Australia Cracks Down on Land Banking by Foreign Investors

19/02/2025

Australia is banning foreign investors from buying established homes for two years and cracking down on foreign land banking.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Gazettes Subsidiary Legislation on Paperless Regime

19/02/2025

Six pieces of subsidiary legislation set out detailed operational and regulatory matters for the uncertificated securities market regime.

AML / KYC

FMA Issues Alert on Fake Online Investing Platforms

19/02/2025

The FMA has identified a “large network” of fake online investing platforms involving 96 duplicate websites or platforms.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Warns Crypto, Remittance Firms of Possible Regulatory Action

18/02/2025

AUSTRAC has issued alerts, a precursor to potential regulatory action, to over 50 crypto exchanges and remittance service providers.

Market Infrastructure

HKSCC Sets Launch Date for New Report Access Platform

18/02/2025

After 21 March 2025, clearing participants will no longer be able to access VaR Platform reports via the existing Report Access Platform.

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong SFC Offers Clarity on Listing of Alternative Funds

18/02/2025

The SFC said its door has “always been open” for closed-ended alternative funds, including PE funds, to be listed on the stock exchange.

APRA Clarifies Lending Guidance to Boost Property Construction

14/02/2025

APRA clarified that its 2017 guidance should not be taken to mean that banks should only finance property construction after it is 100% pre‑sold.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FMA Offers Regulatory Clarity for E-Money and Payments Firms

14/02/2025

The FMA said there is “no specific licence” for e-money institutions or payments service providers in New Zealand but a range of regulatory obligations still apply.

Fintech / Regtech

NZ Inland Revenue Department Consults on Open Banking

13/02/2025

New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department is seeking information on open banking to develop a roadmap for potential use and adoption.