
Manesh Samtani is the Editor at Regulation Asia, where he leads the regional news desk from Hong Kong, directing coverage of critical regulatory developments impacting financial services across APAC. Manesh specialises in analysing how new rules and technologies are reshaping banking, capital markets, and the fight against financial crime, providing finance professionals, compliance leaders, and policymakers with the intelligence they need to navigate risk and understand the impact of regulatory change in the region. manesh@regulationasia.com

Trending
Hong Kong Extends PAPT E-Payment Framework to Secondary Property Market
06/02/2026
The move aims to speed up settlements and mitigate systemic risks associated with traditional cheque-based transactions.

Enforcement
Korea to Grant Investigative Powers to FSS, with Oversight by FSC
06/02/2026
The FSS will gain the right to initiate investigations into market abuse, but under the supervision of the FSC to address concerns over potential overreach.

Securities / Derivatives
SC Malaysia Issues Guidance on Digital Asset Broking Services
06/02/2026
The new framework requires strict operational readiness, client asset protection, and third-party validation for licensed brokers.

ESG / Sustainability
IPSASB Issues First Global Climate Reporting Standard for Public Sector
05/02/2026
The new standard, aligned with the ISSB's IFRS S2, aims to boost transparency on climate-related fiscal risks in public finances.

Securities / Derivatives
Hong Kong Fund Industry Could Double With Tokenisation: Report
05/02/2026
Whitepaper from BCG, Aptos Labs and Hang Seng Bank outlines a policy and technology roadmap for token-based finance.

ESG / Sustainability
FSC Korea Outlines Plans for Introducing Mandatory ESG Disclosures
05/02/2026
The regulator plans a phased-in approach starting with large firms. Scope 3 emissions will be included after a grace period

Trending
HK Official Details Bond Market Reforms, Eyes E-Trading and CGB Futures
05/02/2026
Regulators are studying an electronic trading platform, preparing to launch offshore CGB futures, and exploring wider use of tokenised bonds.

Securities / Derivatives
South Korea to Ban Executives for Accounting Fraud in Transparency Push
04/02/2026
Regulators will impose market exit penalties, mandate external oversight for major audit firms, and penalise low-ball audit bids to boost investor confidence.

Trending
South Korea Issues New Conflict of Interest Rules for Banks
04/02/2026
The guidelines, effective from July, broaden the definition of related parties and impose stricter controls.

Fintech / Regtech
Japan Proposes Rules for Handling Foreign-Issued Stablecoins
04/02/2026
The proposals would bring certain foreign trust-based stablecoins into Japan's regulatory framework, imposing strict equivalence and due diligence rules on local handlers.
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