ESG / Sustainability

Finance Sector Risks Losing Public Trust Over AI Ethics, Report Warns

16/10/2025

A new report by the ACCA and the CISI urges action on skills and governance, highlighting risks from 'black box' algorithms, audit automation and undisclosed data sharing.

ESG / Sustainability

ASEAN Banks' Climate Pledges Undermined by Gaps in Fossil Fuel Policy

16/10/2025

A new report shows progress on governance and targets, but slow implementation of coal phase-out policies and weak restrictions on oil and gas financing.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Mandates Phishing-Resistant MFA for Online Brokers

16/10/2025

New rules require default phishing-resistant authentication for key operations and ban login links in emails to combat rising fraud.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Clearing Arm Invites Firms to Join 'Authorised Brokers' Panel

16/10/2025

HKSCC is selecting up to 10 firms for a three-year term to execute transactions on its behalf. Applicants must have at least HKD 100 million in liquid capital and China Connect capabilities.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Announces Second Cohort of GenAI Sandbox Participants

16/10/2025

The cohort includes 27 use cases from 20 banks, with a focus on AI governance and using AI to test systems against sophisticated fraud.

AML / KYC

Australia Moves to Single Public Register for Beneficial Ownership

16/10/2025

The government has streamlined its approach, scrapping a two-stage plan in favour of a direct, Commonwealth-operated public database for unlisted companies.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan Launches Latest Cross Industry Cybersecurity Exercise with 177 Firms

15/10/2025

This 10th annual exercise includes drills for data breaches, asset outflows, and a 'blind' scenario for banks to test industry resilience.

AML / KYC

Philippine SEC Proposes Tougher Beneficial Ownership Reporting Rules

15/10/2025

The SEC’s draft rules introduce a seven-day reporting deadline for ownership changes and fines of up to PHP 2 million for false declarations.

Enforcement

New Zealand FMA Warns Finbase Over Wholesale Offer Breaches

15/10/2025

The FMA has cited serious disclosure and fair dealing failures, including misleading advertising and the incorrect use of investor exclusions.