Markets & Infrastructure

Structural Regulation

Thailand Issues First Virtual Bank Licence to Clicx Consortium

By Mark Johnston | 27/05/2026

The digital bank is set to launch next month pending a final readiness assessment, while two other approved applicants have requested operational extensions.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

FSI Chair Urges Stronger Supervision to Fix Bank Governance

By Manesh Samtani | 27/05/2026

A new focus on structured supervisory judgment, rather than just adding regulations, is needed to address cultural and governance-related root causes of bank failures.

Payments & Settlements

Taiwan Considers Rule to Limit Dividend Currency Choice

By Mark Johnston | 27/05/2026

Taiwan’s central bank is drafting rules that would restrict foreign investors to a once-a-year dividend currency choice to manage foreign exchange volatility.

Structural Regulation

RBI Tightens Governance Rules for Co-operative Bank Directors

By Nithya Subramanian | 27/05/2026

The RBI has introduced a mandatory three-year cooling-off period for directors to prevent the circumvention of statutory tenure limits.

Anti-Money Laundering

Fed Proposes New ‘Payment Account’ for Fintechs, Sparking AML Debate

By Manesh Samtani | 26/05/2026

US Federal Reserve proposes a new type of account to widen payment system access, but the plan faces internal dissent over illicit finance safeguards.

Alternative Markets

Thailand's CMDF to Launch THB 1 Billion Private Equity Trust

By Editors | 26/05/2026

The fund will support growth-stage companies in key "new economy" sectors, building a pipeline for future IPOs and bolstering Thailand's capital market.

Trading & Investment

Korea Launches Public Growth Fund with First-Loss Protection

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/05/2026

Seoul is channelling public savings into high-tech industries via a new KRW 600 billion fund that offers government loss absorption and tax incentives to retail investors.

Payments & Settlements

Indonesia Expands Payment Links as Non-Dollar Trade Surges

By Editors | 26/05/2026

BI plans to connect its QRIS payment system to India, Hong Kong and Timor Leste, as local currency trade settlement volumes soar.

Cybersecurity

Cambodian Banks Pledge to Boost Cyber Defences Amid New Rules

By Mark Johnston | 26/05/2026

Industry leaders have committed to strengthening cyber defences in response to new, comprehensive technology and cyber risk guidelines issued by the central bank.