NYDFS Proposes Guidance on ‘Character and Fitness’ Reviews

13/05/2023

Superintendent Adrienne Harris said character and fitness standards have become a “policy priority” in light of “recent events” in the industry.

EU Backtracks on Financial Advice Inducement Ban – Report

13/05/2023

The new plan is to limit the proposed ban on inducement payments to “execution-only” sales of investment products where no financial advice is delivered.

Crypto / Digital Assets

StanChart to Launch Digital Asset Custody Services from Dubai

13/05/2023

The UAE has a “well-balanced approach” to digital assets, making it an “ideal first market” for the launch, said CEO Bill Winters.

Market Infrastructure

PCAOB Publishes Findings from Audit Inspections of Chinese Firms

12/05/2023

The PCAOB said it found an “unacceptable rate” of deficiencies in the KPMG and PwC audits of US listed Chinese companies it reviewed last year.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Allows FPIs Direct Access to Commodity Derivatives Market

12/05/2023

Direct access will enable FPIs to have direct control over orders and implement better hedging and arbitrage strategies, SEBI said.

Crypto / Digital Assets

BIS Innovation Hub Publishes Guidance on Offline CBDC Payments

12/05/2023

The new handbook is intended as a guide for central banks that are considering the potential implementation of CBDCs with offline functionality.

ESG / Sustainability

ISSB Consults on International Applicability of SASB Standards

12/05/2023

The ISSB is consulting on a proposed methodology for improving the international applicability of the SASB Standards and removing regional bias.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX May Allow Market to Remain Open During Typhoons

12/05/2023

A working group from HKEX and the HKMA is reportedly drafting a plan to allow trading to continue as normal during typhoons and rainstorms.

ESG / Sustainability

Bursa Malaysia, Mah Sing, Alliance Bank to Collaborate on ESG

12/05/2023

Alliance Bank will offer Mah Sing Group’s suppliers, contractors, and consultants incentives to reward them for improving their carbon footprint.