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  • 2026-05-19AlbaniaBank of Albania

    Bank of Albania says recent microfinance reforms have strengthened transparency consumer protection and credit quality

    At the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre, the Bank of Albania’s Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj highlighted recent regulatory and supervisory measures to strengthen transparency, consumer protection and credit quality in the non-bank and microfinance sector. She underscored microfinance’s role in supporting small enterprises and financially excluded groups, and stressed the need for robust risk management, public trust and balancing commercial objectives with social responsibility.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsFinancial inclusion
  • 2026-05-19ArgentinaArgentina Superintendency of Insurance

    Argentina Superintendency of Insurance outlines solvency and supervisory modernization priorities at SEMAS

    The Argentina Superintendency of Insurance published remarks by Superintendent Guillermo Plate outlining priorities to strengthen system solvency, improve regulatory efficiency and modernize supervisory mechanisms. Plate emphasized insurers’ role in long-term investment and economic development, and called for a more efficient, technology-enabled supervisory framework with stronger controls to protect policyholders and support market transparency.

    SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitOther
  • 2026-05-19IndiaSecurities & Exchange Board of India

    Securities and Exchange Board of India revises mutual fund Monthly Cumulative Report format from June 2026

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India has revised the Monthly Cumulative Report format for mutual funds under its Master Circular, effective June 2026, to align with new scheme categories introduced under its mutual fund categorisation and rationalisation framework. The updated MCR and new MCR-SIF templates expand reporting across revised scheme categories while continuing to capture core monthly data on schemes, flows, assets under management, segregated portfolios and systematic investment plans, with other Master Circular conditions unchanged.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
  • 2026-05-19United StatesU.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs

    U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs ranking member Elizabeth Warren urges PCAOB to focus five year strategy on audit quality enforcement and emerging audit risks

    Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, urged the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to use its next five-year strategic plan to strengthen investor protection and audit quality, citing reduced Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement and political efforts to eliminate the PCAOB. Her letter calls for new standards on auditor independence, private equity ownership of accounting firms, complex data center arrangements, artificial intelligence in audit, and crypto-related “sham audits,” supported by more robust inspections and enforcement.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesAuditing
  • 2026-05-19United StatesU.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs

    U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs ranking member challenges OCC approval of at least nine crypto national trust charters

    Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, has written to Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould challenging the OCC’s approval of national trust charters for crypto companies. She argues the approvals let firms that do not qualify under the National Bank Act operate like banks without equivalent safeguards, citing risks to consumers, the separation of banking and commerce, and overall safety and soundness. Warren also questions whether applicants’ business plans exceed permissible trust activities and requested the OCC’s charter applications, supporting legal analyses, and related communications with the White House or Trump family members.

    Policy & regulationOtherLicence approval
  • 2026-05-19United StatesU.S. Department of the Treasury

    U.S. Department of the Treasury designates Amin Exchange and more than 50 Iran-linked persons and vessels in shadow banking and oil shipping action

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated more than 50 Iran-linked companies, individuals, vessels, and vessel owners or managers tied to Iran’s foreign exchange and petroleum trade under Executive Order 13902. The action targets Amin Exchange, its owner and senior officials, eight front companies in China, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates, 19 shipping companies, and 19 related vessels added to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Property and interests in property of the designated persons in the United States or under U.S. control must be blocked.

    EnforcementSanctions & designationsNew sanctions designations
  • 2026-05-19AlbaniaBank of Albania

    Bank of Albania highlights regulatory measures to strengthen transparency and risk management in microfinance

    The Bank of Albania published remarks by Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj outlining recent regulatory and supervisory measures to strengthen transparency, consumer protection and credit quality in the non-bank and microfinance sector. She underscored microfinance’s role in financial inclusion for small enterprises and borrowers with limited bank access, and stressed that affordable, responsible lending and strong reputational trust should remain central as the sector navigates financial and technological change.

    SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitFinancial inclusion
  • 2026-05-19United StatesCommodity Futures Trading Commission

    Commodity Futures Trading Commission sues Minnesota to block state felony ban on prediction markets including weather event contracts

    The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has sued the State of Minnesota and is seeking a preliminary injunction to block a new state law that would make operating or assisting in the operation of a prediction market a felony. The CFTC argues the law would criminalize activity in many CFTC-regulated markets, including weather-related event contracts used for hedging, and notes this action follows similar challenges to state gambling laws in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and other jurisdictions.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actions
  • 2026-05-19BermudaBermuda Monetary Authority

    Bermuda Monetary Authority appoints new COO and CTO to drive digital transformation

    The Bermuda Monetary Authority has appointed Mesheiah Keane as Chief Operating Officer and Graham Collier as Chief Technology Officer to support technology transformation, streamline supervisory processes and strengthen operational resilience. Keane will oversee Finance and Currency Operations, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Business and Operations Support, while Collier will lead enhancements to the Authority’s technology capabilities, including artificial intelligence tools, within its digital transformation strategy.

    Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
  • 2026-05-19NorwayDepartment of Finance (Norway)

    Norwegian Ministry of Finance launches consultation on hybrid pension reforms without personal pension account or provider choice

    The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has launched a consultation on changes to rules for hybrid occupational pensions, based on proposals from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway. The measures would expand investment choice, permit passive-consent mergers of pension certificates, remove the 12‑month service requirement to retain accrued rights, and allow conversion of paid-up policies into pension certificates, while not introducing personal pension accounts or provider choice for hybrid schemes.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirements
  • 2026-05-19IrelandCentral Bank of Ireland

    Central Bank of Ireland Governor Gabriel Makhlouf calls for a genuine Single Market and a permanent European safe asset

    The Central Bank of Ireland published a speech by Governor Gabriel Makhlouf warning that the EU’s Savings and Investments Union will fall short unless the Single Market for goods, services and capital is completed. He argued that a genuine single capital market requires a more complete regulatory architecture and a single European safe asset, and highlighted EU-level barriers and Irish demand-side constraints, including low household market participation despite EUR 172 billion of bank deposits. He said the Central Bank is promoting supervisory convergence and simplifying its regulatory framework through its Regulating and Supervising Well programme.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
  • 2026-05-19SeychellesSeychelles Financial Services Authority

    Seychelles Financial Services Authority rejects Quickex virtual asset service provider application and confirms services moved outside Seychelles

    The Seychelles Financial Services Authority rejected Angel Venture Partners Limited’s (Quickex) application for approval under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2024, effective 14 February 2025, and ordered the firm to cease or migrate virtual asset services out of Seychelles. The Authority said that although the company remains incorporated locally, all services covered by the Act’s First Schedule have been moved abroad and its Seychelles activities are now limited to holding and managing intellectual property, with virtual asset services provided by a separate foreign entity.

    SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence withdrawal
  • 2026-05-19MexicoCONDUSEF

    Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services finds only 1 of 6 electronic payment fund institutions fully compliant in 2025 transparency review

    Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services published results of its 2025 financial transparency supervision of six Electronic Payment Fund Institutions, finding only one fully compliant after remediation and an average score improvement from 2.6 to 5.0. Key deficiencies involved commission disclosures, customer consent for marketing, contract termination and complaints procedures, and inconsistencies between contractual terms and advertising or website content. Separately, Sylon Capital, S.A.P.I. de C.V., Institución de Fondos de Pago Electrónico was ordered to remove an adhesion contract from its website until its SIPRES register status is updated to “In operation.”

    SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsSupervision process and methodologies
  • 2026-05-19MexicoCONDUSEF

    Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services finds one of three crowdfunding institutions compliant in 2025 transparency supervision

    Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services published results of its 2025 financial transparency supervision of three crowdfunding institutions, finding one fully compliant and one partially compliant after corrective action. Average scores improved from 2.3 to 8.4 following a forced compliance programme, with breaches involving missing standalone consent for marketing use of user data, incomplete account or operation statements, and website omissions of the product trade name and RECA registration number. The authority noted that breaches do not exempt firms from sanctions or other measures.

    SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsCrowdfunding
  • 2026-05-19GlobalWorld Bank

    World Bank Group targets more than doubling annual Africa guarantee issuance to USD 6.4 billion by 2030

    The World Bank Group’s Guarantee Platform, housed at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, plans to more than double annual guarantee issuance in Africa to USD 6.4 billion by 2030, with new guarantees over the next four years expected to mobilize USD 23 billion in private capital. Targeting agribusiness, energy and infrastructure, health care, digital, finance and trade, it is projected by 2030 to expand access to electricity, finance, digital services, broadband, food security and sustainable transport for hundreds of millions of people. Launched in 2024, the platform also aims to raise the World Bank Group’s overall annual guarantee issuance to USD 20 billion by 2030.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
  • 2026-05-19KosovoCentral Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

    Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo convenes industry workshop on TIPS Clone timelines new payment services law and SEPA preparations

    The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo held a workshop with the Kosovo Banking Association, commercial banks and international experts to coordinate implementation of the TIPS Clone fast payments platform, the new Law on Payment Services and future integration into the Single Euro Payments Area. Discussions focused on operational readiness, technical coordination, cybersecurity, interoperability, liquidity and fraud management, and alignment with European standards, with the central bank stressing continued cooperation among all payment sector stakeholders.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsPayments and payment systems
  • 2026-05-19GlobalNetwork for Greening the Financial System

    Network for Greening the Financial System publishes cross country report on extreme weather impacts with GDP losses up to 57%

    The Network for Greening the Financial System has published a report on the macroeconomic and financial effects of extreme weather, drawing on 31 case studies across 28 countries. It finds such shocks can materially affect output, employment, prices and financial systems, with annual GDP impacts ranging from 0.03% to 57% and inflation effects up to 17 percentage points, and identifies spillovers through trade, supply chains and financial linkages. The report is described as a first step toward better measurement of these effects and stresses the need for forward-looking risk management as physical risks increase.

    ResearchClimate risk and sustainable financeFinancial stability and systemic risk
  • 2026-05-19SwedenMinistry of Finance (Sweden)

    Sweden's Ministry of Finance launches consultation on aligning credit market company initial capital with banks at EUR 7.5 million

    Sweden’s Ministry of Finance proposes raising initial capital requirements for credit market companies to match bank limited companies and updating thresholds for inflation, setting both at EUR 7.5 million. The memorandum would also increase initial capital for savings banks, member banks and credit market associations from EUR 1 million to EUR 1.5 million, citing rapid growth in consumer credit and the restriction of such activities to credit institutions. The changes would enter into force on 1 January 2027.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCapital adequacy
  • 2026-05-19GlobalNetwork for Greening the Financial System

    Network for Greening the Financial System publishes note on macrofinancial impacts and spillovers of extreme weather events

    The Network for Greening the Financial System has published a note, prepared at the invitation of the French G7 presidency, analysing the macroeconomic and financial impacts of extreme weather events, their transmission channels and international spillovers. The work draws on a cross-economy compilation of 31 events between 2015 and 2025 and existing literature to complement earlier G7 and G20 work.

    ResearchClimate risk and sustainable financeFinancial stability and systemic risk
  • 2026-05-19SwedenFinansinspektionen

    Sweden's Financial Supervisory Authority amends market venue and securities rules for EU Listing Act changes effective 5 and 6 June 2026

    Sweden’s Financial Supervisory Authority has amended four rulebooks and one general guideline to align market venue, investment services and fund rules with the EU Listing Act, including updates linked to the Prospectus Regulation and MiFID. The changes revise requirements for registering SME growth markets, adjust language rules for prospectuses and substitute documents, repeal provisions on official listing, and modify conditions under which third-party investment research is not treated as a fee or benefit, with consequential changes for securities funds and alternative investment fund managers.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSecurities offerings and listings
  • 2026-05-19SwedenRiksbank

    Sweden's Riksbank says AI has not yet affected current monetary policy and flags tougher labour market entry for young workers

    The Riksbank published a speech by First Deputy Governor Aino Bunge on how artificial intelligence could affect the labour market, macroeconomy and monetary policy, concluding that AI has not yet materially influenced productivity or policy but warrants close monitoring. Bunge highlighted a “no hire, no fire” pattern in AI‑exposed jobs and noted that firms’ AI use is widespread but operational effects remain limited. She also said the war in the Middle East has raised energy and fertiliser prices and will lift inflation relative to baseline, but argued against a pre‑emptive monetary policy response given low inflation and the credibility of the inflation target.

    Monetary policyMonetary policy assessments & outlooksArtificial intelligence
  • 2026-05-19IrelandCentral Bank of Ireland

    Central Bank of Ireland Governor calls for deeper EU Single Market integration with completed capital market rules and a single safe asset

    The Central Bank of Ireland Governor, in a speech at the AFME Annual European Financial Integration conference, called for a more ambitious European Single Market, including deeper integration of goods, services and capital and creation of a single safe asset. He highlighted demand-side barriers such as uneven tax treatment, financial literacy and cultural norms, and outlined Ireland’s framework for Single Market implementation, pension auto-enrolment, a planned Personal Investment Account framework and a retail investment tax roadmap. He also urged more convergent, outcomes-focused supervision in Europe and prioritising better application of existing rules over new legislation.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
  • 2026-05-19United StatesFinancial Industry Regulatory Authority

    United States Financial Industry Regulatory Authority launches review of firm supervision of non principal protected worst of structured notes

    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has launched a review of selected member firms’ practices for higher-risk structured products, focusing on non-principal protected worst-of structured notes. The review will assess supervision of customer concentrations and compliance with Regulation Best Interest and FINRA rules, after FINRA observed concentrated positions in complex, non-principal protected products leading to significant investor losses, and urged firms recommending these products to reassess their training, guidance, controls and supervision.

    SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsSupervision process and methodologies
  • 2026-05-19EuropeEuropean Central Bank

    European Central Bank publishes research finding euro area corporate bond markets are as integrated as those in the United States

    The European Central Bank’s Working Paper No 3235 finds euro area corporate bond markets are as integrated as those in the United States, with issuer country effects explaining little of bond spread variation or monetary policy transmission. In contrast, euro area bank loan spreads remain strongly shaped by national factors and lending is predominantly domestic, highlighting structural differences between bank and market finance and raising questions about euro area firms’ lower use of corporate debt and the substitutability of bank and market funding.

    ResearchMarket development
  • 2026-05-19EuropeEuropean Central Bank

    European Central Bank publishes research showing private equity buyouts lift supplier growth in normal times but compress supplier markups by about 8 percent in downturns

    The European Central Bank published a Working Paper on how private equity buyouts affect suppliers and competitors, using Belgian firm-level data from 2002 to 2021. It finds that suppliers of private-equity-backed firms grow faster in normal times but lose this advantage in downturns as investors intensify bargaining and reconfigure supply chains, with effects strongest where input dependence and long-standing relationships are higher. The paper also reports crowding-out effects on competitors that share suppliers with private-equity-backed firms.

    ResearchMarket development
  • 2026-05-19ThailandThailand Securities & Exchange Commission

    Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission seeks comments on review of the securitization SPV framework through 16 July 2026

    The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has launched a public consultation to evaluate the Emergency Decree on Special Purpose Juristic Persons for Securitization B.E. 2540 (1997) and related regulations, assessing whether the framework remains appropriate and supports securitization as an alternative funding channel. Conducted under the Act on Legislative Drafting and Evaluation of Laws B.E. 2562 (2019), the review seeks feedback on enforcement issues, the law’s continuing necessity, and its alignment with current conditions to inform potential revisions that promote securitization while maintaining investor protection.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSecuritization
  • 2026-05-19Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority

    Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority approves Almuneef capital increase to SAR 57 million through one for two bonus shares

    The Saudi Capital Markets Authority approved Almuneef Company’s capital increase from SAR 38 million to SAR 57 million via one bonus share for every two existing shares, funded by transferring SAR 19 million from retained earnings. Outstanding shares will rise from 38 million to 57 million, with eligibility for shareholders registered at the Securities Depository Center at the close of the second trading day after a due date set by the board, subject to an extraordinary general assembly within six months.

    SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
  • 2026-05-19SpainBank of Spain

    Bank of Spain reports general government debt at 101.6% of GDP in March 2026

    The Bank of Spain reported that Spanish general government debt under the Excessive Deficit Procedure stood at 101.6% of gross domestic product in March 2026, 1.7 percentage points lower than a year earlier, with the nominal stock rising 4.3% year on year to EUR 1.740 trillion. State debt reached EUR 1.590 trillion (92.9% of GDP), regional government debt EUR 347 billion (20.3% of GDP), local government debt fell to EUR 21 billion (1.2% of GDP), and Social Security debt rose to EUR 136 billion (8% of GDP), partly due to state loans.

    Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
  • 2026-05-19ChileChile Financial Market Commission

    Chile Financial Market Commission issues single rulebook for external auditing firms and tightens suitability standards for audits of key supervised entities

    The Chile Financial Market Commission has issued a Regulatory Compendium for External Auditing Firms that consolidates and updates sector rules in line with newer international standards and introduces proportionate suitability requirements, including a knowledge accreditation exam for audit teams of firms auditing specified supervised entities. The compendium removes the partnership-form requirement, updates internal regulation expectations on ethics and due diligence, and sets a differentiated framework for staff technical suitability, while an amendment to General Rule No. 30 clarifies that boards may propose shareholder ratification of an external auditing firm if the approved contract remains in force.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsAuditing
  • 2026-05-19GhanaBank of Ghana

    Bank of Ghana opens training workshop on repo guidelines and GMRA and ISDA documentation

    The Bank of Ghana, in partnership with Frontclear, opened a one-day training workshop on repo guidelines and Global Master Repurchase Agreement and International Swaps and Derivatives Association documentation to build capacity in Ghana’s fixed-income market. First Deputy Governor Dr. Zakari Mumuni highlighted the need for stronger understanding of legal and operational risks, including collateral management, legal enforceability, close-out netting and counterparty risk, and said the Bank will work with market stakeholders to strengthen infrastructure, deepen liquidity and align standards with international practice adapted to Ghana’s context.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsMarket infrastructure
  • 2026-05-19ChileCentral Bank of Chile

    Central Bank of Chile raises countercyclical capital requirement to 1% from 0.5% over 24 months as abrupt financing tightening tops risks

    The Central Bank of Chile has raised the countercyclical capital requirement to 1% of risk-weighted assets from 0.5% over 24 months and published its Financial Stability Report for the first half of 2026. The report highlights abrupt tightening in financing conditions as the main risk, notes elevated global vulnerabilities and changing fixed income market participation, and finds banks remain profitable, liquid and well capitalised under stress tests. The bank will also continue work on money market functioning and systemic liquidity management.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsFinancial stability and systemic riskMacroprudential policy and tools
  • 2026-05-19SloveniaSlovenia Insurance Supervision Agency

    Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency survey finds Slovenians prioritize temporary housing in earthquake insurance

    The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency published an article using the 1976 Friuli earthquake to assess the role of earthquake insurance in post-disaster recovery, based on a survey of public perceptions. Respondents primarily view earthquake insurance as a financial safeguard, with fast access to temporary accommodation rated the most important benefit, followed by cash compensation for repair and reconstruction and the sense of security provided by insurance.

    ResearchOther
  • 2026-05-19SloveniaSlovenia Insurance Supervision Agency

    Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency highlights low earthquake insurance coverage for Slovenian building stock

    The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency published an analysis of the 1998 Posočje earthquake highlighting the high vulnerability of Slovenia’s building stock and the limited uptake of earthquake insurance. It finds that most properties remain uninsured, so a major future earthquake would still leave a large share of rebuilding costs with households and the state, and notes that insurance coverage is more common among respondents who consider their buildings fully earthquake-safe than among those who view them as partly safe.

    ResearchOther
  • 2026-05-19SloveniaSlovenia Insurance Supervision Agency

    Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency highlights earthquake insurance gap and outlines mandatory cover proposal for apartment blocks

    The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency published an explainer on earthquake insurance highlighting a large protection gap for multi-apartment buildings and warning that insuring individual flats may leave owners exposed if the building is not collectively insured. It outlines a policy option for mandatory earthquake insurance for multi-apartment buildings arranged via building managers with subsidies for owners unable to afford premiums, and notes that a joint working group is developing a manager-based model that could raise insurance penetration from about 20 percent to about 50 percent.

    Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOther
  • 2026-05-19IndiaIndia International Financial Services Centres Authority

    India International Financial Services Centres Authority enables GIFT IFSC regulated entities to access NPCI e-KYC Setu for Aadhaar verification

    The India International Financial Services Centres Authority announced that all regulated entities in the International Financial Services Centre at GIFT City can now access the National Payments Corporation of India’s e-KYC Setu platform for Aadhaar-based digital identity verification via a single-window onboarding interface. The platform enables firms to validate clients’ Aadhaar information and conduct digital onboarding without physically storing or processing Aadhaar card numbers.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsKYC
  • 2026-05-19SloveniaSlovenia Insurance Supervision Agency

    Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency publishes analysis showing 50.7 percent of uninsured homeowners do not expect an earthquake in their area

    The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency published an article on the 1895 Ljubljana earthquake linking historical risk analysis with survey evidence that low risk perception is the main reason homeowners remain uninsured for basic-peril and earthquake cover. The agency estimates that a repeat event could cause just under EUR 10 billion in direct damage, at least EUR 5 billion in indirect damage and leave more than 100,000 people without housing, while also highlighting barriers such as affordability and product-market mismatches.

    ResearchOther
  • 2026-05-19EuropeEuropean Central Bank - Banking Supervision

    European Central Bank Banking Supervision says bank sovereign nexus is no current prudential concern but urges banking union completion

    The European Central Bank’s Supervisory Board Chair Claudia Buch said the euro area bank‑sovereign nexus has weakened and is not currently a prudential concern, but urged using the European Commission’s review of the EU banking sector to lock in these gains. She called for maintaining strong supervisory and regulatory standards, completing the banking union with a European deposit insurance scheme, and strengthening resilience in non‑bank finance, noting that banks still hold significant government bond exposures and that shocks and tighter fiscal space could re‑intensify bank‑sovereign linkages.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesPrudential risksFinancial stability and systemic risk
  • 2026-05-19BrazilBrazil Securities Commission (CVM)

    Brazil Securities Commission suspends registration of four public companies in judicial reorganisation for disclosure failures exceeding one year

    The Brazil Securities Commission's Superintendence of Corporate Relations has suspended the registrations of 2W Ecobank S.A., Cia Tecidos Santanense, Rossi Residencial S.A. and Teka Tecelagem Kuehnrich S.A. under Article 21 of Law 6,385 for failing for more than one year to provide information required by CVM Resolution 80. While suspended, their securities cannot be traded on stock exchanges or over-the-counter markets, and the measure does not relieve the companies, their controllers or administrators of liability for prior violations.

    SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsDisclosures
  • 2026-05-19PortugalPortuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF)

    Bank of Portugal Portuguese Securities Market Commission Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority and Directorate General for Consumers sign cooperation protocol on unauthorised financial activity

    The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority announced that the Bank of Portugal, the Portuguese Securities Market Commission, the Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority and the Directorate General for Consumers have signed a cooperation protocol to implement the regime for preventing and combating unauthorised financial activity and protecting consumers under Law No. 78/2021. The protocol establishes mechanisms for information exchange, coordination in administrative offence proceedings and cooperation in investigations to strengthen the response to unauthorised financial activity and related illegal advertising.

    Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperation
  • 2026-05-19MoldovaNational Bank of Moldova

    National Bank of Moldova governor highlights 94 percent cut in SEPA transfer fees and nearly EUR 7 million in savings

    The National Bank of Moldova published remarks by Governor Anca Dragu on the impact of Moldova’s entry into the Single Euro Payments Area for its EU path. She reported that from 5 October 2025 average fees on transfers to SEPA countries fell by 94% to EUR 1.26 and processing times shortened to same-day or next-day, generating nearly EUR 7 million in savings in the first six months and about EUR 1 million per month thereafter. Dragu noted that SEPA admission followed European Commission scrutiny of Moldova’s payments legislation, banking supervision, and AML/CFT rules.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
  • 2026-05-19Hong KongHong Kong Securities & Futures Commission

    Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission warns of scams misusing the Investor Compensation Fund to extract fees from loss-hit investors

    The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission warned of scams where fraudsters misuse the Investor Compensation Fund name and impersonate SFC executives or legal professionals to extract extra “deposits” or “handling fees” from already‑defrauded investors. The SFC stressed that Fund claims are free, cover only monetary losses from defaults of licensed intermediaries or authorised financial institutions in Hong Kong on specified securities and futures, and exclude market losses or scams involving unlicensed entities. It added that it never uses social media or instant messaging to seek payments and urged investors to verify approaches through official channels.

    SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
  • 2026-05-19TajikistanNational Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan

    National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan discusses new five year Country Partnership Framework with IFC

    The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan met an International Finance Corporation delegation to discuss a new five-year Country Partnership Framework, focusing on digital financial services, mortgage lending and green finance. They also discussed enhanced technical cooperation, financial infrastructure development and use of international practices to support banking sector reforms, with the IFC positively assessing sector trends and noting removal of financial credit institutions from sanctions lists.

    Policy & regulationCooperationOther
  • 2026-05-19TajikistanNational Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan

    National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reports foreign exchange purchase auction results at weighted average rate of 9.3244 TJS per USD

    The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan published results of its foreign exchange purchase intervention auction, which attracted seven participants. Satisfied bids ranged from USD 1.5 million to USD 8 million at a weighted average exchange rate of 9.3244 TJS per USD.

    Monetary policyMonetary policy instruments & operationsLicensing and supervisory fees
  • 2026-05-19KyrgyzstanNational Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic

    National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspends three currency exchange bureau licences and fines three Bishkek bureaus KGS 55000 each

    The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspended the licences of three currency exchange bureaus for breaches of Kyrgyz legislation and its regulations, applying suspensions to Expo Grand Plus and Bereke Lux in Bishkek from 16 to 30 May 2026 and to NKA Tri Semerki in Kant, Chuy Region, from 16 to 20 May 2026. It also imposed fines of KGS 55,000 each on three exchange bureaus in Bishkek.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
  • 2026-05-19KyrgyzstanNational Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic

    National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fines individual KGS 17500 for unlicensed cash foreign exchange operations in Bishkek

    The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined a Kyrgyz citizen KGS 17,500 for conducting cash foreign currency exchange operations in Bishkek without a National Bank license. The action underscores enforcement of licensing requirements for foreign currency exchange activities.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
  • 2026-05-19ChinaChina Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission

    China's National Financial Regulatory Administration sets 2026 priorities for small and micro enterprise finance with expanded bank credit and insurance support

    The China National Financial Regulatory Administration set 2026 policy goals for small and micro enterprise finance, targeting stable lending, better financing structures, stronger credit quality and sustainable development. Banks must expand and improve credit to small, micro and private firms, emphasizing first-time, credit and medium- to long-term loans, stronger coordination and risk monitoring, while insurers should broaden services and increase supply. The notice also calls for better credit information sharing and cross-department coordination.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesSME financing
  • 2026-05-19KazakhstanAgency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan

    Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan approves Nurlan Zhetpisuly Kusayinov as independent director of Alatau City Bank

    The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan has approved Nurlan Zhetpisuly Kusayinov as a member of the Board of Directors and independent director of Alatau City Bank JSC.

    SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
  • 2026-05-19IsraelBank of Israel

    Bank of Israel publishes updated inflation expectations with current one year measures at 1.7 to 1.9 percent

    The Bank of Israel published updated inflation expectations from capital market measures, forecasters, banks’ internal interest rates and inflation contracts, showing one-year expectations between 1.7 percent and 1.9 percent and capital-market forward expectations of 1.8–2.1 percent across horizons up to ten years. The release also updates annual data for 2021–2025 and monthly data for 2025 and early 2026, indicating lower expectations in early 2026 than at the start of 2025, and reiterates that capital-market measures reflect breakeven inflation and embedded risk premia.

    Data & statistics
  • 2026-05-19JapanMinistry of Finance (Japan)

    Japan Ministry of Finance publishes G7 communiqué pledging more pressure on Russia and new work on critical minerals and private credit

    Japan’s Ministry of Finance published the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors communiqué, reaffirming continued financial, economic and sanctions support for Ukraine, including immobilizing Russian sovereign assets, implementing the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loan mechanism and exploring further financing. The communiqué sets a wider agenda on economic security, tax and financial regulation, covering cooperation on critical minerals, cross-border e-commerce controls, implementation of the OECD/G20 Global Minimum Tax, and support for FATF and FSB work on financial crime, virtual assets, non-bank financial intermediaries and private credit, as well as development finance partnerships, sovereign debt processes and resilience initiatives on insurance gaps, cyber risk, quantum technologies, cross-border payments and AI.

    Policy & regulationCooperationOther
  • 2026-05-19ChinaCentral Bank of the Republic of China

    People's Bank of China and National Archives Administration of China issue archive management rules for the central bank system

    The People’s Bank of China and the National Archives Administration of China have issued archive management rules for the People’s Bank of China system, establishing a framework for archive governance, supervision and resource management across the central bank’s institutions. The rules define archive management mechanisms, responsibilities and resource ownership, require centralized and unified archive management, and call for improved infrastructure, security, digitization and use of key financial policy archives.

    Institutional developmentGovernanceOperational excellence
  • 2026-05-19United Arab EmiratesDubai International Financial Centre

    Dubai International Financial Centre welcomes Lianlian after Dubai Financial Services Authority grants payment services licence

    Dubai International Financial Centre announced that Lianlian DigiTech Co., Ltd. has obtained a payment services licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority and established its regional headquarters in DIFC. Lianlian will use the hub to expand its regulated cross-border payment and settlement operations, work with local banks on localized payment solutions, and support fund flows across regional and international markets, which DIFC said reinforces its role as a platform for Chinese firms.

    SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
  • 2026-05-19NepalCentral Bank of Nepal

    Central Bank of Nepal reviews FATF grey list progress and upcoming action plan with APG

    The Central Bank of Nepal reported that Governor Paudel met the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering to review Nepal’s progress under Financial Action Task Force monitoring and to discuss an action plan for removal from the grey list. Discussions covered money laundering risk assessment in the banking sector, risk-based supervision, legal and policy strengthening, coordination with domestic and international stakeholders, and potential technical assistance from international financial institutions.

    Policy & regulationCooperationAML and CFTSupervision process and methodologies
  • 2026-05-19IndiaReserve Bank of India

    Reserve Bank of India launches consultation on Pillar 3 disclosure amendments for commercial banks and small finance banks

    The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft amendment directions on Pillar 3 disclosure requirements for commercial banks and small finance banks to align more closely with Basel Pillar 3 standards. The draft aims to improve consistency in regulatory disclosures across these institutions.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCapital adequacyDisclosures
  • 2026-05-19SyriaCentral Bank of Syria

    Central Bank of Syria completes governor handover to Mohammad Safwat Raslan

    The Central Bank of Syria announced that Mohammad Safwat Raslan has formally assumed the duties of Governor from Dr Abdul Qader al-Husriya at an official handover ceremony. The bank presented the change as a formal transfer of responsibilities to support continuity of operations and stability in monetary and banking policies, with Raslan stating he will build on existing policies to pursue gradual and sustained monetary and financial stability.

    Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
  • 2026-05-19GeorgiaNational Bank of Georgia

    National Bank of Georgia completes RTGS and clearing systems upgrade with ISO 20022 and support for non-bank participation

    The National Bank of Georgia has upgraded its real-time gross settlement and clearing systems to a fully ISO 20022-based payment infrastructure, aiming to deliver faster, safer and more reliable services and align with international standards. Implemented with World Bank support and involving all commercial banks, microbanks and the State Treasury, it is the largest financial-sector project since 2009 and enables broader access for non-bank payment service providers subject to requirements. The new infrastructure also provides a foundation for future services, including an instant payments system and additional digital services.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsMarket infrastructure
  • 2026-05-19ItalyBank of Italy

    Bank of Italy reorganizes payment system statistics into thematic reports covering customer payment methods public administration flows and market infrastructures

    The Bank of Italy has reorganized its payment system statistics into thematic reports, replacing the previous single presentation with separate publications on customer payment methods, public administration collections and payments, and financial market infrastructures. Customer payment statistics are now split into national and regional reports, while data on interbank settlement systems and central securities management are incorporated into the financial market infrastructures report.

    Data & statisticsRegulatory reporting
  • 2026-05-19UkraineNational Bank of Ukraine

    National Bank of Ukraine targets broad alignment with EU financial rules by end-2027 and prepares third-party risk framework

    The National Bank of Ukraine First Deputy Governor Sergiy Nikolaychuk said the central bank is pursuing wartime integration into the EU financial framework, targeting broad alignment with the EU acquis by end-2027 and preparing to adopt a third-party risk management framework based on international standards and Basel recommendations. He reported that Ukrainian banks’ regulatory equivalence with EU standards rose from 50% to 78% between 2022 and 2025 and outlined further convergence with CRR/CRD, Pillars II and III, capital buffers, ESG risk, securitization, bank recovery and resolution, Solvency II, DORA, SEPA, payment services, market infrastructure, investor protection and capital markets.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesCross-border cooperation
  • 2026-05-19AustraliaReserve Bank of Australia

    Reserve Bank of Australia warns prolonged oil shock could unanchor inflation expectations and require sharp slowdown

    Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter said the risk of inflation expectations drifting higher has increased due to the oil price shock, with short‑term expectations rising but medium and long‑term expectations still contained. She noted underlying inflation eased through mid‑2025 before strengthening as capacity constraints and domestic demand picked up, while productivity growth of about 0.7 per cent year on year limits sustainable GDP growth. The baseline forecast still sees inflation at 2.5 per cent at the end of the horizon without recession, with the Bank updating oil assumptions and assessing budgets ahead of its August projections.

    Monetary policyMonetary policy assessments & outlooksMonetary policy decisions and developments
  • 2026-05-19PhilippinesCentral Bank of the Philippines

    Central Bank of the Philippines reports end-April reserves at USD104.3 billion as January to April balance of payments deficit reaches USD7.4 billion

    The Central Bank of the Philippines reported gross international reserves of USD104.3 billion at end-April 2026, with the overall balance of payments posting a USD2.1 billion deficit in April and a cumulative USD7.4 billion deficit for January to April 2026. The reserves provided external liquidity cover equivalent to 6.9 months of imports and payments of services and primary income and 3.8 times short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

    Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
  • 2026-05-19ThailandThailand Securities & Exchange Commission

    Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission details changes to let foreign TFEX investors use domestic agricultural delivery and widen case-by-case service exemptions

    The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed Cabinet-approved revisions to List III of the Foreign Business Act to relax selected foreign business restrictions under its supervision while keeping exempted firms fully subject to existing rules. The changes would allow foreign investors trading agricultural futures on the Thailand Futures Exchange to deliver and receive domestically sourced agricultural products under specified conditions and expand case-by-case exemptions for certain regulated securities and derivatives services.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsMarket development
  • 2026-05-19IndonesiaMinistry of Finance (Indonesia)

    Indonesia Ministry of Finance says fiscal position remains under control with budget deficit projected at 2.94%

    Indonesia’s Deputy Finance Minister Juda Agung said the fiscal position remains safe and controlled, with the 2026 state budget deficit expected at 2.94%, below the 3% legal ceiling, while subsidised fuel prices are unchanged. He highlighted higher global oil prices as the main external risk and said the government is cutting non-urgent spending, prioritising productive programmes, and relying on an excess budget balance of IDR 420 trillion as a fiscal buffer, noting that the banking sector is stronger than in 1998.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesEconomic data and developmentsFinancial stability and systemic risk
  • 2026-05-19ArgentinaArgentina Securities Commission (CNV)

    Argentina Securities Commission highlights Big Bang consultation to replace prior approvals with automatic approvals

    The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) president used the Forbes Money & CFO Summit to outline its capital markets reform agenda, highlighting the “Big Bang” regulatory package under consultation that would replace CNV approvals with automatic approvals under General Resolutions 1132 to 1137 as part of market modernisation. He also noted work on the Fiscal Innocence Regime, new instruments such as local exchange-traded funds, and future regulation of Labour Assistance Funds.

    Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
  • 2026-05-19ArgentinaArgentina Securities Commission (CNV)

    Argentina Securities Commission president Roberto E Silva re-elected as IOSCO Inter-American Regional Committee representative for 2026 to 2028

    The Argentina Securities Commission announced that its president, Roberto E. Silva, has been re-elected as representative of the Inter-American Regional Committee at the International Organization of Securities Commissions for 2026 to 2028. At IOSCO’s 51st Annual Meeting, Silva participated in plenary sessions on regional capital-market development, market developments and risks, operational resilience, artificial intelligence in capital markets, market liquidity, secondary-market disclosure and supervisory tools.

    Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
  • 2026-05-19UzbekistanMinistry of Finance (Republic of Uzbekistan)

    Uzbekistan Ministry of Finance signs updated ACCA memorandum to expand IFRS training certification and audit quality support

    Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Finance signed an updated memorandum of understanding with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to introduce a modern system for training and certification in International Financial Reporting Standards and expand cooperation on international reporting and auditing standards within the national education system. The memorandum also covers strengthening audit quality control, building sustainability-related skills, supporting international sustainability reporting standards, and organising training and professional development for public sector staff.

    Policy & regulationCooperationAccounting and financial reporting
  • 2026-05-19SingaporeMonetary Authority of Singapore

    Monetary Authority of Singapore launches Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance and expands pathways into financial sector jobs

    The Monetary Authority of Singapore launched a Young Talent Programme for AI in Finance and broader measures to strengthen education-to-work pathways in the financial sector, focusing on structured industry exposure and AI skills development. The pilot, developed with Singapore Management University and Nanyang Technological University and involving around 20 financial institutions, will offer applied AI projects, mentoring and credit-bearing curricula, while MAS and the Institute of Banking and Finance work with industry to expand work-study pathways and over 1,000 graduate internship and traineeship positions.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
  • 2026-05-19ThailandThailand Office of Insurance Commission

    Thailand Office of Insurance Commission publishes 2025 life insurance data showing direct premiums up 3.62% and net profit up 65.57%

    The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission published 2025 life insurance statistics, reporting a 3.62% year-on-year increase in direct premiums to THB 676.4 billion and a 65.57% rise in net profit to THB 74.9 billion, despite weaker policy volumes. New policies fell 16.31% to 2.64 million and in-force policies declined 5.58% from the third quarter, driven by sharp reductions in group business, while investment assets decreased 1.99% to THB 4,494 billion, with government bonds and debentures at 61% and 19% of the portfolio.

    Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsSupervisory data
  • 2026-05-19AustraliaAustralian Prudential Regulation Authority

    Australian Prudential Regulation Authority launches consultation on National Claims and Policies Database publication changes and new cyber and management liability classes

    The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has launched a consultation on replacing the existing non-confidentiality determination that underpins publication of aggregated National Claims and Policies Database statistics and on refreshing the publication format. APRA also proposes to publish cyber insurance and management liability data as separate product classes.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
  • 2026-05-19South KoreaMinistry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)

    South Korea's Ministry of Economy & Finance tells London investors it is accelerating foreign exchange and capital market reforms after World Government Bond Index entry brought USD 10.9 billion

    The Ministry of Economy & Finance (South Korea) used a London investment briefing to promote Korea’s AI-focused industrial strategy and accelerated foreign exchange and capital market reforms, citing strong equity performance and inflows after South Korean government bonds joined the World Government Bond Index. Officials detailed measures to improve foreign investor access, strengthen corporate governance, adjust dividend tax treatment, and bolster supply chain resilience and power supply for the AI transition, while noting a war-related supplementary budget was funded from excess tax revenue without new bond issuance.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsMarket development
  • 2026-05-19South KoreaMinistry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)

    South Korea's Ministry of Economy & Finance signs letter of intent with EBRD to establish an AI K-Hub in Korea

    South Korea’s Ministry of Economy & Finance signed a letter of intent with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to establish an EBRD AI K-Hub in Korea to apply artificial intelligence to EBRD development projects and support AI capacity building in developing countries. The ministry aims to position Korea as a base for international AI cooperation, citing work with the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank and Asian Development Bank, and noted discussions on EBRD energy policy, Korean personnel opportunities, and Korea’s AI and Green Transformation strategies.

    Policy & regulationCooperationArtificial intelligence
  • 2026-05-19South KoreaMinistry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)

    South Korea Ministry of Economy and Finance meets HSBC and Schroders CEOs in London to promote market reforms and deeper investment ties

    South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance said Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol met HSBC and Schroders executives in London to promote foreign exchange and capital market reforms and seek stronger long-term investment. Koo highlighted 24-hour FX trading, an offshore KRW settlement system, and opportunities in artificial intelligence, advanced industries and energy transition. HSBC and Schroders backed deeper cooperation, citing structural reforms, corporate governance improvements and efforts to narrow the Korea discount as drivers of sustained institutional inflows.

    Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperation
  • 2026-05-19South KoreaMinistry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)

    South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance activates supply chain financing for battery and nuclear suppliers with up to 2.4 percentage points rate support

    The Ministry of Economy and Finance launched a shared-growth financing program under the Supply Chain Stabilization Fund, initially targeting South Korea’s secondary battery and nuclear power sectors. Under agreements with major companies and the Export-Import Bank of Korea, large firms will recommend small and mid-sized suppliers for funding linked to raw material supply and purchasing, with preferential lending rates, higher loan limits and additional support for firms outside the capital region.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsMarket development
  • 2026-05-19South KoreaBank of Korea

    Bank of Korea reports household credit rose KRW 14.0 trillion in Q1 2026 to KRW 1,993.1 trillion

    The Bank of Korea reported that total household credit rose by KRW 14.0 trillion in Q1 2026 to KRW 1,993.1 trillion, a 0.7% quarter-on-quarter increase, driven mainly by household loans and merchandise credits. Household loans grew by KRW 12.9 trillion to KRW 1,865.8 trillion, with gains at non-bank depository corporations and other financial corporations offsetting a decline at commercial and specialized banks, while merchandise credits increased by KRW 1.1 trillion to KRW 127.3 trillion.

    Data & statisticsMonetary data
  • 2026-05-19United StatesFederal Reserve Bank of Kansas City

    Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City research finds higher oil prices from Iran conflict may not meaningfully boost Oklahoma economy

    The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Oklahoma City Branch reports that higher oil prices linked to the Iran conflict are unlikely to significantly boost Oklahoma’s broader economy, given uncertain conflict duration and insufficient price levels for many firms to expand drilling. Producers have not increased drilling on net, the sector can raise output with fewer workers and greater capital discipline, and Oklahoma’s heavier exposure to natural gas with depressed prices limits employment, investment and severance tax gains compared with past shocks.

    ResearchEconomic data and developments
  • 2026-05-19IndonesiaOJK

    Indonesia Financial Services Authority promotes youth capital market participation in Lampung and highlights 17.78 percent literacy rate

    The Indonesia Financial Services Authority used its Integrated Capital Market Outreach and Education 2026 programme in Bandar Lampung to promote capital market literacy and inclusion, particularly among young investors, as part of efforts to broaden the domestic investor base. OJK highlighted that 54 percent of investors are under 30 and that low literacy (17.78 percent) heightens exposure to fraudulent and illegal investments, urging the public to verify licences, product registrations and return claims. The Lampung programme also covered regional bond and sukuk issuance, carbon trading, investor protection, OJK Regulations No. 2 and No. 3 of 2026, and current capital market issues.

    Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
  • 2026-05-19AustraliaReserve Bank of Australia

    Reserve Bank of Australia links Middle East conflict to 4.8 per cent inflation peak and recent cash rate rise to 4.35 per cent

    Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter said the Middle East conflict is expected to lift Australian inflation via higher oil and gas prices, contributing to the Board’s decision to raise the cash rate to 4.35 per cent. The Bank now forecasts headline inflation to peak at 4.8 per cent in the June quarter, with the oil shock adding about 0.4 percentage points to underlying inflation in the March quarter 2027, before inflation returns to the middle of the 2–3 per cent target band by early 2028. She said the Board will remain attentive to incoming data and changes in the outlook.

    Monetary policyMonetary policy assessments & outlooksMonetary policy decisions and developments
  • 2026-05-19United StatesThe White House

    The White House signs three laws on SBIC leverage limits Nevada pipeline rights of way and Alaska Native land settlement

    The White House announced that the President signed a law amending Small Business Investment Company funding rules by increasing maximum outstanding leverage and excluding from the leverage cap certain investments in low income or rural small businesses, small manufacturers, and critical technology-focused small businesses. The President also signed laws expanding the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada while directing federal rights of way for a water pipeline, and revising land settlement arrangements for the Cape Fox Village Corporation in Alaska.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
  • 2026-05-19United StatesThe White House

    The White House orders federal financial regulators to review fintech barriers and requests Federal Reserve study on payment account access

    The White House issued an executive order directing the CFPB, SEC, NCUA, CFTC, FDIC, and OCC to review rules, guidance, supervisory practices, and application processes that may hinder fintech activity and partnerships with federally regulated institutions, and to identify changes that support innovation and competition while preserving safety, soundness, and market integrity. The order also requests that the Federal Reserve Board review the legal, regulatory, and policy framework for granting uninsured depository institutions and non-bank financial companies, including digital asset firms, direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services, and, if permitted, establish transparent application procedures and timelines.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsFintech and insurtech
  • 2026-05-19United StatesThe White House

    The White House directs Treasury, CFPB and federal financial regulators to tighten Bank Secrecy Act due diligence and credit risk controls for non-work authorized populations

    The White House issued an executive order directing Treasury, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and federal banking and credit union regulators to tighten Bank Secrecy Act controls and consumer credit risk management for financial activity involving individuals without US work authorization and their employers. Treasury must issue an advisory on suspicious activity red flags and propose changes to risk-based customer due diligence and customer identification program rules. The CFPB and federal functional financial regulators must consider clarifying ability-to-repay standards for non-work authorized borrowers and issue related credit risk management guidance.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsKYCAML and CFT
  • 2026-05-19AustraliaAustralian Securities & Investments Commission

    Australian Securities & Investments Commission reports regulatory simplification progress with 380% more forms available for electronic lodgement

    The Australian Securities & Investments Commission published a regulatory simplification progress report outlining clearer guidance, simplified legislative instruments, improved website access to regulatory information, and expanded digital services, including a 380% increase in forms available for electronic lodgement. The report highlights joint work with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to reduce regulatory data collection burdens and inconsistencies, and sets out next steps such as sector-based roadmaps, enhancements to ASIC registers through the RegistryConnect program, and streamlined, consolidated data requests with other regulators.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsRegulatory burden
  • 2026-05-19ItalyMinistry of Finance (Italy)

    Italy's Ministry of Economy and Finance says talks continue on extending EU fiscal flexibility to energy spending after G7 meetings

    Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance said Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti attended the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Paris on the global economic outlook, conflicts and related risks. Italy also pursued extending the National Escape Clause under the EU fiscal framework from defence to energy spending, citing high debt, possible higher interest rates and recent energy shocks. Giorgetti met European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis and counterparts from France, Germany and Japan to discuss European economic prospects, fiscal-rule flexibility and the economic and security implications of artificial intelligence.

    Policy & regulationCooperationGeopolitical risk
  • 2026-05-19AustraliaAustralian Prudential Regulation Authority

    Australian Prudential Regulation Authority disqualifies former Xinja Bank chair Lindley Edwards for six years over capital reporting failures

    The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has disqualified former Xinja Bank chair Lindley Edwards for six years from being an accountable person of any authorised deposit‑taking institution under the Financial Accountability Regime, including authorised non‑operating holding companies. APRA found she breached Banking Executive Accountability Regime obligations over undisclosed 2020 side agreements with some Xinja investors that altered capital reported as Common Equity Tier 1, including failures in due diligence, capital classification, disclosure to APRA and prudential procedures. APRA made no findings of dishonesty or lack of integrity.

    EnforcementSanctions & designationsCorporate governance
  • 2026-05-18Cape VerdeBank of Cape Verde

    Bank of Cape Verde publishes semiannual Financial Stability Bulletin covering banking insurance securities and non-financial sector risks

    The Bank of Cape Verde has published its semiannual Financial Stability Bulletin, prepared by the Financial Stability Office in its macroprudential supervision role. The bulletin identifies and analyses key risks to the financial system using indicators covering companies and households, the banking sector, the insurance sector, and the securities market.

    SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsFinancial stability and systemic riskMacroprudential policy and toolsRisk analysis and outlook
  • 2026-05-18JapanJapan Financial Services Agency

    Japan Financial Services Agency consults on amendments clarifying that early business revitalization companies can be subsidiaries of banks and other financial institutions

    The Japan Financial Services Agency has proposed amendments to Enforcement Regulations of the Banking Act and related rules to clarify that a business rehabilitation company using the new Early Business Revitalization Procedure may be treated as a subsidiary of banks and other covered financial institutions. The package includes corresponding changes for shinkin banks, cooperative and labor banks, agricultural and fishery cooperative credit institutions, the Agriculture and Forestry Central Bank, and insurers.

    Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
  • 2026-05-18JapanJapan Financial Services Agency

    Japan Financial Services Agency publishes council minutes appointing Morishita as chair and reviewing financial ADR case trends

    The Japan Financial Services Agency published minutes of the 69th Financial Trouble Liaison and Coordination Council, which appointed Sophia University’s Morishita as chair and reviewed eight designated dispute resolution organizations. Complaint-handling cases rose 6% year on year to 4,066 in the first half of fiscal 2025, while dispute resolution cases fell 4% to 647, with no major change in outcomes or processing times. The council discussed efforts to improve user satisfaction, rising consultations driven by account takeovers and fraudulent investment solicitations, and future work on the impact of artificial intelligence and social media on user expectations.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsLeadership change and appointments
  • 2026-05-18JapanJapan Financial Services Agency

    Japan Financial Services Agency finalizes basic approach to business feasibility financing and supervisory guideline changes ahead of May 25 introduction of corporate value security interests

    The Japan Financial Services Agency has published consultation results and issued the final Basic Approach to Business Feasibility Financing Based on the Relationship of Trust between Business Operators and Financial Institutions. The approach sets out the agency’s view on trust-based engagement and the use of corporate value security interests under the Act on the Promotion of Business Financing to support lending based on future business potential, and includes related revisions to supervisory guidelines for major, small and medium-sized, and regional financial institutions.

    Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationSME financing
  • 2026-05-18United StatesU.S. Department of the Treasury

    U.S. Department of the Treasury reports USD 150.7 billion net TIC inflow for March 2026

    The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported a net Treasury International Capital inflow of USD 150.7 billion in March 2026, driven by USD 162.1 billion in private foreign inflows partly offset by USD 11.4 billion in official outflows. Foreign residents were net buyers of long-term U.S. securities by USD 96.5 billion, while banks’ own net dollar-denominated liabilities to foreign residents increased by USD 68.1 billion and foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury bills declined by USD 16.8 billion.

    Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
  • 2026-05-18United StatesU.S. Department of Justice

    U.S. Department of Justice charges former Venezuelan minister Alex Saab over alleged laundering of hundreds of millions from CLAP contracts and PDVSA oil sales

    The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed an indictment and announced the initial court appearance of Alex Nain Saab Moran, Venezuela’s former Minister of Industry and National Production, on conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Prosecutors allege he and others bribed officials to secure contracts under the Comité Local de Abastecimiento y Producción food program and diverted hundreds of millions of dollars in Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. oil proceeds through shell companies, falsified trade documentation and U.S. bank accounts. Saab faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted and remains presumed innocent.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsBribery and corruptionAML and CFT
  • 2026-05-18United StatesU.S. Department of Justice

    U.S. Department of Justice secures 37 month sentence for New York man who laundered nearly USD 1.5 million in health care fraud proceeds for transnational criminal organization

    The U.S. Department of Justice reported that Elnar Zarbailov was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to forfeit USD 1,457,898 for conspiring to launder nearly USD 1.5 million in illicit health care fraud proceeds for a transnational criminal organization. Court documents state that Zarbailov acted as a fixer and money launderer for a Russia-based network that used fraudulent durable medical equipment companies and shell entities to move Medicare and private insurer reimbursements through banks.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actions
  • 2026-05-18CubaCentral Bank of Cuba

    Central Bank of Cuba sets 19 May start for Social Security retiree and pensioner payments

    The Central Bank of Cuba announced that commercial banks will begin paying Social Security retirees and pensioners of the National Institute of Social Security from 19 May, with bank branches and CADECA exchange houses giving them priority service during the first three hours. Beneficiaries using magnetic cards can verify balances and conduct savings, deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and digital payments via Transfermóvil, Enzona, ATMs, or other channels offered by commercial banks.

    Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
  • 2026-05-18PolandCentral Bank of Poland

    Central Bank of Poland publishes April core inflation data with CPI at 3.2% and inflation excluding food and energy at 3.0%

    The Central Bank of Poland published its core inflation indices for April 2026, reporting inflation excluding food and energy at 3.0% year on year versus headline Consumer Price Index inflation of 3.2%. Inflation excluding administered prices stood at 2.9% year on year, up from 2.7% in March.

    Data & statisticsEconomic data and developments
  • 2026-05-18Trinidad & TobagoTrinidad & Tobago Securities & Exchange Commission

    Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission holds fifth community investor education roadshow in Princes Town

    The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission held its fifth Investor Education Community Outreach Roadshow in Princes Town as part of Investor Education Month and its 29th anniversary, focusing on budgeting, saving, investing, financial planning and fraud protection. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Lystra Lucillio framed the series as part of the broader Investor Education Programme and urged consumers to verify investment opportunities and be cautious of online scams and offers that appear too good to be true. The Commission will continue investor education and public outreach nationwide.

    Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
  • 2026-05-18MexicoCONDUSEF

    Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services reports 1,554 Hidalgo complaints and MXN 7 million recovered in the first four months of 2026

    Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services reported 1,554 complaints in Hidalgo in the first four months of 2026, representing 1.6% of the national total and down 2.9% year-on-year, with MXN 7.0 million recovered and 43.9% of concluded cases resolved in users’ favor. Multiple Banking generated 66.7% of complaints, mainly related to unrecognized purchases, charges, and electronic transfers, with credit and debit cards and savings accounts accounting for most cases and 33.7% of complaints linked to possible fraud.

    Data & statisticsComplaints and dispute resolution
  • 2026-05-18ArubaCentral Bank of Aruba

    Central Bank of Aruba reports fourth quarter 2025 Business Perception Index rose 2.5 points to 108.0

    The Central Bank of Aruba published its fourth quarter 2025 Business Perception Survey, reporting stronger business sentiment as the Business Perception Index rose 2.5 points to 108.0, with both current and expected conditions remaining above 100. While 45.0% of respondents expected flat economic growth over the next 12 months and 37.5% anticipated inflation between 2% and 3%, firms reported more stable employment expectations but slightly lower profitability and improved investment activity.

    Data & statisticsEconomic data and developments
  • 2026-05-18UgandaBank of Uganda

    Bank of Uganda says National Bank of Commerce liquidation is nearing conclusion and calls stakeholder meeting

    The Bank of Uganda said the liquidation of National Bank of Commerce Limited, which began on 12 September 2012, is nearing conclusion. It has invited all shareholders and creditors to a stakeholders’ meeting on the status of the liquidation, with venue and timing to be announced later.

    EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsRecovery and resolution
  • 2026-05-18SerbiaNational Bank of Serbia

    National Bank of Serbia reports record daily volume in instant payments system with 609155 transactions

    The National Bank of Serbia reported that its IPS NBS instant payment system processed a record 609,155 payments on 15 May 2026, totaling RSD 8.44bn. IPS NBS, in operation since October 2018, provides 24/7 instant payments for citizens and businesses with funds available to payees within seconds.

    Data & statisticsActivity and performance reporting
  • 2026-05-18BrazilBrazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC)

    Brazilian Pension Funds Authority advances AI based pension plan solvency monitoring system with September launch target

    The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) is testing a new AI-based monitoring system developed with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro to analyse the solvency and balance of supplementary pension plans, with operations scheduled to start in September. The platform uses PREVIC data to calculate plan-level risks, summarise complex technical documents, review liability valuation assumptions and project three-year results, while a separate AI system for analysing atypical investments is being developed with startup Finor.

    SupervisionInnovation & testingSupervision process and methodologiesArtificial intelligence
  • 2026-05-18BrazilBrazil Securities Commission (CVM)

    Brazil Securities Commission issues guidance to organized market operators on initial issuer registration for smaller companies

    The Brazil Securities Commission has issued Circular Letter CVM/SEP 2/2026 setting out procedures for organized market administrators to obtain initial securities issuer registration for smaller companies, in line with CVM Resolution 232/25 and the Regime FÁCIL. Administrators must review listing applications under existing technical cooperation agreements with B3 and BEE4 outside the Empresas.Net system in this initial phase, notify the CVM after approval, and verify payment of the supervisory fee.

    Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationSecurities offerings and listings