Sanctions

UK Adds Russia Sanctions, EU Prepares Next Package

14/02/2023

The US will crack down on facilitators and third-country providers helping Russia evade sanctions, whether “wittingly or unwittingly”.

Big Picture

BIS Chief Calls for Regulatory Framework for Big Techs in Finance

11/02/2023

Agustín Carstens says big techs involved in financial services are gaining systemic importance and may quickly become “too big to fail”.

AML / KYC

HKMA Updates Guidance on Transaction Monitoring, Screening, Reporting

10/02/2023

A key objective of the update is to support greater use of technology to generate targeted alerts and more actionable intelligence, the HKMA said.

Sanctions

OFAC Issues Exemptions to Facilitate Syria Earthquake Relief Efforts

09/02/2023

US sanctions in Syria will not stand in the way of life-saving efforts for the Syrian people, said deputy treasury secretary Wally Adeyemo.

Market Infrastructure

RBI to Permit Borrowing and Lending of Government Bonds

09/02/2023

The RBI also decided to restore pre-pandemic market hours for G-secs and release new guidelines on climate risk and sustainable finance “in a phased manner”.

Crypto / Digital Assets

UK Unveils Roadmap to Potential Digital Pound Issuance

08/02/2023

If issued, the digital pound would be subject to strict privacy standards. It would be intended for payments, non-interest-bearing, and subject to an initial cap on holdings.

Market Infrastructure

South Korea to Start Opening Up Domestic FX Market

08/02/2023

In 2024, the interbank FX market will be opened to offshore financial firms that become certified as ‘registered foreign institutions’.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Coinbase’s Exit From Japan Complicates Travel Rule Adoption

07/02/2023

With Coinbase leaving the market, Japanese VASPs using TRUST will likely have to switch to a different travel rule solution.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FSC Korea Details Plans to Introduce Security Token Regulations

06/02/2023

Investors are expected to be able to trade security tokens in 2024 through the digital platforms of major securities firms. General investors will be subject to investment limits.