ESG / Sustainability

MAS Consults on Environmental Risk Management Guidelines for FIs

25/06/2020

The guidelines set out MAS’ supervisory expectations for banks, insurers and asset managers in their governance, risk management, and disclosure of environmental risk.

AML / KYC

FATF Report Addresses ‘Global Threat’ of Illegal Wildlife Trade

25/06/2020

The FATF calls for a coordinated response from public authorities, the private sector and civil society to identify and disrupt financial flows from illegal wildlife trade.

Market Infrastructure

CBDCs Could Amount to ‘Sea Change’ for Payments: BIS

24/06/2020

Covid-19 has highlighted unequal access to payment services for low-income and vulnerable groups. CBDCs present an opportunity to address this shortcoming.

Securities / Derivatives

‘Time is Ripe’ for Hong Kong to Launch A-share Derivatives: CSRC

23/06/2020

CSRC vice chairman Fang Xinghai says the launch of A-share based financial derivatives will bolster Hong Kong as an international financial centre, while also benefitting China’s capital markets.

Enforcement

BaFin Efficacy Called into Question for Wirecard Handling

22/06/2020

Last February, BaFin responded to whistleblower allegations and critical media reports by banning short-selling in Wirecard and filing criminal charges against journalists.

Market Infrastructure

HKEX to Launch Sustainable Finance Information Platform, ‘STAGE’

18/06/2020

Initially, ‘STAGE’ will host information on the 44 green bonds and two ESG-related ETFs listed in Hong Kong. Over time, it could expand to include equities, overseas products, and derivatives.

Securities / Derivatives

US Federal Reserve Launches Bond-Buying Programme

16/06/2020

A step not taken during the 2008 GFC, the Fed has started to buy corporate bonds in the secondary market, in a bid to support market liquidity and ensure credit availability.

AML / KYC

HKMA Spotlights RegTech Use to Implement AML/CFT Measures

15/06/2020

The HKMA outlines four regtech use cases that support the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures at Hong Kong banks.

Market Infrastructure

MAS’ Menon Warns of Looming Debt Risks, Ratings Downgrades

11/06/2020

If Covid-19 is not contained, debt will accumulate and credit risks will mount, leading to ratings downgrades which will exacerbate existing stresses and cause asset sell-offs.