Markets & Infrastructure

Anti-Money Laundering

BIS-led Project Mandala Enters Phase 2 to Automate Cross-border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/11/2025

The second phase will include new participants, test scalability, expand use cases, and explore programmable compliance for digital assets.

Sustainable Finance

Singapore Updates Tax Laws to Stay Globally Competitive

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/11/2025

Parliament passed the Finance (Income Taxes) Bill to align with global minimum tax rules, enhance corporate incentives, and provide rebates supporting sustainability and individuals.

Structural Regulation

India Moots Further Public Bank Consolidation

By Mark Johnston | 10/11/2025

Finance Minister Sitharaman confirms discussions with RBI on creating fewer, bigger "world-class" banks and simplifying access to credit.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Hong Kong SFC Secures First Jail Sentence for Finfluencer

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/11/2025

A financial influencer has been imprisoned for six weeks for providing unlicensed investment advice on a paid Telegram group.

Trading & Investment

Pakistan Allows Brokers to Operate Trading Accounts for Minors

By Mark Johnston | 10/11/2025

New rules developed under SECP guidance outline broker compliance, funding, and trading prohibitions for under-18s' accounts.

Structural Regulation

SC Malaysia Names First Cohort of “MyABE” Local Champions

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/11/2025

Malaysia has launched the new initiative to recognise and support local companies with strong regional presence or high growth potential across ASEAN.

Payments & Settlements

Bahrain and India Launch Connected Instant Payment Systems

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/11/2025

The instant payment link enables real-time cross-border transfers and strengthens bilateral financial and fintech ties between the two countries.

Structural Regulation

CPMI, IOSCO Target 'Serious' Gaps in FMI Business Risk Rules

By Manesh Samtani | 10/11/2025

An assessment of 34 financial market infrastructures reveals significant shortcomings, prompting new draft guidance on capital, recovery, and wind-down plans.

Sustainable Finance

ASEAN Unveils Five-year Capital Market Roadmap

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/11/2025

The ACMF Action Plan sets 11 priorities and 24 initiatives across five strategic areas to strengthen the capital markets, boost sustainability and accelerate digital transformation.