Markets & Infrastructure

Structural Regulation

Korea Enforces Shareholder Reporting for Large Unlisted Firms

By Mark Johnston | 08/04/2026

The regulator has reminded large unlisted companies to report controlling shareholder stakes or face penalties, including executive dismissal recommendations.

Payments & Settlements

Sri Lanka Launches National QR Adoption Drive, Scraps Merchant Fees

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/04/2026

The government has removed service fees for LankaQR transactions under LKR 5,000 and enabled P2P payments to drive digital adoption and formalise the economy.

CBDCs

China and Ethiopia to Deepen Financial Cooperation on Payments and CBDCs

By Mark Johnston | 07/04/2026

Central banks discussed establishing bilateral swap lines and integrating payment systems, including potential access to China's CIPS network for Ethiopian banks.

Trading & Investment

Korea Exchange Begins Mock Trading for 12-Hour Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/04/2026

KRX is testing systems with 50 member firms ahead of a planned September launch of pre-market and after-market trading sessions.

Alternative Markets

Bangladesh Launches Bank-Backed Venture Fund Under Central Bank Guidance

By Mark Johnston | 07/04/2026

A new BDT 6 billion venture capital firm, funded by 39 banks under a central bank directive, will launch this month.

Data Privacy

US Designates India's UPI and Data Rules as Trade Barriers

By Nithya Subramanian | 07/04/2026

The USTR’s annual trade report flags India’s digital payment ecosystem, data localisation rules, and content takedown orders as significant hurdles.

Structural Regulation

Canada, China Sign Pact to Deepen Financial Cooperation

By Mark Johnston | 07/04/2026

The agreement follows a high-level visit to Beijing aimed at boosting trade and gaining greater market access for Canadian financial firms.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Proposes Market Stabilisation Fund Amid War-Driven Sell-Off

By Manesh Samtani | 07/04/2026

Proposals include a state-backed fund, trading curbs, and incentives for buybacks as the government seeks to calm markets and secure a key status upgrade.

Structural Regulation

Indonesia Publishes List of Firms with Concentrated Ownership

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/04/2026

The list, part of wider reforms to enhance market transparency, enables investors to assess the risks associated with ownership concentration.