Markets & Infrastructure

Trading & Investment

China Halts Commodity Funds to Curb Speculative Risk Amid Volatility

By Editors | 02/02/2026

Regulators suspended five silver and oil funds to protect investors after extreme price volatility and unsustainable premiums developed.

Clearing & Post-Trade

SGX Consults on Shift to Omnibus Broker Custody Model

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/02/2026

SGX RegCo has proposed rule changes to allow wider use of broker custody accounts, aiming to align Singapore’s post-trade framework with global practices.

Structural Regulation

Taiwan Eyes Tax Breaks, New Regulations to Develop Wealth Hub

By Manesh Samtani | 02/02/2026

FSC links financial sector expansion to national security, while defending controversial accounting changes for the island's US$1 trillion insurance industry.

Structural Regulation

Vietnam Outlines Strategy for Ho Chi Minh Financial Hub

By Manesh Samtani | 02/02/2026

The plan for Ho Chi Minh City focuses on four pillars: capital markets, trade finance, fintech, and niche financial services.

Structural Regulation

Malaysia Launches Million Collateral-Free Financing for Chinese MSMEs

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/02/2026

The initiative, channelled through SME Bank and Bank Rakyat, was welcomed by industry groups as a targeted move to boost capital access.

Trading & Investment

PBOC Adopts Global Repo Standard in Major Market Access Reform

By Editors | 02/02/2026

The PBOC has recognised the GMRA for onshore repo trades, a move set to simplify access and reduce capital costs for foreign investors.

Structural Regulation

PBOC Overhauls Rules for Challenging Administrative Actions

By Editors | 02/02/2026

New measures effective 1 March set formal procedures for appealing PBOC decisions, introducing summary procedures and specific jurisdictional rules for branches.

Structural Regulation

India Expands Market Access for EU Banks Under New FTA

By Nithya Subramanian | 02/02/2026

European banks will be allowed to open up to 15 branches in India over four years, alongside provisions permitting 100 percent FDI in insurance and 74 percent in banking services.

Structural Regulation

Indonesia OJK and IDX Chiefs Resign After US$80bn Market Rout

By Manesh Samtani | 02/02/2026

The mass resignations follow an MSCI warning on transparency, prompting the government to announce a raft of urgent market reforms.