Sanctions

EU Allows Humanitarian Exception in Terrorism Sanctions Regime

20/02/2024

The decision comes after the EU established a dedicated framework in January to allow it to target Hamas and PIJ facilitators with sanctions.

Sanctions

OFAC Issues Guidance on Humanitarian Assistance to Yemen

20/02/2024

The guidance provides clarity on the flow of humanitarian assistance and trade to the Yemeni people after the designation of the Houthis.

Market Infrastructure

PBOC Cuts Benchmark Mortgage Rate to Boost Property Market

20/02/2024

This is the largest cut to the five-year loan prime rate since the rate was revamped in 2019.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan: Cabinet Approves Bill to Allow VC Investment in Crypto

20/02/2024

The move is expected to enable VC firms to engage in projects that exclusively deal with crypto issuance, such as Web3 startups.

Securities / Derivatives

CSRC Solicits Suggestions on Improving Capital Market

20/02/2024

Market participants have called for strict control over IPO access and stronger supervision of listed companies.

Sanctions

EU, US, UK to Respond to Death of Top Putin Critic With Sanctions

20/02/2024

Aleksei Navalny, who survived a poisoning four years ago, died in a remote Arctic prison where he was serving a three-decade sentence.

Enforcement

CBA Fined A$10.3m for Underpaying Employees

20/02/2024

Across Australia, some 7,400 CBA and CommSec employees were underpaid A$16mn from 2015 to 2021.

Sanctions

US Eases Restrictions on DRPK Humanitarian Activities

18/02/2024

NGOs will be able to engage in a broader range of humanitarian-related activities involving North Korea with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

AML / KYC

NatWest to Claw Back Bonuses from Ex-Staff Over 2021 AML Fine

18/02/2024

Malus, clawback or reduction notices will be applied to ten individuals who were in role when the failures occurred but have since left NatWest.