Enforcement

Former HSBC Manager Admits to Account Opening for Bribes Scheme

23/01/2026

The case, brought by the ICAC, involves illicit payments for opening accounts, some of which were later flagged for money laundering risk by the bank.

Capital / Liquidity

Korea FSC Proposes LDR Rule Change to Boost Regional Lending

23/01/2026

Regulator to lower risk weightings for loans outside Seoul, potentially unlocking KRW 21 trillion in new lending capacity.

Enforcement

SFC Secures Compensation from 'Shadow Director', Two Former Execs

23/01/2026

The trio were banned from being directors and ordered to pay compensation worth HKD 595 million for defrauding a now-delisted company.

ESG / Sustainability

HKMA Finalises Phase 2A of Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

23/01/2026

The updated framework introduces transition pathways and an adaptation category, and will be mandatory for government green bond projects.

Fintech / Regtech

Philippines Mandates Digital Submission for Banks' Regulatory Relief Reports

23/01/2026

Banks availing of specific relief measures must now submit supplemental financial and capital adequacy reports via the central bank's PRIME platform.

Securities / Derivatives

Shanghai Exchanges Hike Metal Futures Margins to Curb Volatility

23/01/2026

Regulators raise margin requirements and widen price limits for gold, silver, copper, and aluminium contracts effective 22 January.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Orders External AML Audit into Fintech Giant Airwallex

23/01/2026

AUSTRAC cited concerns over transaction monitoring and potential criminal exploitation, including for online child sexual abuse payments.

Enforcement

Korean Regulators Engaged in Public Feud Over Investigative Powers

23/01/2026

Discussions on granting the FSS broader investigative rights are ongoing, but face internal disagreement over their scope.

ESG / Sustainability

Vietnam Establishes Legal Framework for Domestic Carbon Exchange

22/01/2026

New government decree outlines rules for trading, settlement, and a pilot phase with no service fees until the end of 2028.