Securities / Derivatives

SFC, HKEX Direct Investment Banks to Ensure Quality of IPO Applications

10/12/2025

The SFC and HKEX have reportedly told investment banks to maintain standards as a surge in IPOs raises concerns about overstretched resources.

ASIC Publishes "Catalogue" of Obligations for Private Credit Funds

10/12/2025

ASIC has published a new catalogue outlining key legal obligations for retail and wholesale private credit fund operators.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Finalises Licensing Relief for Stablecoin, Wrapped Token Intermediaries

10/12/2025

New class relief exempts intermediaries from separate licensing and permits omnibus accounts for digital asset custody, building on earlier measures.

Enforcement

ASIC Sues Diversa Trustees Over First Guardian Super Fund Collapse

10/12/2025

ASIC alleges major due diligence and monitoring failures by the superannuation trustee, seeking penalties and member compensation.

Enforcement

CBA Pays Record Penalty for Breaching Consumer Data Right Rules

10/12/2025

The penalty comes after CBA failed to enable data sharing for some business accounts, forcing customers to use less secure workarounds.

Sanctions

Australia Introduces ‘World-First’ Autonomous Sanctions Framework for Afghanistan

10/12/2025

The new framework was established in response to ongoing oppression and the undermining of the rule of law since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

ESG / Sustainability

New Zealand FMA Targets Board Oversight in Product Review Findings

09/12/2025

FMA review finds firms are failing to adequately review legacy products and boards lack proper oversight of consumer outcomes.

Market Infrastructure

China Consults on Draft Mandatory Data Security Risk Assessment Rules

09/12/2025

New draft measures mandate annual assessments for handlers of "important data" and look to standardise risk reporting across industries.

Capital / Liquidity

China Issues Sweeping New Rules for Financial Leasing to Curb Risk

09/12/2025

New measures effective in 2026 will tighten rules on asset valuation, sale-and-leaseback deals, and risk management to curb 'quasi-credit' activities.