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”.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US Lawmaker Proposes to Create Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

31/07/2024

A Hong Kong lawmaker said including Bitcoin in the city’s strategic financial reserves is something that should be considered.

Securities / Derivatives

HKFE to Standardise Automatic Strike Listing Rules for Options

31/07/2024

Rule change will enable automatic strike listing based on daily underlying price movements all the way through to expiry for monthly option contracts.

Japan, Netherlands Sign MoC on Banking Supervision

31/07/2024

Japan’s FSA and the Dutch central bank agree to cooperate and exchange information necessary for the supervision of banks that operate in both jurisdictions.

Sanctions

Austria’s Raiffeisen Working to Sell 60pc of Russian Unit

31/07/2024

Raiffeisen is trying to coordinate with Russian, European and US authorities to sell a 60% stake in its Russian unit.

Enforcement

Six US Banks Agree to Settle Antitrust Litigation for $80m

31/07/2024

The banks allegedly colluded to bid up bond prices at auction and then sell those bonds at inflated prices to pension funds and other investors.