Payments & Settlements

RBNZ Proposes Overhaul of New Zealand’s Retail Payments System

20/08/2026

The RBNZ has launched a consultation to modernise the country's retail payment system, citing significant gaps and proposing major governance and infrastructure reforms.

Clearing & Post-Trade

ASX Finalises Higher Capital Rules for Third-Party Clearing

20/08/2026

Following industry consultation, ASX will proceed with plans to double the base capital requirement for third-party clearers to AUD 10 million, aiming to better reflect their risk profile.

Trading & Investment

Korea to Revise Tax Plan After Investor Backlash

20/08/2026

The government is reconsidering controversial changes to savings accounts and property taxes following widespread public and political criticism of its 2026 reform package.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Proposes Major Overhaul of Securities Law

20/08/2026

Draft amendments aim to digitise services, ease rules for exchange-traded funds, and streamline licensing to boost market development and upgrade efforts.

Structural Regulation

US Firms Push to Introduce Leveraged ETFs on Japanese Stocks

19/08/2026

US asset managers are seeking to launch leveraged ETFs tracking Japanese stocks, raising concerns about market volatility and regulatory arbitrage.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Australia Uncovers Coordinated Mortgage Fraud Across Major Banks

19/08/2026

AUSTRAC has uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent loans, prompting a "wake-up call" for lenders to tighten controls.

Trading & Investment

Hong Kong to Launch New Gold Trading System in 2027

19/08/2026

A new entity will launch a unified gold trading platform with pilot operations set for Q1 2027, aiming to modernise the market and connect with regulatory systems.

Trading & Investment

USD-Yuan Becomes Hong Kong's Most-Traded Currency Pair for First Time

19/08/2026

The milestone comes as total average daily FX turnover in the city surged past USD 900 billion, amid a concerted push by authorities to bolster Hong Kong's offshore RMB hub status.

PEPs & Sanctions

Australia Reports Year of Heightened Activity for Sanctions Regime

19/08/2026

The ASO’s 2025 annual report details a significant increase in autonomous sanctions, including novel measures against cyber and maritime evasion tactics.