International

Cryptocurrency

Philippines Bans Banks From Dealing with Unregistered Crypto Firms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 03/02/2026

New rules prohibit dealings with unlicensed virtual asset service providers and restrict retail customer access to offshore platforms.

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

Indonesia FIU Flags IDR 2 Quadrillion in Suspect Funds from 2025 STRs

By Editors | 02/02/2026

PPATK highlights significant flows from illegal mining and tax evasion, while noting a 20% drop in online gambling transactions.

Emerging Prudential Risks

Some NBFIs Need Bank-like Rules to Curb Systemic Risk: FSB Chief

By Manesh Samtani | 02/02/2026

John Schindler outlines need for tailored, risk-based approach, citing recent crises and pushing back on industry misconceptions about regulation.

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.

AI Risk & Governance

US, China Lead New Benchmark on Artificial Intelligence in Finance

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 02/02/2026

A new global index finds leaders excel in deployment readiness and market connectivity, with Hong Kong ranked as a top hub.

Stablecoins

StanChart Warns Stablecoins Could Siphon $500b from Lenders

By Mark Johnston | 02/02/2026

Report predicts massive deposit flight by 2028 as pending US legislation paves the way for yield-bearing digital assets to compete with traditional banking models.

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.

Payments & Settlements

BIS Project Maps Path to Quantum-Ready, Scalable Payment Systems

By Manesh Samtani | 30/01/2026

A new proof-of-concept explores a modular architecture to handle high volumes and future-proof financial market infrastructures against quantum threats.