Sustainable Finance

HKEX Launches Green Equity Designation Programme

21/10/2026

HKEX introduced the voluntary designation to help investors identify companies driving the low-carbon transition.

Reporting & Disclosures

Australia Proposes Higher Reporting Thresholds for Proprietary Companies

21/10/2026

The Australian government has released draft regulations to double the reporting thresholds for proprietary companies, aiming to reduce compliance costs.

Payments & Settlements

Hong Kong Prepares Legislative Amendments for Digital Trade Documents

20/10/2026

Hong Kong will introduce an amendment bill this year to facilitate the digitalisation of business-to-business trade documents and enhance cross-border interoperability.

Tokenisation

AFME: Digital Bond Issuance Hits Record as Asia Leads DLT Adoption

20/10/2026

AFME has found that DLT is moving beyond experimentation in capital markets, driven by record Asian bond issuance and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Trading & Investment

Philippines SEC Issues Market Making Rules to Boost Liquidity

20/10/2026

The SEC has introduced a comprehensive market-making framework to enhance capital market liquidity and trading efficiency.

Stablecoins

Japan’s Megabanks Complete Joint JPY Stablecoin Pilot

20/10/2026

Japan’s three largest banks have successfully tested a jointly issued JPY-denominated stablecoin, targeting live commercial cross-border transactions by March 2027.

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong Gazettes Bill to Expand IP Tax Deductions

20/10/2026

The proposed legislation aims to lower intellectual property transaction costs and support Hong Kong's development as a regional trading hub.

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong Gazettes Start Date for MPF “Full Portability”

20/10/2026

Eligible employees can transfer their accrued employer mandatory contributions to an MPF scheme of their choice starting December 2026.

KYC & CDD

RBNZ Launches Framework for Basic Transaction Services

19/10/2026

The RBNZ has partnered with local banks and government agencies to launch a voluntary framework aimed at improving financial inclusion by 2027.