Capital / Liquidity

Vietnam Proposes Raising Cap on State Funds in Banks to Ease Liquidity

20/01/2026

The MOF has proposed a temporary increase in the limit on idle state funds held at commercial banks to ease year-end liquidity pressures.

Securities / Derivatives

Korea Reviews Easing Leveraged ETF Rules to Lure Retail Investors

20/01/2026

The move aims to counter capital flight by allowing products like single-stock leveraged ETFs, currently banned in the country.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Outlines Roadmap to Modernise Trade Finance with 20-Point Plan

20/01/2026

The HKMA has published a 20-point plan to digitise trade finance, aiming to boost SME lending and connectivity.

Fintech / Regtech

Korea to Ease Network Separation Rules to Permit Cloud SaaS in Finance

20/01/2026

The move allows firms to use approved SaaS on internal networks, but introduces strict security controls and excludes generative AI tools.

ESG / Sustainability

SFC Chair Calls on Listed Companies to Bolster Succession Planning Efforts

20/01/2026

SFC Chairman highlighted ageing corporate boards as a key risk facing Hong Kong's listed companies, calling for succession planning to be treated as a core fiduciary duty.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan's JCB, Resona to Pilot Retail Stablecoin Payments in Regulatory Sandbox

20/01/2026

The collaboration between JCB, Resona and, Digital Garage, aims to test USD and JPY-pegged stablecoins at physical stores.

Securities / Derivatives

Thai Political Parties Propose Capital Market Overhaul to Restore Confidence

19/01/2026

Eight parties outlined plans to boost liquidity, tighten governance, and introduce new products, citing a severe decline in investor trust.

Enforcement

Korea FSS Launches Probe into Card Firms After Shinhan Data Leak

19/01/2026

The industry-wide inspection follows a leak of nearly 200,000 pieces of personal data by Shinhan Card employees, prompting a review of internal controls.

ESG / Sustainability

Korea Forms New Task Force to Advance Governance Reforms

19/01/2026

A new regulatory task force will draft legal amendments by March to tackle 'cronyism' and entrenchment at financial firms.