Capital / Liquidity

Bangladesh Bank Eases Limits on Bad Loan Write-offs

08/02/2019

New policies on write-offs are aimed at reducing NPLs on banks’ books. Meanwhile, the government has revealed a plan to probe defaulting borrowers and their bankers.

Philippine Banks Required to Report on Deposit, Loan Rates

08/02/2019

Bank interest rates on loans and deposits will be published to allow consumers to compare costs, and to enhance the BSP’s monitoring and analysis.

Market Infrastructure

MAS Consults on Revisions to Banking Act

08/02/2019

Among the amendments are proposals to expand the grounds for which MAS can revoke a bank licence, and expanded circumstances for auditors to report on a bank’s financial soundness.

Fintech / Regtech

MAS Proposes New Requirements for Banks’ Outsourced Functions

08/02/2019

The proposals will expand MAS’ powers to impose requirements on banks’ and merchant banks’ outsourcing arrangements, regardless of where outsourced functions are performed.

Enforcement

NAB Chief Steps Down Amid Royal Commission Criticism

07/02/2019

Commissioner Hayne said in his Final Report that NAB “stands apart” from the other major banks and questioned whether its senior leadership was capable of reforming the bank’s culture.

Enforcement

SEBI Directs Exchanges to Check Volatile Stocks for Manipulation

07/02/2019

SEBI has asked the BSE and NSE to boost intra-day surveillance to check unusually volatile stocks for possible manipulation.

Market Infrastructure

India to Set Up Unified Regulator for GIFT City Financial Services

07/02/2019

A bill to establish a unified regulator to oversee financial services at India’s GIFT City has been approved by the country’s cabinet.

Securities / Derivatives

ISDA Launches Digital Platform to Automate IM Documentation

07/02/2019

‘ISDA Create – IM’ is expected to significantly reduce the time and resources it takes to negotiate margin documentation for participants in non-cleared OTC derivatives markets.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Australia Solicits Comments on Regulatory Framework for ICOs

06/02/2019

A bespoke framework for ICOs can provide regulatory clarity and encourage economic activity, but the costs and benefits must be weighed, says a paper from Australia’s Treasury.