Digital Assets

CBDCs

China and Ethiopia to Deepen Financial Cooperation on Payments and CBDCs

By Mark Johnston | 07/04/2026

Central banks discussed establishing bilateral swap lines and integrating payment systems, including potential access to China's CIPS network for Ethiopian banks.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea to Impose TradFI-Grade Controls on Crypto Exchanges

By Manesh Samtani | 07/04/2026

Korean regulators will require virtual asset exchanges to implement five-minute balance checks, monthly external audits, and financial-company-level internal controls.

Structural Regulation

JPX Consults on Index Rules for Special Alert Securities and Crypto Assets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 06/04/2026

The proposed revisions would alter the timing of index removal for troubled stocks and temporarily halt the inclusion of new crypto-related issues into its indices.

Cryptocurrency

Taiwan Cabinet Approves Draft Virtual Asset Management Act

By Mark Johnston | 06/04/2026

The proposed legislation introduces a comprehensive licensing regime, stringent fraud penalties, and specific rules for stablecoin reserves and issuance.

CBDCs

Korea to Pilot Deposit Token Payments at Major Convenience Store Chains

By Mark Johnston | 06/04/2026

BOK is partnering with commercial banks and retailers to test deposit token payments in real-world consumer settings.

Tokenisation

Swift Advances Blockchain-Based Ledger to Build Phase

By Manesh Samtani | 06/04/2026

The new shared ledger will use tokenised deposits to enable 24/7 cross-border payments, with a live MVP planned for 2026.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea's Upbit to Provide Technology to Indonesia Crypto Bourse

By Editors | 06/04/2026

Under a new strategic partnership, Upbit will provide core platform technology and operational expertise to ICEx, a licensed exchange in Indonesia.

CBDCs

China More Than Doubles E-Yuan Operators in Regulatory Expansion

By Mark Johnston | 06/04/2026

The central bank has licenced 12 new institutions, including city commercial banks for the first time, in a significant expansion of its CBDC pilot.

Cryptocurrency

ASIC Bans Crypto Fund Director for Maximum Five-Year Period

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/04/2026

ASIC has disqualified the director of three failed cryptocurrency firms for serious misconduct, including operating without a financial services licence.