Markets & Infrastructure

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

China Intensifies Banker Pay Reforms With Steep Bonus Cuts

By Mark Johnston | 18/03/2026

Regulators are enforcing bonus reductions of up to 50 percent at state-owned firms to correct pay imbalances and advance 'common prosperity'

Payments & Settlements

Korea Launches Online Loan Refinancing for Small Businesses

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/03/2026

Starting March 18, small business owners can switch eligible working capital loans to lower-interest products using mobile apps, as part of Korea’s push to expand digital services.

Emerging Prudential Risks

BIS Report Finds Offshore Activity Masks Financial Vulnerabilities

By Manesh Samtani | 18/03/2026

New report shows how firms use offshore centres to raise funds, complicating risk analysis and financial stability monitoring for regulators.

Structural Regulation

India’s IFSCA Proposes New Rules to Build Aircraft Leasing Hub

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/03/2026

Consultation outlines a dedicated regulatory framework for Trust and Company Service Providers and SPVs to develop a leasing ecosystem in GIFT City.

Structural Regulation

Japan Cabinet Approves Bill to Create CFIUS-Style Screening Body

By Editors | 18/03/2026

The government has approved a bill to create a new cross-ministerial body for screening foreign investments on national security grounds.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

ASIC Launches Public Complaints Data Portal for FIs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/03/2026

The new interactive dashboard allows public comparison of firms’ complaint handling, aiming to boost transparency and flag emerging industry issues.

Structural Regulation

SEBI Proposes Simpler Nomination Rules for Demat, MF Accounts

By Nithya Subramanian | 18/03/2026

The regulator has suggested default opt-in, fewer nominee details and a cap of four nominees to ease onboarding and reduce unclaimed assets.

Trading & Investment

South Korea Delays Launch of Extended Stock Trading Hours

By Manesh Samtani | 18/03/2026

Korea Exchange has postponed its new pre- and after-market sessions to September following industry calls for more system testing.

Alternative Markets

Asian Regulators Scrutinise Private Credit as Investor Redemption Fears Grow

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 18/03/2026

The HKMA is assessing bank exposures as wealth managers rush to calm client nerves over the USD 1.8 trillion asset class.