Custody & Infrastructure

Payments & Settlements

PayPal Partners With India UPI and China Tenpay on Cross-border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 25/07/2025

New platform aims to simplify cross-border payments for nearly two billion users. NPCI's Ritesh Shukla said the initiative will significantly expand UPI’s global footprint.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Industry Majors Release Draft Framework for Public Blockchain Risk

By Manesh Samtani | 24/07/2025

A coalition including DTCC, Euroclear and major banks has launched a framework to help regulated firms manage non-financial risks on public blockchains.

Custody & Infrastructure

Thailand SEC Proposes Broader Auditor Oversight for Digital Asset Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

The SEC seeks to apply consistent auditing standards to all digital asset firms holding client assets beyond exchanges and brokers.

Cryptocurrency

SEC Thailand Consults on New Rules for ICO Portals

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/07/2025

Thailand's SEC proposes removing the three-month re-test rule for investors but plans to introduce mandatory, biennial suitability assessments for initial coin offerings.

Cryptocurrency

Australia Sees Launch of First Bitcoin-Backed Mortgage Product

By Editors | 18/07/2025

Fintech firm Block Earner has launched the product after a federal court found its crypto loans did not require a financial services licence, a decision now being appealed by ASIC.

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong SFC Eases Rules for Visiting Financial Professionals

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/07/2025

The SFC has extended the permissible activity period for licensed itinerant professionals from 30 to 45 days each calendar year to attract overseas talent.

Cryptocurrency

CMB International Securities Gets Hong Kong Virtual Asset Licence

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/07/2025

CMB International Securities says it is the first Chinese bank-affiliated broker to gain approval for virtual asset trading in Hong Kong.

Cryptocurrency

Korea to Lift Venture Capital Restrictions On Crypto Firms

By Manesh Samtani | 15/07/2025

The move reverses a controversial 2018 policy, allowing crypto exchanges and brokers to qualify for government support and tax benefits.

CBDCs

HSBC Completes DLT Tests Under HKMA's e-HKD Project

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/07/2025

HSBC has completed experiments on DLT interoperability and privacy tech, as a survey shows strong public demand for transaction privacy.