S. Korean Regulators Require More Transparency on Bank Loans

23/01/2019

New rules requiring disclosures to customers of credit assessment procedures and loan rate calculations have been introduced by South Korean regulators.

Fintech / Regtech

Australia Consults on Strategic Vision for Payments Sector

23/01/2019

The Australian Payments Council is inviting comments to review it 2015 Australian Payments Plan aimed at supporting digital payments.

Securities / Derivatives

S. Korea Broadens Professional Investor Pool to Boost Capital Markets

23/01/2019

In addition to easing the requirements for registering as a professional investor, the FSC will introduce a new class of brokerage firm that will specialise in channelling funds to SMEs.

Market Infrastructure

China, Germany Enhance Capital Markets, Banking Cooperation

23/01/2019

The two countries will promote depository receipts, build an offshore market for A-share index derivatives in Frankfurt, and improve access for banks and insurers in either market.

Securities / Derivatives

Bank of Korea to Entrust Foreign Reserves to Local Asset Managers

22/01/2019

South Korea’s central bank said it plans to entrust local asset managers with up to $300mn of its investments in developed markets.

Enforcement

S. Korean Regulator Fines Four Global Banks for Rigging FX Derivatives

22/01/2019

South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has fined JP Morgan, HSBC, Deutsche Bank and StanChart a combined $613,000 for rigging forex derivative prices.

Securities / Derivatives

China Bourses Ease Restrictions on Lending Against Pledged Shares

22/01/2019

The SSE and SZSE have extended the repurchase period for pledged shares to over three years and loosened restrictions on the number of shares that can be pledged.

Securities / Derivatives

India’s Brokers Push Back Against Higher Margining for Equity Derivatives

22/01/2019

Brokers say SEBI’s new margining norms increase the cost of trading without any real reduction in risk and will result in “unprecedented damage” to India’s equity derivatives market.

Securities / Derivatives

Affin Hwang, Bursa Malaysia Launch Retail SBL Facility

21/01/2019

Affin Hwang Investment Bank and Bursa Malaysia have formally launched a securities borrowing and lending facility for retail investors.