Digital Assets

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.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Launches International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/02/2026

The financial centre will focus on capital markets, fintech, digital banking and new financial products to strengthen global capital connectivity and support sustainable economic growth.

Stablecoins

Japan's Nomura, Daiwa Partner with Megabanks on Stablecoin Trading Platform

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The project will allow investors to use stablecoins for 24-hour, real-time settlement of stocks, bonds, and investment trusts.

Capital Adequacy

Hong Kong Proposes Capital Rule Overhaul for Insurers, Targeting Infrastructure and Crypto

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The IA is consulting on changes to its risk-based capital regime, including preferential treatment for infrastructure and new charges for crypto-assets.

Stablecoins

BNM Onboards Three Digital Asset Initiatives Under Innovation Hub

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/02/2026

The three initiatives will test ringgit stablecoins and tokenised deposits, aiming to explore digital asset payments, settlement, and Shariah-compliant use cases in a controlled environment.