Market Infrastructure

HKMA Asks Hong Kong Banks to Prepare for Benchmark Reform

06/03/2019

The HKMA says the transition to alternative reference rates will have significant implications for authorised institutions’ businesses, risk management and operational processes.

Securities / Derivatives

SWIFT, SGX, SLIB Join Forces to Test Blockchain Based e-Voting

06/03/2019

SWIFT, SGX, and software firm SLIB will collaborate with DBS, Deutsche Bank, HSBC and Standard Chartered to test the use of DLT in e-voting in Asia Pacific.

Enforcement

UPDATED – RBI Fines Multiple Banks for SWIFT Integration Non-Compliance

05/03/2019

The penalties follow directions issued by the RBI in February 2018 requiring banks to link their core banking systems with the SWIFT network.

Securities / Derivatives

China Tightens Requirements on Owners of Futures Companies

05/03/2019

Major shareholders of companies that trade in futures contracts will have higher net asset and profitability requirements under new draft rules from the CSRC.

Philippine President Selects Budget Secretary as New BSP Chief

05/03/2019

Benjamin Diokno will replace the late Nestor Espenilla as the new central bank chief. Observers had expected one of the three deputy governors to be named.

Enforcement

ASIC to Automate Detection of Misleading Advertising Through AI

05/03/2019

ASIC is looking to engage with regtech firms to develop systems that use artificial intelligence to detect misleading advertising and spot disclosure problems in financial advice.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Allows Funds to Participate in Commodity Derivatives

04/03/2019

The entry of funds into commodity derivatives is expected hasten the development of and attract long-term liquidity to India’s commodities markets.

Securities / Derivatives

India Offers FPIs a New Route to Debt Markets

04/03/2019

While the RBI introduces a new scheme to encourage FPI participation in India’s debt markets, SEBI has tweaked valuation norms make debt funds more secure for investors.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Moves to Lower Trading Costs for Investors

04/03/2019

Fees SEBI charges to brokers, stock exchanges and companies seeking to list will be reduced, among other changes aimed at spurring capital market activity.