperation for digital asset firms operating in both jurisdictions.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

HKMA and PCPD to Launch Joint Bank Examinations to Combat Fraud

28/01/2026

The HKMA and PCPD will conduct joint risk-based examinations of banks' anti-fraud and data security controls amid rising deception cases.