Crypto / Digital Assets

Australia Unveils Plans to Reform, Modernise Payments System

14/12/2021

The government plans to establish a licensing regime for crypto exchanges, a custody regime for digital assets, and explore the feasibility of a CBDC.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Lists First ETFs Tracking MSCI China A 50 Connect Index

14/12/2021

Two ETFs managed by China Asset Management and CSOP Asset Management listed on Monday, while a third will list on today.

Big Picture

BIS Calls for Interoperability in Global Payment Systems

14/12/2021

Failure to achieve interoperability between payment systems has material costs and risks fragmenting the global financial system.

ESG / Sustainability

PBOC Reiterates Commitment to Hong Kong Financial Centre

13/12/2021

Key areas of collaboration to enhance Hong Kong’s roles as an international financial centre include CBDC, regtech, green finance development.

ESG / Sustainability

Japan Unlikely to Issue Sovereign ESG Bonds in the Near Future

13/12/2021

Issuing ESG bonds separately from conventional JGBs could make the process of borrowing money less efficient, said finance ministry official Masato Kanda.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Seeks to Introduce Restrictions on Stablecoin Issuance

09/12/2021

The FSA reportedly seeks to propose legislation to only allow banks and wire transfer companies to issue stablecoins, and to regulate wallet providers.

AML / KYC

Japan: Sony Life Employee Embezzles $155m While Working Remotely

09/12/2021

The Sony Life Insurance employee allegedly embezzled $155mn while working on liquidating the reinsurer’s assets after it closed.

Securities / Derivatives

South Korea’s Revised FSCMA Takes Effect

09/12/2021

The approval process will be simplified for foreign securities firms to change their status in Korea from a branch office to a subsidiary, and vice versa.

Securities / Derivatives

HKFE Gets CFTC Certification for Two More China Futures Contracts

08/12/2021

The certification of the two contracts means they can be offered and sold to persons in the US, and that US investors can trade the contracts from within the US.