Markets & Infrastructure

Structural Regulation

Australia Fines Foreign Investors A$14 Million Over Critical Minerals Breach

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

This is the first case brought by a government leader under Australia's foreign investment laws since their introduction in 1975.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Appoints Sarah Court to Serve as Next ASIC Chair

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Sarah Court, a seasoned litigator known for a tough enforcement record, will take the helm in a milestone move for the regulator.

Trading & Investment

BOT Tightens Online Gold Trading Rules to Curb Baht Volatility

By Nithya Subramanian | 03/02/2026

BOT will cap gold trading from 1 March 2026, and introduce stricter rules on payments and delivery to boost transparency and reduce currency volatility.

Emerging Prudential Risks

Hong Kong to Align First Five-Year Plan with Mainland China Blueprint

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Hong Kong will create its first five-year development framework, personally led by its chief executive, to synchronise with Mainland China's national strategy.

Trading & Investment

SEBI’s Corporate Bond Liquidity Window Struggles to Gain Traction

By Nithya Subramanian | 03/02/2026

Despite SEBI’s bid to enhance secondary market liquidity, issuers have largely shunned the corporate bond liquidity window amid strict norms and limited incentives.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Australian Mortgage and Finance Brokers Urged to Review Ads

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

The move by the MFAA follows an ASIC review into misleading digital and social media content, including the rise of "finfluencers".

Structural Regulation

Korea Moves to Formalise Bond Council to Manage Issuance Concentration

By Mark Johnston | 03/02/2026

New regulation aims to coordinate supply and prevent market volatility through a permanent body involving regulators and issuing agencies.

Trading & Investment

ISDA Spotlights Constraints on Using Derivatives in Pension Funds

By Manesh Samtani | 03/02/2026

New paper details restrictive rules in China and India, while noting widespread use of swaps and forwards in Australia and South Korea.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

New Zealand FMA Issues Warning to Japanese Insurer for Overcharging Customers

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance overcharged more than 5,000 customers due to system failures, prompting a regulatory call for better industry-wide controls.