Market Infrastructure

RBA to Ban Card Surcharges, Cut Merchant Fees from October

31/03/2026

The RBA has finalised reforms to end card surcharging, lower interchange fees, and mandate greater fee transparency from October 2026.

AML / KYC

Bangladesh Sets New e-KYC Framework for Insurers and Capital Markets

31/03/2026

The BFIU has issued a new directive requiring a digital, biometric-based KYC process by the end of 2026.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Finalises Capital Rules to Bolster Australian Annuity Market

31/03/2026

APRA has finalised amendments to its capital framework for life insurers, aiming to foster innovation in retirement products.

Capital / Liquidity

RBI Delays Capital Market Norms, Eases Bank Capital Rules

31/03/2026

The deferral to 1 July follows industry pushback and is accompanied by key clarifications on acquisition finance and capital adequacy for bank exposures.

Securities / Derivatives

NZX Sets Launch Date for New Index Derivatives Contract

31/03/2026

NZX will launch index futures next month, aiming to fill a long-standing gap in its capital markets with strong industry backing.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Launches Educational Modules for New Sustainability Rules

31/03/2026

ASIC has released self-paced training modules to help firms prepare for the country's new mandatory climate reporting regime.

AML / KYC

UK Freezes US$107 Million in London Property Linked to Chinese Fugitive

31/03/2026

The action utilises an Unexplained Wealth Order, placing scrutiny on anti-money laundering checks within the UK’s luxury property market.

Capital / Liquidity

HKMA Flags Gaps in Bank Liquidity Planning for Resolution

31/03/2026

HKMA has urged institutions to upgrade liquidity models, citing weaknesses exposed in recent industry-wide stress tests.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Sets 16 November Launch Date for Paperless Securities Regime

31/03/2026

The new uncertificated securities market regime will introduce a paperless option for share ownership, aiming to boost efficiency and modernise the city's financial infrastructure.