Capital / Liquidity

RBI Expands One-Time Restructuring Scheme for MSME Loans

11/02/2020

The benefit of one-time restructuring will be extended to include MSME loans in default as of 1 January 2020, with the debt restructuring window also extended to 31 December 2020.

Enforcement

RBNZ Launches Streamlined External Whistleblowing Policy

11/02/2020

“Whistleblowing is a critical avenue for those wanting to shine a light on wrongdoing within regulated entities,” said RBNZ head of supervision Andy Wood.

Securities / Derivatives

Quarterly Reporting Required for 109 Companies: SGX

11/02/2020

94 companies required to use quarterly reporting are issuers with audit concerns, 6 have outstanding regulatory concerns, and 9 are named under both categories.

Capital / Liquidity

PBOC Offers Banks Low-Cost Funding to Support Epidemic Control

11/02/2020

Banks are required to use the special funding to support activities by companies directly linked to controlling the outbreak through loans issued at below-market interest rates.

Enforcement

Australia Passes Bills to Enhance Consumer Protections, Strengthen ASIC

10/02/2020

The bills introduce a best-interests duty for mortgage brokers, ban unfair contract terms in insurance, and enable ASIC to more effectively enforce existing laws.

S. Korean Government Pledges $1.6b to Support New SME Loans

10/02/2020

Funding will be provided through policy banks to help SMEs, small merchants, and self-employed business owners address financing challenges amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Fintech / Regtech

DBS Completes First Fully Digital Trade Financing Settlement on NTP

10/02/2020

DBS was able to cut the trade financing processing time from about a week to under one working day, yielding greater operational efficiencies for trade partners.

Fintech / Regtech

S. Korea’s KakaoPay Green-lit to Offer Brokerage Services

10/02/2020

The FSC has granted final approval to KakaoPay allowing it to acquire Baro Investment & Securities and enter the brokerage services space.

HSBC Provides Relief to Customers Impacted by Outbreak

10/02/2020

HSBC becomes the latest Hong Kong bank to announce relief measures for business owners impacted by the novel coronavirus and its effects on the economy.