Fintech / Regtech

HKMA to Grant Virtual Banking Licences in Q1 2019

10/12/2018

The HKMA has provided an update on the processing of virtual banking applications, saying it will shortlist one-third of remaining applicants with an aim to granting licences in Q1 2019.

Big Picture

APAC Banks Have Sufficient Buffers to Counter 2019 Risks – Moody’s

07/12/2018

Banks will face challenging conditions in 2019 due to moderating economic growth, slowing credit expansion and US-China trade tensions, but have adequate buffers against growing risks.

Enforcement

Korean Regulators Become Latest Signatories to IOSCO EMMoU

07/12/2018

South Korea’s FSC and FSS have jointly become the 10th member of IOSCO’s EMMoU, which enables cross-border sharing of audit papers and telecommunications and internet records.

AML / KYC

Malaysia Clarifies Regulatory Treatment of Cryptocurrencies

07/12/2018

ICO issuers and digital asset exchanges will be regulated by the Securities Commission and subject to AML/CTF guidelines, as well as BNM laws and regulations relating to payments.

Enforcement

Soros-Linked Fund Manager Fined in Hong Kong for Naked Short Selling

07/12/2018

SFM HK Management Ltd, owned by New York’s Soros Fund Management, was fined HK$1.5mn for short selling Great Wall Motors bonus shares before they were available for trading.

Market Infrastructure

Shanghai-London Stock Connect Launch Delayed – Report

07/12/2018

The launch has reportedly been delayed in connection with a Brexit parliamentary vote and a lack of clarity from Chinese regulators on technical issues.

AML / KYC

G20 Nations Commit to Regulating Cryptocurrencies

06/12/2018

G20 nations have signed a joint declaration calling for regulation of crypto assets to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

Market Infrastructure

SWIFT to Pilot Real-time Error Detection in gpi Payments

06/12/2018

SWIFT gpi pre-validation service will ensure preventable errors and omissions are corrected before initial payment instructions are sent, reducing delays and costs for banks.

Capital / Liquidity

RBI to Reduce Statutory Liquidity Ratio Over 18 Months

06/12/2018

Starting in January 2019, the RBI will reduce the SLR holding requirement by 25 basis points every quarter until it reaches 18% in April 2020.