Digital Assets

PEPs & Sanctions

US Action on Iranian Crypto Exchanges Trigger Secondary Sanctions Risk

By Manesh Samtani | 03/06/2026

The US has designated four major Iranian crypto exchanges, creating secondary sanctions risks for foreign financial institutions that transact with them.

Cryptocurrency

Coinbase Launches Direct Integration of Rupee Payments in India

By Nithya Subramanian | 03/06/2026

The move follows the exchange’s registration with the FIU-IND and enables direct bank transfers, bypassing peer-to-peer methods.

CBDCs

Macau Joins mBridge CBDC Platform to Boost Cross-Border Payments

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/06/2026

Macau's central bank has become a full participant in the multilateral project, authorising eleven local banks to use the platform for transactions.

Credit Risk

IMF Urges Hong Kong to Bolster Oversight of Property and NBFI Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 02/06/2026

The report calls for sustained vigilance over CRE exposures, enhanced system-wide stress testing, and stronger climate risk integration for FIs.

Custody & Infrastructure

HK Lawmakers Discuss Rule Proposals for Virtual Assets, Finfluencers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/06/2026

Lawmakers are considering new licensing regimes for a range of virtual asset services, while the SFC plans a comprehensive review of financial influencer conduct.

Stablecoins

Japan’s Ruling Party Proposes Rules for Crypto ETFs, Yen Stablecoins

By Mark Johnston | 02/06/2026

A policy panel has urged the government to create a legal framework for crypto ETFs and promote yen-denominated stablecoins for payments.

Cryptocurrency

CME Adopts 24/7 Crypto Trading, Setting Global Precedent

By Manesh Samtani | 02/06/2026

The move by the world's largest derivatives exchange to embrace always-on trading for regulated crypto products signals a major structural shift for institutional finance.

Payments & Settlements

BOJ Official Details 'Dual Approach' to Payment System Evolution

By Manesh Samtani | 02/06/2026

Senior BOJ official outlined plans for a new private-sector real-time payment system and a "dual approach" to modernising Japan's financial infrastructure.

Cryptocurrency

Vietnam, Thailand to Deepen Capital Market Cooperation

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/06/2026

Regulators from both nations have agreed to share expertise on digital assets and gold derivatives, while finance ministries discussed adapting to the global minimum tax.