Enforcement

2017 a Punishing Year for Naughty Traders in China

18/12/2017

China securities regulator has issued 206 administrative penalties in 2017, more than $1bn in fines; increasing cooperation with HK SFC.

Capital / Liquidity

Korea to Ban Foreigners from Cryptocurrency Trading Accounts

18/12/2017

Government has made abrupt about turn to legitimize cryptocurrencies by bringing them under greater regulatory purview.

Capital / Liquidity

Geopolitical Risk a Grave Concern for Financial Services in 2018

14/12/2017

DTCC report says cyber risk continues to be seen as greatest threat, but many firms now see geopolitical issues as one of the five biggest concerns.

Capital / Liquidity

China Tackles Online Lending Risk with Information Platform

14/12/2017

More than 110 internet firms subscribe to platform which reveals corporate governance and transaction volume of online loans.

Market Infrastructure

Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia Launch Local Currency Clearing

13/12/2017

Deal involving multiple regional banks, which takes effect on 2 January, will enable wider use of domestic currencies in financial investment.

Enforcement

Hong Kong Court Confirms Legality of SFC-CSRC Information Sharing

12/12/2017

Judge rejects legal challenge to transfer of documents seized by SFC during execution of a search warrant to the Chinese securities regulator.

AML / KYC

Australia Makes Cryptocurrencies ‘Equivalent to Cash’ for AML/CTF Purposes

11/12/2017

**Australia joins Japan in recognising cryptocurrencies as a store of value, international transactions of $7,500 or more must be reported.
**

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Rejects Japan-style Embrace of Cryptocurrencies

11/12/2017

Government official says Hong Kong will continue to regard cryptocurrencies as commodities, won’t legitimise through regulation.

Securities / Derivatives

Malaysia to Allow Retail Investment in Wholesale Bond, Sukuk Market

11/12/2017

**Securities regulator hopes to introduce regulations by first quarter of next year to democratise $300bn market.
**