Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency

Korea: Mirae Asset Group to Acquire Cryptocurrency Exchange Korbit

By Manesh Samtani | 17/02/2026

The $93mn deal marks the first time a traditional financial institution in South Korea will have a crypto exchange as a subsidiary.

Cryptocurrency

Korea to Impose Bank-Grade Controls on Crypto Exchanges After Bithumb Error

By Mark Johnston | 17/02/2026

A USD 40 billion Bitcoin misallocation at Bithumb has triggered a regulatory overhaul, with authorities now demanding compliance on par with traditional banks.

Trading & Investment

Korea Grants Preliminary Approvals to Fractional Investment Exchanges

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 17/02/2026

The FSC approved applications to operate OTC platforms for beneficiary certificates from the KDX consortium and the NXT Consortium.

Tokenisation

HKMA Details Strategy to Scale Digital Bond Market

By Manesh Samtani | 16/02/2026

The HKMA has outlined a four-pronged strategy for tokenised bonds, highlighting a legal review and policy incentives to drive adoption.

Stablecoins

Japan FSA Gives Backing to Blockchain Securities PoC

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/02/2026

Nomura, Daiwa, and three megabanks will test settling stock and bond trades using blockchain and a jointly-issued stablecoin.

Anti-Money Laundering

FATF Sets Sights on Global Fraud and Crypto Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 14/02/2026

The FATF added Papua New Guinea and Kuwait to its grey list, adopted Singapore's mutual evaluation, and approved new reports on cyber-enabled fraud and virtual assets.

Anti-Money Laundering

J5 Warns on OTC Crypto, Payment Processor Risks

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/02/2026

Global tax authorities warn that OTC crypto desks and payment processors face rising misuse risks, calling for stronger oversight and coordination to curb illicit financial flows.

Clearing & Post-Trade

Hong Kong and UAE Deepen Financial Ties with Debt Market Integration

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2026

The Central Bank of the UAE has joined Hong Kong's Central Moneymarkets Unit, creating a new channel for cross-border investment into China.

Stablecoins

Stablecoins Threaten to Entrench Dollar, Sidelining APAC Currencies

By Manesh Samtani | 13/02/2026

New IMF paper argues that while stablecoins improve payments, they risk concentrating power and undermining smaller economies and currencies like the yen.