Asia-Pacific

Vietnam’s largest banks are pushing the government to allow them to sell more equity to foreign banks to bolster their capital levels.

The new regulations cover the acquisition of crypto assets, including utility and security tokens, as well as issuer requirements relating to registration, security and investor protection.

New policies on write-offs are aimed at reducing NPLs on banks' books. Meanwhile, the government has revealed a plan to probe defaulting borrowers and their bankers.

Bank interest rates on loans and deposits will be published to allow consumers to compare costs, and to enhance the BSP's monitoring and analysis.

Business decisions made largely as part of managing regular operations will no longer require the BSP's approval.

The rankings will be used to alert the central bank to risks at financial institutions in the interest of safeguarding the banking system and protect depositors.

Foreign funding will support growing demand for financing and help banks upgrade loan screening and data systems.

The SET's plan is aimed at broadening its investor base, scaling up digital transformation, widening access to mutual funds and streamlining regulatory processes.

Bangladesh Bank has filed a $66mn lawsuit against Philippines-based RCBC and others over the 2016 bank heist, where hackers stole $101mn from its account with the New York Fed.

Japan, Thailand, Australia ready to receive applications from prospective ARFP funds; New Zealand, S. Korea making progress on legal and regulatory requirements.