Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Gold Exchange Taps Alibaba Unit for Blockchain Trading Platform

23/02/2026

HKGX is partnering with AGTech to build a blockchain-based system, aiming to cement Hong Kong's role as a global gold hub.

Capital / Liquidity

South Korea to Tighten Loan Rules for Multiple Homeowners

23/02/2026

Regulators have formed a task force to review lending practices after President Lee Jae-myung called for an overhaul to curb property speculation.

Australia Details Transition Path for Major AML/CTF Overhaul

23/02/2026

Draft rules offer grace periods and new guidance for Tranche 2 entities, as AUSTRAC releases support tools and proposes further rule changes.

Enforcement

HK ICAC Charges Former StanChart RM for Bribe-for-Accounts Scheme

23/02/2026

A former relationship manager is accused of accepting bribes from an intermediary for opening 16 bank accounts.

ESG / Sustainability

Korea FSS to Conduct Bank Inspections with Consumer Protection Focus

23/02/2026

A new dedicated team focusing on consumer protection and governance will be deployed for inspections of KB Kookmin, Jeonbuk, and K-Bank.

Australia Details New Superannuation Retirement Reporting Rules

22/02/2026

New framework mandates data collection from 2027, with public reporting by APRA to begin in 2028, detailing member outcomes and product uptake.

Enforcement

Korea FSS to Toughen Enforcement Against Disclosure Violations

20/02/2026

The FSS found a surge in disclosure violations by non-listed firms planning IPOs and outlined areas of focus for annual reports.

Sanctions

New Zealand Pushes Cook Islands for Quicker Action on Sanctioned Vessels

20/02/2026

New Zealand has been pressuring the Cook Islands over the slow removal from its ship registry of 'shadow fleet' vessels linked to Russia and Iran.

AML / KYC

Philippines Mandates Development of New National AML Strategy

20/02/2026

A presidential directive orders all government agencies to help draft a new national strategy for 2026-2030 and prepare for the next mutual evaluation in 2027.