Other Asia Pacific

UPDATED – Bangladesh: Banks, Stock Exchanges Shorten Work Hours

By Editors | 08/04/2021

Banks were asked to carry out all transactions from 10am to 12.30pm during the lockdown and to only keep branches open until 2pm.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Thailand SEC to Require Crypto Investors to Have Experience

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 08/04/2021

Under the new regulations, cryptocurrency investors must have previous experience or training to prove their knowledge of cryptocurrency.

AML / KYC

Philippines Expands AML Rules to Financing, Lending Firms

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 08/04/2021

All financing and lending companies are required to register with the AMLC, report suspicious transactions and comply with other AML/CTF rules.

Fintech / Regtech

Thailand to Start Testing Retail CBDC in Q2 2022

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 07/04/2021

The BOT says the retail digital baht will provide access to convenient and secure financial services without affecting Thailand’s financial system.

Enforcement

Myanmar: Korean Banks Raise Vigilance After Employee Shooting

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 05/04/2021

A Shinhan Bank employee has died after being shot in the head by Myanmar’s military forces. Meanwhile, local private banks are being fined for remaining closed.

Fintech / Regtech

Thailand, Vietnam Launch Cross-Border QR Code Link

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/04/2021

The retail payment link will facilitate cross-border transactions between Thailand and Vietnam using local currencies.

Securities / Derivatives

PSE Proposes to Exempt AIFs from Lock-up Rules

By Editors | 02/04/2021

Currently, alternative investment funds that acquired shares 180 days before an IPO are subject to a 365-day lock-up period.

BSP Encourages Greater Development of Islamic Banking

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 01/04/2021

The BSP is proactively approaching local and foreign lenders to ascertain whether they are interested in establishing Islamic banking units.

Thailand Unveils More SME Support, ‘Asset Warehousing’ Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 29/03/2021

The asset warehousing scheme allows debtors to transfer assets for debt settlement while allowing them the right to buy back these assets at a later date.