International

PEPs & Sanctions

EU Adopts New Rules for CSDs on Handling of Frozen Russian Assets

By Editors | 13/02/2024

The decision paves the way for the possible use of revenue generated from frozen Russian assets to aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Tokenisation

FIX Unveils 2024 Priorities for Digital Assets Markets

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 13/02/2024

FIX’s Digital Assets & Technology Committee will focus on integration and interoperability, regulatory guidance, and the efficient use of DLT and smart contracts.

PEPs & Sanctions

US VC Firms Accused of Supporting China’s Tech Ambitions

By Editors | 13/02/2024

A report released by a US congressional committee accuses Sequoia Capital China, Qualcomm Ventures and three other VC firms of supporting China’s military.

Anti-Money Laundering

GCFFC Europe Chapter Sets Financial Crime Priorities for 2024

By Mark Johnston | 13/02/2024

The priorities include economic security, beneficial ownership, professional money launderers and public-private partnerships.

PEPs & Sanctions

Small German Bank Suspected of Helping Iran Evade Sanctions – Report

By Editors | 13/02/2024

BaFin has been investigating Hamburg-based Varengold Bank since last year, while APAS has been investigating its independent auditor, PwC.

PEPs & Sanctions

OFAC Announces Russian Diamond Ban, Price Cap Sanctions

By Editors | 09/02/2024

Import ban on Russian diamonds starts 1 March 2024. New sanctions target UAE-based entities and an oil tanker.

Nature & Biodiversity

Investors Embrace GRI Biodiversity Standard, Acknowledge Systemic Risk

By Ranamita Chakraborty | 09/02/2024

GRI’s Harold Pauwels tells Regulation Asia that the financial sector acknowledges that biodiversity impacts bring associated risks to investor portfolios.

Sustainable Finance

IIGCC Releases Derivatives, Hedge Funds Guidance

By ESG Investor | 09/02/2024

The guidance provides advice to hedge fund managers on how to report on the real-economy impact of their holdings and better support net zero investment strategies.

Reporting & Disclosures

Disclosure Progress “Much too Slow” – CDP

By ESG Investor | 08/02/2024

The number of firms disclosing rose 24% in 2023, but only slow progress is being made to improve the quality of climate and nature.