Structural Regulation

Hong Kong Regulator to Finalize REIT Code Changes

25/07/2014

The Securities and Futures Commission is finalising amendments to the Real Estate Investment Trust Code (REIT) which will allow REIT managers to invest in financial instruments and property development activities, after many industry participants supported the measure.

Structural Regulation

IOSCO Seeks Improvement in TIBOR, Other Key Financial Benchmarks

23/07/2014

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) asked administrators of Tokyo Inter-Bank Offer Rate (TIbor) and two other financial benchmarks to look into the soundness of their rate-setting approach in terms of the methodology’s design, data sufficiency and transparency.

Structural Regulation

India’s SEBI Plans Separate Governance Norms for Big Corporates

23/07/2014

India’s market regulator is planning a separate corporate governance standards for big and complex business groups.

Structural Regulation

Indonesia’s Proposed Bank Ownership Policy to Impact Malaysian Lenders

23/07/2014

Malaysian ownership of Indonesian banks came under the spotlight following a proposed bill that compels foreign banks to trim their shareholding to 40%.

Market Abuse

Australian Regulator Censures RBS over Interest Rate Manipulation

22/07/2014

Australia’s securities regulator has censured the Royal Bank of Scotland for its role in manipulating Australia’s bank bill swap rate.

Structural Regulation

China to Relax Foreign Ownership Control in Fund Industry

22/07/2014

China’s main financial regulator signalled a loosening of rules governing foreign control in fund companies.

Payments & Settlements

China, Switzerland Sign Currency Swap Agreement

22/07/2014

China’s central bank announced it signed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Swiss National Bank worth 150 billion yuan, or 21 billion Swiss francs ($24.4 billion).

Trading & Investment

Singapore Plans Stronger Safeguards for Investors

22/07/2014

The Monetary Authority of Singapore will require providers of investment products to rate their offerings for complexity and risks, as part of measures aimed at enhancing regulatory framework to safeguard investors’ interests.

KYC & CDD

Australian Banks Face Pressure Over Real Estate Loans to Foreigners

22/07/2014

Australian banks are coming under scrutiny as politicians investigate their role in helping fund foreign investment in real estate.