AML / KYC

HK Banks Extend Fraud Alerting Service to Counter Transactions

02/08/2024

HKMA said customers will receive fraud risk alerts regardless of whether a transfer is conducted at a branch or through online channels.

Sanctions

OFAC Sanctions More Houthi Procurement Facilitators

02/08/2024

The sanctions target “key actors” located in China, Hong Kong, and Yemen who have “directly supported” the Houthis’ weapons procurement efforts.

ESG / Sustainability

Gold Standard Carbon Credits Debut on HKEX Carbon Marketplace

02/08/2024

Gold Standard’s Verified Emission Reductions can now be traded on the Core Climate platform. Trading fees are waived until further notice

Securities / Derivatives

Sumitomo Mitsui to Launch First Private Fund in China

02/08/2024

Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management is just the second Japanese firm after Nomura to offer a registered private fund in China.

Sanctions

China Adjust Export Controls for Drones and Related Tech

02/08/2024

The measures explicitly ban the export of all civilian drones that are intended for “non-peaceful purposes” such as terrorist and military activities.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Russia Advances Bill to Enable Cross-border Payments in Crypto

01/08/2024

The law is expected to take effect on 1 September, formally allowing the use of crypto in payments for international trade transactions.

Australia’s ANZ Completes Acquisition of Suncorp Bank

01/08/2024

The transaction, which enhances ANZ’s footprint in Queensland, was authorised by the Australian Competition Tribunal in February and the Treasurer in June.

Market Infrastructure

BOJ Raises Interest Rate to Highest Level Since 2008

01/08/2024

The BOJ also said it would gradually reduce its monthly bond buying from JPY 6 trillion to JPY 3 trillion by Q1 2026.

Enforcement

Prominent Short Seller Andrew Left Charged for Securities Fraud

31/07/2024

The DOJ and SEC said Andrew Left used social media and TV appearances to promote his trades, manipulate the market, and “make fast, easy money”.