Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Legislative Council Passes Stablecoin Ordinance

21/05/2025

The ordinance, set to take effect later this year, will require issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins to be licensed by HKMA to be offered in Hong Kong.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong, Shenzhen Launch First GBA Indexes

21/05/2025

The indexes will comprise constituents listed on the SZSE as well as HK-listed securities eligible for trading under Stock Connect.

Capital / Liquidity

New Zealand: Consumer Lending Law Reform Passes First Reading

21/05/2025

The government is seeking to simplify affordability assessments while keeping consumer safeguards in place.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Partners with Transport Bureau to Boost Trade Finance

20/05/2025

Banks will gain access to real-time cargo status data, enabling them to assess clients’ operational performance more effectively.

China Unveils Technological Self-Sufficiency Grand Plan

20/05/2025

The five-year plan combines R&D targets with substantial financial support from the PBOC and regional pilot programmes in Guangdong Province.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Regulators Update AML/CFT Audit Guidance

20/05/2025

The updated guidance provides further clarity on what is considered “independent” and “appropriately qualified” when selecting an auditor.

Securities / Derivatives

Bursa Malaysia Announces Resolution of April Unauthorised Trades

20/05/2025

Bursa Malaysia said investors with unauthorised trades in their accounts on 24 April will not incur losses.

Securities / Derivatives

CATL Raises $4.6b to Become World’s Largest IPO This Year

20/05/2025

CATL was added to the US Chinese Military Companies list in January, though the designation doesn’t entail any investment prohibitions.

AML / KYC

New Zealand Issues AML/CFT Guidance for Stored Value Instruments

19/05/2025

The guidance summarises the regulations applicable to SVIs and explains the conditions they must meet to be exempt from the provisions of the AML/CFT Act.