Sanctions

HSBC Wins Approval to Sell Russian Unit to Expobank

21/02/2024

HSBC announced in June 2022 that it had struck a deal to sell its Russian unit, but it has taken until now for approval from Vladimir Putin.

AML / KYC

CBA Becomes First Australia-based LEI Validation Agent

21/02/2024

CBA can now obtain and maintain LEIs for clients leveraging its ‘business-as-usual’ KYC and onboarding processes.

Enforcement

FSS Korea Clarifies Role in Seeking Redress for Investors

21/02/2024

FSS responds to calls for a court, rather than the regulator, should prepare compensation plans for investors in loss-making ELS products.

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.