AML / KYC

China Sanctions 28 Trump Officials as Biden Takes Office

21/01/2021

The 28 officials and their immediate family members will be barred from entering China, Hong Kong and Macao, and restricted from doing business with China.

Enforcement

NAFMII Punishes Bond Underwriters Over SOE Default

21/01/2021

The three banks failed to conduct proper due diligence and verify cash that appeared to be abnormally restricted when underwriting Yongcheng Coal’s bonds.

Market Infrastructure

LME Proposes to Close Europe’s Last Open-outcry Trading Venue

21/01/2021

The LME’s trading ring has been used for metals trading since 1877. It’s temporary closure in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic may end up being permanent.

RBA Report Contradicts Official Stance on Responsible Lending Laws

21/01/2021

An RBA internal report indicates that the absence of responsible lending laws could put borrowers at greater risk, particularly in a low interest rate environment.

Securities / Derivatives

Malaysia Expands Sustainable Sukuk and Bonds Grant Scheme

21/01/2021

Eligible issuers can offset up to 90% of the external review costs incurred for the issuance of sustainable sukuk and bonds, subject to a maximum MYR 300,000 per issuance.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX to Launch New Mini USD/CNH Futures Contract

21/01/2021

The new contract will cater to participants who prefer cash settlement and smaller contract sizes, such as medium-sized corporates and individuals.

Securities / Derivatives

TWSE to Launch New Innovation Board in Q3 This Year

21/01/2021

Companies will be required to meet a market cap threshold of TWD 1.5 billion to list on the new ‘Taiwan Innovation Board’, and profitability requirements will be eased.

Capital / Liquidity

BNM Extends Flexibility to Use Govt Securities to Meet SRR

21/01/2021

Since March 2020, the lower SRR ratio and flexibility to recognise MGS and MGII as part of SRR compliance have released MYR 46 billion in banking system liquidity.

AML / KYC

Financial Crime 2021: Digital ID, Due Diligence, Sanctions

21/01/2021

Last year’s financial crime landscape forced many FIs to rapidly adapt to evolving threats. In the year ahead, a continued focus on risk mitigation is prudent.