
Manesh Samtani is Editor at Regulation Asia, where he leads the editorial and research teams from Hong Kong. His work examines how regulatory change and technology are reshaping banking and financial markets, with a particular focus on digital assets, financial crime and sanctions. Manesh is a former securities industry practitioner and holds a bachelor's degree in finance and banking. manesh@regulationasia.com

Reporting & Disclosures
IOSCO Announces Formal Endorsement of ISSB Standards
25/07/2023
IOSCO is now calling on regulators around the world to consider adopting the ISSB standards in their local jurisdictions.

Trading & Investment
Mainland Investors Cut Off from Using Northbound Stock Connect
25/07/2023
As of 25 July, exchange participants are not allowed to register new BCANs for clients who are Mainland investors.

Cryptocurrency
FSS Korea Issues ‘Best Practices’ Guidance on Crypto-related Disclosures
25/07/2023
The FSS provides sample footnote disclosures for virtual asset issuers, holders, and exchanges, in line with new crypto asset accounting and disclosure guidelines.

Anti-Money Laundering
Couple Responsible for 2016 Bitfinex Hack Reach Plea Deal
24/07/2023
The 119,754 bitcoin stolen was worth $71mn at the time of the hack. When the couple was arrested in Feb 2022, it was worth over $4.5mn.

CBDCs
Russian President Signs CBDC Bill Into Law
24/07/2023
The central bank will begin piloting a digital ruble in August, with 13 banks and about 30 enterprises from 11 cities participating.

Cryptocurrency
Indonesia Launches National Cryptocurrency Exchange
24/07/2023
The new exchange will serve as the only trading venue in the country where digital assets can be exchanged legally.

Anti-Money Laundering
US DOJ Elevates Crypto Enforcement Team Within Criminal Division
24/07/2023
NCET will merge into the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, more than doubling the number of prosecutors available to work on crypto-related crime.

PEPs & Sanctions
Western Allies Announce New Sanctions to Deter Russia
21/07/2023
US sanctions include Russian metal producers and financial institutions. Canada targeted Russia’s military-industrial complex. UK, Australia and EU also have new targets.

Structural Regulation
Shanghai, Shenzhen Bourses Tighten Rules on GDR Listings
20/07/2023
The new rules are aimed at preventing Chinese investors participating in GDR offerings from exploiting home market price differences.

Structural Regulation
EU Commission Seeks to Further Extend Transition Period for Third-country Benchmarks
20/07/2023
The European Commission says the extension is necessary to avoid destabilising the asset management sector and financial stability risks.
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