Anti-Money Laundering

US Returns $300m of Misappropriated 1MDB Funds to Malaysia

15/04/2020

The funds includes proceeds from assets that Malaysia financier Jho Low allegedly bought with stolen 1MDB money before his $700mn forfeit last year.

Liquidity Risk

Hedge Funds Have Sufficient Liquidity, Low Leverage: IOSCO

15/04/2020

Hedge funds were found to have sufficient portfolio liquidity to meet investor redemption demands under normal market conditions, based on end-September 2018 data.

Trading & Investment

Malaysia, Shenzhen Bourses Enter MoU on Cross-border Collaboration

15/04/2020

The MoU will facilitate the display and joint promotion of Bursa Malaysia and SZSE benchmark indices in each other’s markets.

Custody & Infrastructure

Two Singapore Bodies Merge to Form New Blockchain Association

15/04/2020

The new industry body will be co-chaired by SFA president Chia Hock Lai and OneConnect Financial Technology’s APAC chief Ms Tan Bin Ru.

Structural Regulation

CBIRC Simplifies Administrative Licensing for Trust Companies

15/04/2020

The licensing rules reflect the cancellation of a $1bn asset threshold previously required of foreign financial institutions that invest in domestic trust companies.

Operational Risk

FSC Taiwan Probes Trading Controls at Hua Nan Securities

15/04/2020

Hua Nan Securities reportedly lost $158mn on derivative warrants in March as a result of poor internal controls.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Cambodia: Securities Regulator to Undergo Digital Transformation

15/04/2020

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia will develop a digital reporting system and adopt technology requirements in its regulatory framework.

Structural Regulation

Thailand: SET Gets Powers to Respond to Market Disruptions

15/04/2020

In a market disruption event, the SET board now has the power to prohibit short selling and algorithmic trading on the spot, among other measures.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Bangladesh: Bankers Get Incentives to Work During Lockdown

15/04/2020

The central bank has ordered banks pay officers and employees full month salary for 10 days’ work during Covid-19 lockdown.