Markets & Infrastructure

CBDCs

HKMA Says More Central Banks Will Join mBridge Platform

By Editors | 23/09/2023

HKMA CEO Eddie Yue said an MVP will soon be launched to pave the way for the “gradual commercialisation of mBridge”.

Payments & Settlements

Korea to Relax Rules to Boost Offshore Lending and Trade Finance

By Editors | 23/09/2023

The changes will enable financial institutions, including foreign banks operating in Korea, to transfer foreign currency denominated debt to overseas entities.

Trading & Investment

Malaysia SC Outlines Ongoing Initiatives to Boost Capital Market

By Editors | 23/09/2023

The measures include a lower stamp duty, the introduction of fractional share trading, and a faster IPO process.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Australia Court Fines NAB $1.3m for Overcharging Customers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/09/2023

The penalty was the maximum allowed by legislation that existed at the time of the contravening conduct. The court said a penalty “several times” higher would have been more appropriate.

Structural Regulation

ASIC Postpones Financial Adviser Registration to 2024

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 22/09/2023

The financial adviser registration requirement was initially due to commence in January 2023. This is now the third extension.

Structural Regulation

CSRC Plans Reforms to Drive Better Dividend Payouts by Listed Companies

By Editors | 22/09/2023

Companies that don’t pay dividends will be required to justify these decisions, and restrictions on stock sales may be imposed on their controlling shareholders.

Structural Regulation

China Considers Looser Restrictions on Foreign Ownership in Listed Companies

By Editors | 22/09/2023

China currently caps total foreign ownership in local listed companies at 30%, and subjects a single foreign shareholder to a 10% limit.

Structural Regulation

SFC Finalises Revisions to Takeovers and Share Buybacks Codes

By Editors | 22/09/2023

The amended Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buy-backs will be gazetted on 29 September 2023 and then take effect immediately.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

New Zealand Issues Guidance on Helping Vulnerable Customers

By Editors | 21/09/2023

Financial service providers should be “proactive” about identifying and helping customers who are experiencing, or likely to experience, financial difficulty.