ESG / Sustainability

Net-Zero Banking Alliance Halts Activities After Mass Exodus

29/08/2025

The UN-backed climate group, hit by a political backlash in the US, will vote on abandoning its membership model after a wave of high-profile bank departures.

Enforcement

HK AFRC Fines Deloitte HKD 1.9M in Landmark Mainland China Data Case

29/08/2025

The action against Deloitte and two partners, part of a wider crackdown, marks the first case using audit papers obtained via a cross-border pact with China.

Securities / Derivatives

HK SFC Fines Deutsche Bank $3 Million for Regulatory Breaches

29/08/2025

The fine covers an eight-year period and includes overcharging clients, incorrect risk ratings, and failure to disclose conflicts in research.

Securities / Derivatives

China Grants First Approval to Foreign-Sponsored REIT

29/08/2025

The CSRC has approved Singapore-based CapitaLand Investment's retail REIT for a Shanghai listing, a first for a foreign firm.

New Zealand Finalises Revised Financial Advice Code

29/08/2025

The updated code, effective from November, focuses on continuous professional development and shared responsibility for competence without raising minimum qualification levels.

Enforcement

China Imprisons Ex-Agricultural Bank Vice President for Life for Bribery

29/08/2025

A Chinese court has convicted the former bank executive of accepting CNY 84.51 million in bribes, imposing a life-long prison term and asset confiscation order.

Korea Enacts BDC Framework to Channel Capital into Innovation

29/08/2025

Capital Markets Act amendment introduces Business Development Companies, with stringent disclosure, lock-up and investor-protection requirements.

Fintech / Regtech

Bangladesh Seeks Investors to Privatise Nagad Payments Platform

29/08/2025

Bangladesh Bank to invite private investors for Nagad privatisation, enforce mandatory QR code adoption and boost digital finance reforms.

Crypto / Digital Assets

India’s CBDT Reportedly Engaging Industry on Crypto Tax Reform

29/08/2025

India’s tax authority is consulting with crypto firms on easing punitive rules amid offshore migration and declining market liquidity.