Market Infrastructure

Securities / Derivatives

Hong Kong Set to Sign Gold Market Deal with Shanghai

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/01/2026

The agreement aims to establish a central clearing system, bolstering the city's ambition to become an international gold hub.

Crypto / Digital Assets

RBI Proposes Linking BRICS Digital Currencies for Cross-border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/01/2026

India is pushing for greater interoperability among BRICS nations by proposing a linkage of their CBDCs, aiming to streamline cross-border payments.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan Banks Face 'Operational Resilience' Test as Disaster Risks Mount - BOJ

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

Japanese financial institutions are shifting to an “all-hazards” approach to business continuity, though gaps remain in executive drill participation and third-party risk management.

Securities / Derivatives

HKEX Finalises Rules for Dual Counter Designated Specialists

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

HKEX has detailed new rules allowing dual counter market makers to register corporate clients as specialists for liquidity provision, effective 26 January.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong Outlines Roadmap to Modernise Trade Finance with 20-Point Plan

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The HKMA has published a 20-point plan to digitise trade finance, aiming to boost SME lending and connectivity.

Fintech / Regtech

Korea to Ease Network Separation Rules to Permit Cloud SaaS in Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

The move allows firms to use approved SaaS on internal networks, but introduces strict security controls and excludes generative AI tools.

Securities / Derivatives

China Proposes Strict Derivatives Rules to Curb Speculation and Ring-Fence Risks

By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

The CSRC draft mandates professional trader standards, bans listed firms from trading their own stock derivatives, and enforces mandatory trade reporting.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA Issues Guidance on Operational Risk Controls for Trading Activities

By Manesh Samtani | 19/01/2026

The HKMA is urging banks to adopt advanced surveillance technology and preventative controls, including pre-trade hard blocks and real-time monitoring.

Securities / Derivatives

Vietnam Sets Tight Deadline for Ho Chi Minh City Financial Hub

By Editors | 19/01/2026

The government will launch a new arbitration centre and specialised court as it develops a regulatory framework to attract global finance.