Markets & Infrastructure

Trading & Investment

China Extends Tax Incentives for Innovative Firms' CDR Pilot to End 2027

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

Authorities renew preferential treatment for individual and institutional investors, including QFIIs and public funds, to support the domestic depositary receipt programme.

Cryptocurrency

Thailand to Finalise Rules for Crypto ETFs and Futures in 2026

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

Thailand’s securities regulator is finalising rules covering crypto ETFs, custody standards and futures trading, formally recognising digital assets within capital markets.

Stablecoins

Korea Updates Guide for Domestic Firms on Hong Kong Financial System

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The guide reflects Hong Kong's new digital asset rules and insurance framework to aid South Korean firms' overseas expansion.

Structural Regulation

China NFRA Overhauls Licensing Rules With New Digital-first Framework

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

New regulations taking effect 1 March mandate electronic filings, clarify review hierarchies and set strict penalty timelines for market entry and personnel approvals.

Trading & Investment

Bursa Malaysia Launches New Futures to Broaden Market Access

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

The exchange will introduce the smaller-sized FKLM contract on January 26 to lower entry barriers and broaden retail participation in Malaysia’s derivatives market.

Trading & Investment

SGX Plans Smaller Board Lots for Higher-Priced Stocks

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/01/2026

The exchange proposes reducing board lots to 10 units for stocks above SGD 10 and to one unit above SGD 100, following market review recommendations.

Trading & Investment

China Opens 14 Commodity Futures and Options Products to International Investors

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

The CSRC has expanded the list of domestic specific commodities available to overseas traders to deepen financial market integration and bolster its influence over global commodity pricing.

Custody & Infrastructure

Korea Tests Autonomous AI Payment System Using Digital Currency Tokens

By Mark Johnston | 26/01/2026

The BOK and LG CNS have successfully demonstrated a payment infrastructure allowing AI agents to autonomously transact using blockchain-based deposit tokens.

Structural Regulation

KRX Eases Quantitative Targets for Corporate Value-up Plans

By Manesh Samtani | 26/01/2026

The move follows feedback that firms found setting specific financial targets burdensome, as KRX pushes for wider adoption.