Markets & Infrastructure

Payments & Settlements

India in Talks to Link UPI With Alipay+ for Cross-Border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/02/2026

The proposed linkage would expand UPI’s global reach but faces security and regulatory reviews due to Alipay+’s Chinese origins.

CBDCs

BOJ and Private Sector Engage in Talks on Digital Yen Design

By Editors | 04/02/2026

A new committee has begun tackling practical issues like interoperability and costs, as the BOJ continues its CBDC pilot programme.

Structural Regulation

Korea's Dunamu Under Probe for Allegedly Hindering Market Competition

By Mark Johnston | 04/02/2026

South Korean regulators are probing whether Dunamu unfairly restricted trading of its unlisted shares to its own platform, hindering competitors.

Payments & Settlements

Bank Indonesia Joins Nexus Project to Strengthen Cross-Border Payments

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/02/2026

Joining the BIS-led initiative will help lower costs, improve speed and expand access to international transfers by linking domestic instant payment systems across borders.

Custody & Infrastructure

SFC Seeks Budget Increase to Boost Headcount for Digital Assets, IPOs

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 04/02/2026

Six of 18 new positions are designated for digital assets licensing and supervision work as well as the SFC's "ASPIRe" virtual asset roadmap.

Structural Regulation

India’s IFSCA Tightens Fund Management Rules, Eases Norms for KMPs

By Nithya Subramanian | 04/02/2026

The GIFT City regulator has rolled out amendments aimed at easing compliance for fund managers, while strengthening requirements around capital thresholds, scheme validity and governance.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Korea FSS Fines Five Brokerages KRW 3b for ELS Mis-Selling

By Mark Johnston | 04/02/2026

Regulators have fined five firms and outlined specific sales practice violations at each, from bypassing recording rules to improper advertising.

Structural Regulation

China Proposes 5pc Minimum Stake for Strategic ‘Patient Capital’ Investors

By Mark Johnston | 03/02/2026

New draft rules expand the definition of strategic investors and set a 5% minimum stake to encourage long-term institutional investment.

Trading & Investment

India’s Budget 2026 Raises Derivatives Trading Taxes to Curb Speculation

By Nithya Subramanian | 03/02/2026

The government has increased transaction taxes on equity derivatives to rein in speculative trading, a move that has raised questions over liquidity, hedging costs and investor participation.