Bangladesh Relaxes Rules on Obtaining Credit for Foreign Firms

29/07/2020

Foreign-owned and controlled companies in Bangladesh will be able to obtain local currency loans using guarantees from overseas entities, the latest in a string of relaxations.

Securities / Derivatives

BSEC Needs to Step Up Its Game, say Market Participants

25/07/2020

BSEC is working to speed up the IPO process and barriers to listing, amid calls for more diversified products and better transparency and governance in the capital market.

Sri Lanka Banks No Longer ‘Scared’ to grant Covid-19 Loans

23/07/2020

Banks no longer need to risk weight the loans against capital due to a guarantee scheme announced by CBSL earlier this month.

RBI Sets Fair Practices Code for Asset Reconstruction Companies

19/07/2020

The new Code sets out transparent and fair procedures for when asset reconstruction companies acquire assets from banks, along with anti-harassment provisions to protect borrowers.

Capital / Liquidity

BSEC Frames Rules for Mandatory Trading of Banks’ Perpetual Bonds

16/07/2020

Two banks have received conditional approval to list perpetual bonds on Bangladesh’s stock exchanges, while BSEC works to frame its rules for the listings.

Sri Lanka Relaxes Rules for Capital Inflows, Restricts Outflows

16/07/2020

Sri Lanka has increased the amount of foreign currency that can be physically brought into the country to be deposited into a ‘Special Deposit Account’.

Securities / Derivatives

Bangladesh Banks Show Little Interest in Stock Market Investment

15/07/2020

Despite a central bank programme offering credit support for banks to invest in the stock market, banks are showing little interest in participating.

Banks ‘Must’ Pass on Reduce Rates to Borrowers: CBSL

10/07/2020

Sri Lanka’s central bank has cut interest rates again and is ramping up pressure for banks to reduce the rates they charge borrowers, particularly small businesses.

Enforcement

Indonesia’s Planned Bank Regulation Reshuffle Will Take Time

08/07/2020

President Joko Widodo’s plan to return bank oversight functions to Bank Indonesia is unlikely to be an immediate fix for the ongoing Covid-19 related challenges.