
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
Capital / Liquidity
Malaysia Banks Can Withstand Severe Shocks – BNM
16/03/2018
The central bank’s Financial Stability Committee says Malaysian banks have a “strong capacity” to withstand financial shocks comparable to past crises.
Market Infrastructure
India Bans Bank Issuance of Key Trade Finance Instrument
16/03/2018
An estimated $10bn in LoUs will need to be wound down within three months, forcing banks to rebalance assets and liabilities.
Enforcement
CLSA Fined $1.15mn for Internal Control Failures – SFC
15/03/2018
The firm failed to put in place controls to prevent co-mingling of agency execution and client facilitation services.
Fintech / Regtech
Japan to Push G20 for Global AML Rules for Cryptcurrency
14/03/2018
Japan to urge G20 leaders to close money laundering loopholes that exist due to weak regulation in some jurisdictions, without stifling innovation.
Fintech / Regtech
BIS, CPMI Report Outlines Dangers of Central Bank Digital Currencies
14/03/2018
Central bank-issued digital currencies can enhance payments, settlement, efficiency; but financial stability implications warrant consideration.
Crypto / Digital Assets
Thailand to Legalise Cryptocurrency by Royal Decree
14/03/2018
Cryptocurrencies will be classified as assets and regulated by SEC; capital gains from trading to be taxed at 10 percent.
Market Infrastructure
China Banking, Insurance Regulators Set to Merge
14/03/2018
The merger will eliminate inefficiencies and regulatory overlap; rule making powers and prudential supervision responsibilities will transfer to China’s central bank.
Capital / Liquidity
Basel Committee Publishes Follow-up Reports on Basel III Implementation
13/03/2018
The Committee also published an assessment handbook and self-assessment questionnaire to help member jurisdictions prepare for future RCAP assessments.
Enforcement
UPDATED – SFC Hits UBS with Fine, IPO Underwriting Suspension
12/03/2018
The bank was fined $15.2mn and intends to appeal its 18-month suspension from IPO underwriting; possible disciplinary action on eight other firms.
China Regulators Raise Concern on Growing Household Debt
12/03/2018
CBRC chairman warns China could lose its advantage as a nation of savers if debt growth continues to outpace savings.
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