AML / KYC

Australia Passes Legislation for SMS Sender ID Register

27/08/2024

The register will allow telcos to block messages being sent under a brand name that don’t correspond with the legitimate sender.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Announces New Data Linkage to Boost SME Finance

27/08/2024

Banks can access information on SMEs from Hong Kong’s Companies Registry via HKMA’s CDI platform.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Eases Rules for Specialist Tech Listings, De-SPAC Transactions

26/08/2024

The SFC and HKEX said the adjustments were made to address the change in market conditions since the regimes were introduced.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Australian Court Rules Kraken Violated Regulatory Requirements

26/08/2024

The court ruled that the crypto firm failed to comply with design and distribution obligations when offering a margin trading product.

Enforcement

ASIC Sets Out Strategic Priorities in New Corporate Plan

26/08/2024

ASIC is taking aim at Australia’s private markets, which Chair Joe Longo said present an outsized risk to market integrity.

ESG / Sustainability

ASIC Publishes Findings from Anti-Greenwashing Surveillance

26/08/2024

ASIC published findings, recommendations and good practice examples from its surveillance activities during the financial year 2023–2024.

HKMA, HKAB Form New Joint Taskforce on SME Lending

25/08/2024

The taskforce will work on ensuring effective implementation of the measures announced in March and addressing difficulties encountered by individual SMEs.

Enforcement

HK Court Jails SME Director Over HK$100m Bank Loan Fraud

24/08/2024

The company director was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment for defrauding seven banks and deceiving the TID and HKMC into issuing guarantees.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Increases Capital Add-on Imposed on ANZ Bank

23/08/2024

APRA said several issues emerging in ANZ’s markets business have increased its “longstanding concerns” about the bank’s non-financial risk management.