Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Framework Needs Update – Japan FSA

By Manesh Samtani | 16/08/2018

On-site inspections revealed a lack of internal controls, inadequate governance and poor business models at exchanges.

Tokenisation

Commonwealth Bank to Arrange First Blockchain Bond

By Garima Chitkara | 14/08/2018

Developed by the World Bank, a A$100 million kangaroo bond, issued and distributed through blockchain, will open to investors later this month in Washington and Sydney.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand Allows Banks to Engage in Crypto Activities Through Subsidiaries

By Manesh Samtani | 10/08/2018

Banks still prohibited from issuing, buying or selling digital tokens directly, but bank subsidiaries will be allowed to trade cryptocurrency and issue digital tokens with permission from supervisory body.

Tokenisation

Philippines Proposes Regulatory Framework for ICOs

By Editors | 09/08/2018

Draft rules propose issuers undergo initial assessment to determine if ICO tokens are securities; security tokens must be registered with the SEC and proceeds must be maintained in escrow.

Custody & Infrastructure

S. Korea FSS Pushes for Blockchain Use in Stock Transactions

By Editors | 06/08/2018

FSS is advocating for regulatory agencies and private companies to work together to enable stock trading through blockchain, noting progress in the US, UK, Japan and Australia to move forward on the technology.

Anti-Money Laundering

S. Korea Announces Revised Tax Bill

By Editors | 06/08/2018

Bill expands crackdown on tax evasion, ends derivatives tax exemptions, disqualifies crypto exchanges as SMEs for tax reductions.

Custody & Infrastructure

Chinese Bank Trials Blockchain-based Loan Issuance

By Emma Zhou | 01/08/2018

Agricultural Bank of China has issued a ¥2mn loan backed by farmland from a Guizhou province branch; new system speeds up loan issuances and prevents fraud.

Cryptocurrency

Shariah Fintech – A Case Study of Indonesia

By Sharifah Nursyafiqah | 25/07/2018

Better support and regulation for Shariah-compliant fintech will serve to boost the Islamic finance industry, increasing the share of Islamic banks in Indonesia’s financial services sector and ultimately making it more competitive.

AI Risk & Governance

S. Korea FSC Reorganises to Meet ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’

By Editors | 24/07/2018

New body charged with industry-wide consumer protection issues; Financial Innovation Bureau formed to respond to new challenges including cryptocurrency.