Markets & Infrastructure

Structural Regulation

Hong Kong Pitches Deeper Financial Integration in Beijing Meetings

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2026

The visit focused on aligning with the 15th Five-Year Plan, reinforcing Hong Kong's "safe harbour" status and promoting new AI initiatives.

Structural Regulation

Penang Sets Up Task Force to Develop International Financial Centre

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

The Malaysian state seeks to position itself as a tech and finance hub. A white paper outlining regulatory and ecosystem proposals will be published later this year.

Emerging Prudential Risks

South Korea to Bolster Defences Against Mounting External Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 20/03/2026

Korean authorities will conduct stress tests across the financial sector and prepare an expanded KRW 100 trillion market stabilisation programme.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

RBI Backs HDFC Bank Governance Despite Chairman’s Abrupt Exit

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

The RBI said it sees no material concerns and approved an interim leadership plan after the part-time chairman resigned citing issues with “values and ethics”.

Structural Regulation

India’s IFSCA Flags Compliance Gaps Among Intermediaries in GIFT City

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

The regulator has "initiated appropriate regulatory action" in response to lapses in staffing, infrastructure and controls at capital market intermediaries in GIFT City.

Clearing & Post-Trade

MAS Proposes Phasing Out Physical Share Certificates for Listed firms

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

The regulator has launched a consultation on an enabling regime for share dematerialisation to boost efficiency and support a tokenised economy.

Clearing & Post-Trade

MAS Proposes Expanded Regulatory Regime for CSDs

By Nithya Subramanian | 20/03/2026

The regulator has proposed extending oversight to all CSDs, with new approval, governance and risk requirements under updated securities framework.

Operational Risk

China Mandates Credit-Based Regulation for Transport Sector

By Mark Johnston | 20/03/2026

Five authorities have set a 2030 deadline for a unified credit system linking ratings to regulatory treatment, market access, and consumer services.

Trading & Investment

Hong Kong to Offer Fee Relief to Facilitate Transition to Scripless Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/03/2026

The government has ruled creating a dedicated fund to help securities dealers cover costs, but will offer fee waivers to ease the burden on small and medium firms.