Fintech / Regtech

Securities / Derivatives

Taiwan to Launch Crude Oil Futures in July

By Manesh Samtani | 05/06/2018

Taiwan Futures Exchange chairman says crude oil futures will allow domestic investors to trade without adverse currency fluctuations; also exploring the application of fintech and other technologies for clearing services.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HKMA Finalises Virtual Bank Rules, Applications Now Open

By JP Reimann | 01/06/2018

Regulator publishes final guidelines but no change in capital requirements; companies seeking inclusion in first batch of virtual bank applications can apply by 31 August.

Big Picture

The Ties That Bind: Market Connectivity Continues to Increase Despite Opposing Rhetoric

By Larry Thompson | 30/05/2018

Whether it is geopolitical tensions in North Asia, the UK’s exit from the European Union or new U.S. trade policies, globalisation would appear to many to be in retreat in many regions of the world — but this is not the case in financial markets.

Crypto / Digital Assets

MAS Warns Eight Crypto Exchanges, Halts ICO Issuer

By JP Reimann | 28/05/2018

Exchanges warned against facilitating trading in digital tokens which constitute securities or futures contracts without MAS authorisation; ICO representing equity ownership halted.

AML / KYC

India’s Supreme Court to Hear All Crypto Related Cases

By Manesh Samtani | 25/05/2018

Several petitions received by courts challenging constitutional validity of RBI order barring banks from crypto dealings; next Supreme Court hearing scheduled for 20 July.

Fintech / Regtech

GDPR – Frankenstein’s Monster of Regulation

By Peter Lancos | 22/05/2018

Given the 25 May go-live date, financial institutions in Asia need to immediately consider their obligations under GDPR, which will apply to any firm with clients or employees who are EU citizens.

Big Picture

Talking Crypto Regulation with Ripple’s Sagar Sarbhai

By Manesh Samtani | 22/05/2018

Regulation Asia sat down with Sagar Sarbhai, Head of Government and Regulatory Relations for APAC and the Middle East at Ripple, to discuss the company’s business proposition and the regulatory challenges it faces across the region.

Fintech / Regtech

MAS Eyes Greater Financial Sector Resilience to Cyber Threats

By Manesh Samtani | 21/05/2018

Consultation to be issued “soon” on raising cyber resilience at financial institutions in Singapore; rules to include internal controls, independent reviews, authentication practices.

Fintech / Regtech

Indonesia to Tighten Rules on Fintech Lenders

By Karen Chiu | 19/05/2018

Fintech lenders will be compelled to be registered with OJK; unregistered firms will be unable to tap financial markets or raise funds from banks.