Digital Assets

Capital Adequacy

HKMA Proposes Capital Rule Changes for Basel Alignment, Stablecoins

By Manesh Samtani | 05/05/2026

The proposed amendments aim to harmonise with international standards and provide clarity on the capital treatment for stablecoin issuers.

Payments & Settlements

ASEAN+3 to Deepen Dialogue on Cross-Border Payments, Stablecoins

By Nithya Subramanian | 05/05/2026

The new process will focus on retail and wholesale payment linkages, while addressing regulatory fragmentation and stablecoin risks.

Anti-Money Laundering

South Korean Court Halts Bithumb's Six-Month Business Suspension

By Mark Johnston | 05/05/2026

A Seoul court has granted an injunction against a partial business ban, escalating a legal battle between regulators and major cryptocurrency exchanges over AML rules.

Custody & Infrastructure

ASIC Calls for Digital Asset Licence Applications by 30 June Deadline

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 05/05/2026

ASIC has warned firms they must apply for a licence by 30 June 2026 or face significant penalties as a no-action period ends.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Sanctions China, Hong Kong Firms in Iran Oil Trade Crackdown

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

The US targeted a Chinese oil terminal and numerous Hong Kong-based front companies, while issuing new warnings on sanctions evasion, digital assets, and maritime risks.

Cryptocurrency

Taiwan Lawmaker Urges Government to Consider Bitcoin Reserves

By Mark Johnston | 04/05/2026

A report advocating for Bitcoin as a strategic asset has been formally presented to Taiwan’s premier and central bank governor.

Stablecoins

Woori Bank and MoonPay Partner on Won-Backed Stablecoin

By Mark Johnston | 04/05/2026

Crypto payments firm MoonPay signed an MOU with one of Korea’s largest banks to build global infrastructure for KRW-denominated stablecoins.

Tokenisation

ICMA, ISLA Publish Standardised Annex for Digital Bond Repos

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/05/2026

The new legal framework aims to promote consistency for securities financing transactions involving natively-issued digital bonds on distributed ledger technology.

Operational Risk

HKMA Annual Report Sets Key Priorities for 2026

By Manesh Samtani | 04/05/2026

The report highlights Hong Kong's resilience in 2025 and set a forward-looking agenda focused on technology risk, digital assets, and financial crime.