Trading & Investment

Malaysia and WIPO to Pilot IP-Backed Financing for SMEs

01/10/2025

The partnership aims to unlock new funding avenues by enabling Malaysian firms to use intellectual property such as patents and trademarks as collateral.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

New Zealand FMA Issues New Guidance on Complaints Handling

01/10/2025

The FMA has put financial firms on notice, outlining expectations for fair and transparent complaints processes following research showing significant consumer barriers.

Alternative Markets

KRX to Open New Fractional Investment Market in October

01/10/2025

KRX will open a new market for securities backed by assets like art and music copyrights under a new regulatory framework.

Credit Risk

Thailand Finalises Plan for Bank-Run AMCs to Tackle Bad Debt

01/10/2025

The MOF has completed preparations for banks to establish asset management companies to manage NPLs, awaiting final government approval.

Structural Regulation

HKEX Proposes Major Overhaul of Structured Products Listing Rules

01/10/2025

HKEX is consulting on plans to significantly raise capital and rating requirements for issuers while streamlining listing processes to boost competitiveness.

KYC & CDD

New Zealand Mandates Stricter Due Diligence Rules for Partnerships

01/10/2025

New regulatory guidance requires financial institutions to obtain and verify detailed information on the ownership, control, and legal structure of partnership clients.

Operational Risk

ASIC Flags Deficiencies in Super Fund Audits and Asset Valuations

30/09/2025

An ASIC review has found auditors are not sufficiently challenging valuations of unlisted assets, prompting calls for a significant uplift in reporting and audit quality.

Emerging Prudential Risks

RBNZ Proposes Wider Use of 'Bank' to Boost Competition

30/09/2025

The move would allow all licensed deposit takers, including credit unions and finance companies, to rebrand as “banks” under new legislation from 2028.

Structural Regulation

New Zealand Eases ‘Golden Visa’ Rules for Investors

30/09/2025

New Zealand will allow 'golden visa' holders to buy luxury homes, following a surge in applications for the revamped scheme, and will add two new skilled residency pathways.