New Zealand Finalises Revised Financial Advice Code

29/08/2025

The updated code, effective from November, focuses on continuous professional development and shared responsibility for competence without raising minimum qualification levels.

Enforcement

China Imprisons Ex-Agricultural Bank Vice President for Life for Bribery

29/08/2025

A Chinese court has convicted the former bank executive of accepting CNY 84.51 million in bribes, imposing a life-long prison term and asset confiscation order.

Korea Enacts BDC Framework to Channel Capital into Innovation

29/08/2025

Capital Markets Act amendment introduces Business Development Companies, with stringent disclosure, lock-up and investor-protection requirements.

Fintech / Regtech

Bangladesh Seeks Investors to Privatise Nagad Payments Platform

29/08/2025

Bangladesh Bank to invite private investors for Nagad privatisation, enforce mandatory QR code adoption and boost digital finance reforms.

Crypto / Digital Assets

India’s CBDT Reportedly Engaging Industry on Crypto Tax Reform

29/08/2025

India’s tax authority is consulting with crypto firms on easing punitive rules amid offshore migration and declining market liquidity.

India Establishes High-Level Forum to Overhaul Pension Regulation

29/08/2025

New inter-agency platform aims to harmonise pension oversight, improve consumer protection, and support product innovation across schemes.

Vietnam Opens Gold Bullion Production Market to Commercial Banks

28/08/2025

Decree ends the government's gold monopoly, allowing commercial banks to obtain licences and driving trade through regulated channels.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Draft Virtual Asset Law Awaiting Review in Taiwan Legislative Body

28/08/2025

The draft law will establish binding requirements for digital-asset operators and stablecoin issuers. One bank is exploring TWD stablecoin issuance.

Securities / Derivatives

Japan FSA Holds Inaugural Meeting of Disclosure Working Group

27/08/2025

The working group discussed the proposal to phase in ISSB-based reporting requirements, along with safe harbour rules and changes to the small-offer regime.