Hong Kong AFRC Flags Audit Fee Pressure and Hasty Appointments

31/07/2025

The AFRC reports some improvement in audit quality but warns that intense competition and fee undercutting are creating significant risks for the profession.

ESG / Sustainability

BSP Issues New Guidance on Sustainable Finance Taxonomy

31/07/2025

The BSP has released fresh clarifications for banks on the application of its green taxonomy framework.

Securities / Derivatives

Law Reform Needed to Combat 'Industrial Scale' Super Misconduct: ASIC

31/07/2025

ASIC has called for new laws and a collective industry response to tackle the exploitation of retirement savings.

Capital / Liquidity

New Zealand Government Authorises Kiwibank to Raise More Capital

31/07/2025

State-owned Kiwibank has been approved to raise up to NZD 500 million to enhance its ability to compete with the big four banks.

Enforcement

Ex-chair of Listed Firm Surrenders to Hong Kong's ICAC After 14 years

31/07/2025

Li Songxiao, former head of Neo-China, faces charges of conspiracy to defraud over HKD 330 million in property deals that allegedly inflated the company's assets.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Sues Gaming Giant Mounties Over Alleged AML Breaches

31/07/2025

AUSTRAC alleges systemic non-compliance with AML/CTF laws, highlighting the risks for regulated entities that outsource their compliance programmes.

AML / KYC

Australia to Bring AUSTRAC, ACIC Under Intelligence Oversight Regime

31/07/2025

New legislation introduced to Parliament will extend the remit of national security agencies to the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC and the ACIC.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Proposes Major Shakeup of Conflicts of Interest Rules

30/07/2025

ASIC seeks feedback on first update in 20 years, introducing broader scope, new examples and a 'roadmap' of obligations.

ESG / Sustainability

Hong Kong SFC Calls for Rethink of 'Perfunctory' Director Training

30/07/2025

The SFC's Chairman says tailored, group-based training is vital for board performance and to maintain the city's status as a global financial hub.