Philippines

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Investigates Westpac, Imposes Capital Surcharge

By Editors | 17/12/2019

APRA’s investigation will focus on the conduct that led to Westpac’s alleged 23 million AML breaches, and whether its senior managers breached the Banking Act, including the BEAR.

Market Infrastructure

LSEG to Provide Post Trade Technology for Philippine Bourse

By Editors | 12/12/2019

The Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines will use LSEG technology to enhance its clearing, settlement, risk and collateral management capabilities.

Market Infrastructure

Data Privacy in Asia Pacific: A Fragmented Landscape

By Sarah Pearce | 10/12/2019

Asia’s data privacy frameworks remain highly fragmented. But companies cannot be complacent about more onerous laws in other jurisdictions, says Sarah Pearce at international law firm Paul Hastings.

Securities / Derivatives

Philippine Bourse Proposes Tightening of Delisting Rules

By Editors | 06/12/2019

Under the proposed rules, a voluntary delisting must be approved by all independent directors and by stockholders owning at least 75 percent of the total outstanding listed shares.

Securities / Derivatives

BSP Relaxes Requirements on Issuance of Debt Instruments

By Editors | 03/12/2019

Related companies of issuing banks are allowed to underwrite or arrange LTNCTDs, bonds and commercial papers, subject to certain conditions.

ESG / Sustainability

BSP to Phase In ESG-related Regulations for Banks

By Editors | 28/11/2019

The first phase will involve high-level principles on ESG integration. The second will provide granular expectations. The third will cover regulatory incentives.

ESG / Sustainability

SGX Becomes First Asian Exchange to List Catastrophe Bonds

By Editors | 27/11/2019

The ‘World Bank Philippines Catastrophe Bonds’ will finance up to $225mn of financial protection against earthquakes and tropical cyclones for the Philippines over the next three years.

AML / KYC

UPDATED – Westpac Announces Plan to Address AML/CTF Failings

By Editors | 26/11/2019

Westpac is determined to urgently fix the issues raised by AUSTRAC and lift its standards. ASIC and APRA have begun investigations into the bank.

Capital / Liquidity

BSP Excludes Interbank Borrowings from Reserve Calculations

By Editors | 25/11/2019

“The exclusion of these types of borrowings from the reserve base of banks and quasi-banks will result in freed-up liquidity for lending or investment activities,” the BSP said.