Markets & Infrastructure

Stablecoins

KBank Launches Blockchain QR Payments in Singapore with Grab and StraitsX

By Editors | 10/04/2026

The service uses a KBank e-money and a Singapore-dollar stablecoin for instant settlement, operating within Thai and Singaporean regulatory sandboxes.

Payments & Settlements

China Directs FIs to Optimise Financial Services for E-commerce Sector

By Mark Johnston | 10/04/2026

New guidelines call for enhanced credit, supply chain finance, and cross-border payment solutions to support e-commerce integration with the real economy.

Structural Regulation

FTSE Russell Confirms Vietnam’s Emerging Market Upgrade

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/04/2026

The reclassification, effective from September, follows key regulatory reforms including the removal of pre-funding requirements for foreign institutional investors.

Cryptocurrency

Coinbase Becomes First Global Crypto Firm to Secure AFS Licence in Australia

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The exchange has won a key Australian licence for derivatives and equities, as well as conditional approval from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Structural Regulation

Australia Proposes Overhaul of Superannuation, Financial Advice Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 10/04/2026

The government has launched consultations on wide-ranging reforms targeting superannuation platforms, lead generators, and the last-resort compensation scheme.

Structural Regulation

Korea to Triple Small-Scale Offering Cap, Tighten Rules for Fractional Investments

By Mark Johnston | 10/04/2026

Regulators have proposed raising the small-scale public offering threshold to KRW 3 billion while mandating full disclosure for fractional investment securities and easing rules for VC funds.

Structural Regulation

Taiwan Eases Rules for Securities Firms’ High-Net-Worth Business

By Nithya Subramanian | 10/04/2026

The FSC has amended rules for securities firms to expand their wealth management offerings, aiming to become an Asian asset management centre.

Market Abuse

China Clarifies Short-Swing Trading Rules and Application Process for Foreign Funds

By Mark Johnston | 09/04/2026

New CSRC provisions and exchange circulars clarify per-product calculations, exemptions, and the specific steps for overseas managers to apply.

Structural Regulation

SEBI Relaxes Public Shareholding and IPO Norms Amid Market Volatility

By Nithya Subramanian | 09/04/2026

SEBI has granted a temporary reprieve on penalties for MPS breaches and extended IPO approval validity periods.