Markets & Infrastructure

Alternative Markets

Korea Deploys Growth Fund for AI, Launches Retail Offering

By Mark Johnston | 08/05/2026

A state-backed fund is injecting capital into ‘sovereign AI’ while a new retail tranche offers government loss protection to encourage public participation.

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong Pushes Yuan, Mediation in Bid to Become Commodities Hub

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/05/2026

New initiatives include a specialised mediation panel, a 50% profits tax concession, and a push for more yuan-denominated products and pricing.

Supervision & Enforcement

Outgoing ASIC Chair Calls for Ban on Unlicensed Super Communications

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/05/2026

In his final speech, Joe Longo highlighted a tougher enforcement stance and proposed new rules to curb a “conveyer belt of consumer harm” in the superannuation sector.

Clearing & Post-Trade

India Plans Electronic Platform for Bond Forward Trades

By Nithya Subramanian | 08/05/2026

CCIL is developing a platform for bond forwards to improve transparency and risk management in the largely over-the-counter market.

Structural Regulation

BOT Warns Virtual Bank Applicants on Licence Conditions

By Mark Johnston | 08/05/2026

The central bank has cautioned the three prospective licensees that they must meet strict structural rules or risk losing their licence entirely.

Sustainable Finance

Tokyo and Luxembourg Sign Financial Cooperation Agreement

By Editors | 08/05/2026

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on sustainable finance, fintech, and cross-border investment between the two financial hubs.

AI Risk & Governance

India’s NPCI Explores Agentic AI to Reduce UPI Compliance Burden

By Nithya Subramanian | 08/05/2026

NPCI is exploring an agent-to-agent AI model to reduce compliance certification for banks and fintechs from weeks to days.

Structural Regulation

Korea Revamps Omnibus Account Rules for Foreign Investors

By Manesh Samtani | 08/05/2026

Authorities will allow encrypted IDs in place of personal data for foreign investors using omnibus accounts to improve market access.

Payments & Settlements

HKMA Launches Cargo-x Pilot to Digitalise Trade Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/05/2026

The programme, involving 21 banks, will test use cases for cargo and trade data to improve SME access to financing.