Payments & Settlements

Nepal and Sri Lanka Launch Cross-Border QR Payment System

18/05/2026

The linkage connects the two countries' national payment infrastructures, allowing Nepali travellers to pay at LankaQR merchants using domestic apps.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

India Strengthens Cyber Fraud Fight with I4C-RBIH Collaboration

18/05/2026

A new pact between a home ministry cybercrime unit and the RBI's Innovation Hub will see shared intelligence used to train AI models against mule accounts.

Tokenisation

Mitsui & Co Issues Japan's First Land-Backed Digital Security

18/05/2026

A security token backed by land leasehold rights has been issued under the FIEA, signalling a new phase for tokenised assets in Japan.

Alternative Markets

Bangladesh Banks Jointly Launch BDT 4.25bn Fund for Startups

18/05/2026

A consortium of 39 banks has launched a venture capital firm under a central bank directive to boost local startups.

Trading & Investment

Taiwan Relaxes Rules on Related-Party OTC Trades for Asset Managers

18/05/2026

The change permits discretionary managers to trade with related parties for professional and high-net-worth clients, aiming to boost the asset management sector.

Structural Regulation

Pakistan Passes Bills on Financial Netting, EXIM Bank, Fiscal Reform

18/05/2026

New legislation provides legal certainty for financial netting, overhauls governance at the state-owned EXIM bank, and strengthens public debt management.

Climate Risk

EU, China and Brazil Launch Coalition to Bolster Carbon Market Standards

18/05/2026

New initiative will focus on strengthening rules for monitoring, accounting, and the use of high-integrity credits in compliance markets globally.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Thailand Extradites Alleged Leader of Cybercrime Group to Korea

18/05/2026

The suspect is accused of stealing personal data to drain financial and crypto accounts, with victims including business leaders and K-pop star Jungkook.

Supervision & Enforcement

ASIC Appeals AUD 7 Million Penalty in Cigno, BSF Case

18/05/2026

ASIC has appealed a civil penalty against two firms and their directors, arguing it is insufficient for deterrence and seeks clarification on key legal points.