Crypto / Digital Assets

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Budget Targets Digital Assets, Financial Hub Status

By Manesh Samtani | 26/02/2026

The city's latest budget includes a new tokenised bond platform and enhanced capital and enforcement rules for financial firms.

Sanctions

Binance Facing US Probe After Reports of Iran-Linked Transactions

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

Binance is fighting "defamatory" media reports while facing a new US Senate inquiry into its compliance and alleged ties to sanctioned entities.

Fintech / Regtech

Bank of Korea Pushes for Bank-Only Won Stablecoin Model

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

Citing recent exchange failures and systemic risk, BOK has urged lawmakers to limit initial stablecoin issuance to licensed banks.

Market Infrastructure

Stablecoin Growth Fuels FX Volatility in Emerging Markets: HKMA Study

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

New research paper finds a direct link between USD stablecoin flows and exchange rate volatility, prompting calls for stricter regulation.

Fintech / Regtech

FATF Sounds Alarm on 'Widespread and Damaging' Cyber-Enabled Fraud

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

New report highlights the escalating money laundering risks from digital fraud, citing a surge in cases in jurisdictions like Singapore.

Fintech / Regtech

APAC Advancing Tokenised Money Frameworks But Paths Diverge - Report

By Mark Johnston | 24/02/2026

A new study highlights how Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are forging distinct stablecoin rules, creating a fragmented regional landscape.

Sanctions

Australia Sanctions Russian Crypto Firms as EU Package Stalls

By Manesh Samtani | 24/02/2026

Australia's measures designate several virtual asset service providers, while in Europe, Hungary has vetoed the EU’s 20th sanctions package.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Tether to Wind Down Offshore Yuan Stablecoin, Citing 'Limited Demand'

By Manesh Samtani | 24/02/2026

The move to discontinue the CNH₮ token follows a renewed ban on stablecoins by Chinese authorities, though the company cited low user adoption for the decision.

Securities / Derivatives

CME Group Confirms 29 May Launch for 24/7 Crypto Trading

By Manesh Samtani | 23/02/2026

Giovanni Vicioso says the launch is a direct response to client demand for weekend risk management and increasing activity from APAC participants.