Digital Assets

Stablecoins

Japan Finalises Rules, Creating Legal Path for Foreign Stablecoins

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/05/2026

The regulator has amended key ordinances, allowing certain foreign trust-based stablecoins to be treated as payment instruments, not securities, from 1 June.

Tokenisation

Korea Signals Flexible Approach to Security Token Regulation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/05/2026

Regulators to permit pooling of assets for fractional investment and will design OTC trading limits to foster liquidity, with detailed guidelines expected in July.

Cryptocurrency

Hana Financial to Buy KRW 1 Trillion Stake in Crypto Operator Dunamu

By Editors | 19/05/2026

The deal will see the banking giant become a major shareholder in South Korea’s top crypto exchange operator ahead of a new digital asset law.

Tokenisation

Australia Outlines Roadmap for Wholesale Tokenised Markets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 19/05/2026

The RBA and DFCRC have released findings from Project Acacia, proposing a new multi-agency programme to address regulatory uncertainty and foster innovation in tokenised finance.

DeFi & Web3

Korea Financial Security Institute to Launch Smart Contract Security Framework

By Mark Johnston | 18/05/2026

The FSI is developing verification tools, a formal framework, and training programmes ahead of new digital asset legislation.

Tokenisation

Mitsui & Co Issues Japan's First Land-Backed Digital Security

By Editors | 18/05/2026

A security token backed by land leasehold rights has been issued under the FIEA, signalling a new phase for tokenised assets in Japan.

Stablecoins

Japan Blockchain Foundation to Issue Trust-Type JPY Stablecoin

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/05/2026

The ‘EJPY’ stablecoin is designed to be compliant with Japan's legal framework for electronic payment instruments.

Emerging Prudential Risks

IMF Urges Hong Kong to Bolster Fiscal Buffers and Financial Oversight

By Manesh Samtani | 18/05/2026

IMF Article IV mission endorsed the city’s near-term fiscal stance but called for medium-term revenue reforms and continued vigilance over property and corporate exposures.

Stablecoins

New Digital Asset Legislation Faces Procedural Delay in Korea

By Mark Johnston | 18/05/2026

The bill's passage has been pushed to after the 3 June elections, though the delay is not seen as a substantive rejection of the legislation.