Custody & Infrastructure

New Zealand FMA Finds Weaknesses in Client Asset Protection

03/09/2026

FMA review identified weaknesses in how financial advice and investment management providers oversee client assets, particularly when custody is outsourced.

Cryptocurrency

ASIC Issues Final Call for Digital Asset Licensing

03/09/2026

ASIC has set a 30 September 2026 deadline for digital asset firms to secure operating licences, marking the end of its transitional relief period.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Japan Finalises New Sales Conduct Rules for Insurance Agents

02/09/2026

The rules, applying from March 2028, will require tied agents selling small-amount, short-term insurance to provide comparative product information and justify recommendations.

Stablecoins

Japan FSA Proposes Tax Filing Exemption for Trust-Type Stablecoins

02/09/2026

The FSA has requested an exemption from tax reporting rules for trust-based stablecoins to reduce administrative burdens for trustees.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Australia Consults on Streamlining Financial Accountability Regime

02/09/2026

APRA and ASIC are proposing to reduce FAR reporting burdens by removing requirements related to key functions and accountability map details.

AI Risk & Governance

Australian Institutes Launch AI Risk Framework for Financial Sector

02/09/2026

New guidance helps financial firms manage AI risks, responding to a governance gap highlighted by regulators APRA and ASIC.

Structural Regulation

Korea Cools Investor Demand for Leveraged ETF Products

02/09/2026

Korean regulators have successfully cooled retail investor demand for risky leveraged products after introducing a mandatory and onerous simulated trading course.

Anti-Money Laundering

Philippines AMLC Deploys AI to Strengthen AML Capabilities

02/09/2026

The AMLC is using AI to analyse millions of transaction reports, following a significant budget increase backed by lawmakers.

Sustainable Finance

Hong Kong Calls for Singapore Alliance on Green Finance, AI Rulemaking

02/09/2026

Financial Secretary Paul Chan urges a shift from rivalry to ‘co-opetition’ to set regional standards for finance and technology and boost Asia’s competitiveness.