Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Launches Enhanced Competency Framework on Fintech

06/12/2021

Banks are “strongly encouraged” to adopt the ECF-Fintech as part of their overall efforts to support the professional development of employees.

Market Infrastructure

FSB Reports Further Progress on OTC Derivatives Reforms

05/12/2021

15 out of 24 FSB member jurisdictions have implemented higher capital requirements for non-centrally cleared derivatives, compared to just 8 in 2020.

Securities / Derivatives

China Regulators Grow Increasingly Cautious of Quant Funds

05/12/2021

AMAC has reportedly closed a fast-track channel for quant fund managers, reflecting concerns that algo-based trading can increase volatility and unfairness in markets.

Enforcement

Hong Kong FRC Launches New Whistleblowing Policy

05/12/2021

Protecting whistleblowers’ identities will be the FRC’s highest priority. It will not share any personal information to outside parties unless it is “legally obliged to do so”.

AML / KYC

Interpol Concludes Global Operation Targeting Wildlife & Timber Crime

05/12/2021

Customs, police, FIUs and wildlife and forestry enforcement agencies in 118 countries participated in the operation, which has led to hundreds of arrests and over 1,000 seizures.

Securities / Derivatives

Thai SEC Seeks to Smooth Transition to Mandatory Pension

05/12/2021

The SEC proposes changes to reduce the chance of voluntary provident funds being dissolved or liquidated, which it says could impact THB 1.3 trillion in capital market investments.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Proposes to Ease Rules on Preferential Share Issuance

05/12/2021

The regulator proposes relaxed pricing norms, a shorter lock-in period, and to allow promoters to pledge shares for loans during the lock-in period.

ESG / Sustainability

HKEX Launches Net Zero Guide, ESG Metrics on STAGE

05/12/2021

The Net Zero Guide will help companies develop a pathway to net-zero. A new equities section on STAGE will provide a consolidated view of ESG ratings from different providers.

Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Directs Market to Display Investor Charter, Complaints Data

04/12/2021

From January 2022, stock exchanges, merchant bankers and RTAs will need to publish the new investor charter as well as complaints data on their websites.