Sustainability & ESG

Reporting & Disclosures

China Finalises Technical ESG Guidelines Ahead of First Mandatory Reporting Cycle

By Mark Johnston | 02/02/2026

Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing bourses issue methodologies for energy, water and pollutant disclosures, enforcing double materiality standards for major indices.

Structural Regulation

South Korea Spares FSS From State Oversight, Imposes New Rules

By Editors | 02/02/2026

The FSS will avoid public institution status but must consult on staffing and disclose executive expenses amid autonomy concerns.

Sustainable Finance

Korea Approves First Investment by New National Growth Fund

By Mark Johnston | 02/02/2026

The FSC authorises the first of seven 'mega projects', deploying state capital to catalyse private investment in renewable energy.

Anti-Money Laundering

EU, Vietnam Agree to Cooperate on Banking Supervision, AML, Sustainable Finance

By Mark Johnston | 02/02/2026

New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership includes commitments to align financial standards, combat sanctions circumvention and develop emissions trading systems.

Reporting & Disclosures

Hong Kong Unveils 2026-28 Plan to Cement Sustainable Finance Hub Status

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/02/2026

New priorities focus on strengthening disclosure, scaling transition finance, and developing adaptation finance capabilities to support Asia's low-carbon transition.

Climate Risk

RBI Defers Mandatory Climate Risk Disclosure for Banks

By Nithya Subramanian | 30/01/2026

The RBI has deferred plans to require banks to make climate-related risk disclosures, citing implementation challenges and data gaps.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

IESBA Eyes Global Culture Framework, Citing APAC's 'Leading Role'

By Manesh Samtani | 30/01/2026

The global ethics standard-setter is developing a new framework for accounting firm culture, seeing Asia as a critical region for feedback.

Custody & Infrastructure

Hong Kong FSDC Outlines Strategy for Deeper Integration with Africa

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/01/2026

A new report says Hong Kong's digital asset and green finance regulations can act as a "super-connector" for channelling Asian capital into African markets.

Sustainable Finance

HKEX and Brazil's B3 Forge Alliance on Carbon Markets, Sustainable Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

The exchange operators will explore potential equity cross-listings and the development of new carbon and ESG products across Asia and South America.