Fintech / Regtech

Thailand Proposes Licensing Framework for Virtual Banks

13/01/2023

Foreign shareholders can own up to 25% of a virtual bank. A BOT waiver raises this to a 49% limit. Three licences will be granted next year.

Market Infrastructure

SEBI to Allow Futures Contracts on Corporate Bond Indices

12/01/2023

Stock exchanges will be allowed to launch futures contracts on indices of corporate debt securities rated AA+ and above.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HK Lawmaker Proposes to Use e-HKD as Stablecoin for DeFi

11/01/2023

LegCo member Wu Jiezhuang says using the CBDC as a government-backed stablecoin will help address virtual asset risks and enhance trust in Web3.

ESG / Sustainability

Philippine SEC Finalises Rules for SRI Funds

10/01/2023

SRI Funds will have to allocate at least two-thirds of their NAV to their sustainable investment objective.

Fintech / Regtech

China’s Crackdown on the Tech Sector Nears Conclusion

10/01/2023

Top regulator Guo Shuqing said supervision of internet platform companies will normalise. Jack Ma has meanwhile ceded control of Ant Group.

Telekom Malaysia Suffers Data Breach, Over 250,000 Users Affected

04/01/2023

The government has instructed Malaysia’s NC4 and JPDP to investigate the breach and take necessary action. Maybank has also launched its own investigation into the breach.

Japan Insurance Gap to Limit LNG Flow from Russia

04/01/2023

Following talks with reinsurers, Japanese insurers can continue offering marine war insurance to LNG carriers in Russian waters until March.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Consults on Crowdfunding Regulatory Regime 

03/01/2023

A Crowdfunding Affairs Office will be set up to centrally process and coordinate regulatory and administrative matters related to crowdfunding activities.

ESG / Sustainability

Thailand Consults on ‘Pilot Version’ of Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

02/01/2023

Like the ASEAN Taxonomy, the Thailand Taxonomy uses a traffic light system. The objectives of the taxonomy largely draw from the EU taxonomy.