Markets & Infrastructure

Trading & Investment

China Opens Bond Futures Market With First QFI Trade

By Mark Johnston | 30/05/2026

The move allows qualified foreign investors to hedge onshore bond exposures, with Standard Chartered facilitating the inaugural transaction as the only approved foreign bank.

Payments & Settlements

Bangladesh Bank Allows Airlines, Shippers to Earn Interest on FX Deposits

By Editors | 30/05/2026

The new policy allows surplus foreign currency balances to be placed in renewable term deposits, with interest or profit paid in Bangladeshi Taka to encourage higher remittance inflows.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Korea Pushes for Deeper Reforms as Value-Up Programme Matures

By Mark Johnston | 30/05/2026

Regulators are calling for a cultural shift and greater board accountability as the two-year-old initiative shows early signs of success in tackling the ‘Korea discount’.

Credit Risk

FSC Korea to Overhaul Debt Collection with New Licensing Regime

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/05/2026

The regulator will replace the current registration system for debt collectors with a stricter licensing model.

Structural Regulation

OECD Urges Major Overhaul of New Zealand’s Capital Markets

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2026

A new OECD report calls for wide-ranging reforms to deepen New Zealand’s shallow capital markets, including changes to pension savings, listing rules and SME financing.

Trading & Investment

Taiwan Stock Exchange Plans Longer Trading Hours, Odd-Lot Reform

By Editors | 29/05/2026

The TWSE aims to overhaul its odd-lot trading mechanism by year-end and is discussing a longer trading day to attract more investor flow.

Emerging Prudential Risks

NZ Financial Industry to Fund Own Supervision Under New Levy

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2026

New Zealand's government has announced the financial industry will fund its own prudential supervision, with a consultation on the levy's design set to begin in July.

Stablecoins

New Zealand FMA to Create ‘On-Ramp’ Licence After Sandbox Review

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/05/2026

The FMA has published findings from its fintech sandbox, acknowledging industry frustrations and outlining a new strategy that includes a proportionate licensing pathway.

Structural Regulation

SC Malaysia Finalises New Equity Listing Framework

By Nithya Subramanian | 29/05/2026

The securities regulator has raised profit thresholds for Main Market listings and tightened rules for transfers from the ACE Market, effective from 3 June 2026.