Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority confirmed that Investors Capital Company has fulfilled the requirements to begin Managing Investments Activity in the securities sector under a licence approved on 11 May 2022, in line with the Capital Market Law and its Implementing Regulations.
Dinar Investment Company has fulfilled the commencement-of-business requirements to conduct Advisory Activity in the Securities Business under a licence from the Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority. The licence was granted by a resolution dated 14 February 2024, in accordance with the Capital Market Law and its Implementing Regulations.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic kept its monetary policy rate at 5.25% in February 2026, with the one-day repo rate at 5.75% and the overnight deposit rate at 4.50%, citing higher global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and food-price pressures despite improved domestic financial conditions after 50 bp of easing in September and October 2025. Annual inflation was 4.98% in January and core inflation 4.89%, with the central bank expecting inflation to moderate and return to the 4.0% target midpoint by end-2026.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency summarized a panel discussion from a Slovenian Ministry of Finance investment conference in Tokyo, focusing on shared challenges in the Slovenian and Japanese insurance markets. Key issues included the complexity of climate, demographic, and cyber risks, necessitating enhanced coordination with the state, regulators, reinsurance, and capital markets. The panel emphasized the need for new insurance products, improved risk assessment models, and more accessible coverage for households and businesses.
The Central Bank of Slovenia has kept the maximum fees for basic payment accounts at EUR 4.90 per month, or EUR 1.47 for social assistance recipients, unchanged since June 2020. The National Payments Council launched a leaflet to raise awareness about the right to a basic payment account. Under the new Payment Services Act, banks must actively communicate this right and report application refusals, with compliance monitored by the Central Bank.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency's podcast explains the need for increased use of the second and third pension pillars due to demographic ageing. It highlights the decline in the worker-to-pensioner ratio and discusses supplementary pension savings, tax incentives, and recent legal changes affecting employers. The agency outlines its supervisory approach and notes a new law requiring discussions on collective supplementary pension insurance for employers with over ten employees by 2028.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency reported a 36.1% increase in gross written premiums for 2025, reaching EUR 3.497 billion, with significant growth in compulsory motor third-party liability insurance. Compulsory motor liability premiums surged 131.4% to EUR 946 million, driven by domestic and international business, notably in Italy. Gross claims paid rose 14.9% to EUR 1.639 billion, with motor liability claims increasing 58.4% to EUR 340 million.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority issued updated guidance on management services provided by registered insurance managers to authorised and non-authorised insurers under the Insurance Act 2008. This guidance applies to registered insurance managers, authorised insurers, and may also be relevant to non-authorised insurers utilizing a registered insurance manager.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets held a session to review feedback on a draft regulation for managing customer complaints, aiming to standardize procedures across the financial sector. The session focused on balancing operational efficiency with consumer protection, with input from various industry representatives.
The Isle of Man Treasury added four new entries to its Sudan sanctions list, following the UN Security Council's update. These entries face an asset freeze and are on the UK Sanctions List, applicable in the Isle of Man via the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) Regulations 2024. The notice stresses immediate asset freezing upon a match, reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the criminality of evading sanctions.
The National Bank of Georgia released interactive press releases detailing trends in resident commercial banks' loan portfolios and deposits as of January 2026, accessible via its website's statistics pages.
The National Bank of Georgia reported a 2.3-fold increase in domestic investment fund assets in 2025, reaching GEL 459 million. As of year-end, 11 asset management companies and 21 investment funds were registered under a regulatory framework aligned with EU directives and IOSCO principles.
The National Bank of Georgia's Financial Stability Committee maintained the cyclical component of the countercyclical capital buffer, citing robust capital and liquidity in the banking sector and a negative credit-to-GDP gap. Annual credit portfolio growth was 13.4% in January 2026, with business loans comprising a significant portion. The credit-to-GDP ratio remains below its long-term trend but is expected to align gradually.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a 20% decrease in counterfeit ruble banknotes in 2025, totaling 6,565, while counterfeit foreign banknotes rose by 44% to 2,703, mainly involving US dollars. High-denomination ruble notes, particularly 5,000-ruble and 1,000-ruble, were most frequently counterfeited. The majority of counterfeits were found in the Central, Southern, and North-Western Federal Districts.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a decline in the average maximum interest rates on Russian ruble deposits from 14.49% to 14.26% in February 2026 among the top 10 credit institutions. Rates by maturity were 13.54% for up to 90 days, 13.98% for 91 to 180 days, 13.57% for 181 days to one year, and 11.75% for over one year. These rates are calculated as the arithmetic mean of each bank’s maximum publicly available deposit rate, excluding certain special categories.
The Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP) has issued a new framework for DOCS Mercado, effective 2 March 2026, updating the system for sending documents and communications in supervised markets. Key updates include allowing responses and file uploads directly through DOCS Mercado and expanding its reach to non-supervised market participants. SUSEP clarified that Electronic Filing remains the official channel for non-response submissions.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) has introduced a mandatory application form for authorizing senior office-holders at closed complementary pension entities (EFPC), effective 1 March 2026. The form consolidates requests for executive roles, aligns with the European Central Bank’s model, and enhances transparency in licensing assessments. It includes detailed disclosure requirements and questionnaires on potential conflicts of interest and legal involvements.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued CP26/7, consulting on new Handbook requirements to enhance consumer credit information sharing across UK retail lending markets. Firms must share consumer credit data with all designated consumer credit reference agencies (DCCRAs) monthly, alongside new data accuracy and dispute handling requirements. The FCA plans to create a new DCCRA Sourcebook, initially designating Equifax Ltd, Experian Ltd, and TransUnion International UK Ltd, focusing on promoting responsible lending.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages involving The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, and Banque Pictet & Cie SA. HKMA emphasized banks will not send SMS or emails with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the relevant bank and report to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
The European Banking Authority and the European Securities and Markets Authority have initiated consultations on a revised EU "Suitability Package" for assessing management and key function holders at banks and investment firms. The European Banking Authority is also consulting on draft Regulatory Technical Standards to standardize documentation for suitability assessments. The revised Guidelines introduce new requirements under the Capital Requirements Directive, enhance anti-money laundering links, and aim to harmonize submissions EU-wide.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has introduced a tiered Minimum Public Ownership (MPO) framework for IPOs, aligning public float requirements with expected market capitalization. Issuers are categorized into four tiers, with MPO requirements from 33% for market capitalizations up to PHP 500 million to 15% for those above PHP 50 billion. The rule includes post-transaction reporting and allows adjustments for large issuers, effective immediately, with a transitory period for the Philippine Stock Exchange to update its rules.
As 2026 Chair of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission led a regional meeting and co-hosted the 2026 ASEAN Taxonomy Conference to promote sustainable finance. The meeting advanced the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030, focusing on taxonomy, disclosures, and capital market infrastructure. Supported by the Sustainable Finance Institute Asia and the Asian Development Bank, the conference launched SFIA’s All-Countries Common Equivalence Platform for Taxonomies to facilitate cross-taxonomy comparisons.
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic has reformed the pawnshop sector, capping the annual effective interest rate and enhancing consumer protection. Key changes include clear pre-contract information, restrictions on loan information transfer, and a phased increase in minimum authorised capital. Since 2021, the authority conducted 285 inspections, resulting in 111 licence revocations and 290 fines totaling KGS 8,414,000.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan reported a 21% increase in total assets of the non-bank financial sector to PKR 6.84 trillion by the end of 2025. Fund management assets grew 17%, with mutual funds comprising 66.3% of total assets, while non-bank financial company assets rose 65% to PKR 824 billion. Shariah-compliant assets accounted for 36% of the industry, and registered non-bank financial companies and Modaraba entities increased to 185.
The Albania Financial Services Authority announced board decisions on capital markets approvals and governance changes in supervised firms. Key actions include registering bond issuance prospectuses for Union Bank and IUTE Credit Albania, and approving various appointments and reappointments at insurance companies and an asset and pension-fund manager.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan discussed applying its Methodological Guidance for IFRS 9 with bank specialists, following its approval in December 2025. From 2026, banks will classify assets and create provisions under both IFRS 9 and existing prudential requirements. This initiative is part of the 2024–2026 Financial Sector Development Strategy to integrate IFRS into prudential regulation and reporting.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Compliance Association Public Union to enhance compliance culture and practices for financial and non-financial entities. The cooperation will involve initiatives such as seminars and training to improve compliance mechanisms and ethical conduct.
Latvia's Ministry of Finance plans to transfer consumer credit supervision to the Bank of Latvia after meeting with stakeholders. Discussions focused on a single supervisory system, transition period length, process clarity, and regulatory predictability. The ministry aims to consolidate licensing and supervision to reduce fragmentation and overlap in anti-money laundering responsibilities.
The Bank of Mozambique established the Mozambique Instant Payments System (SPIM) and approved its rulebook, enabling immediate fund availability for digital payments. Managed by Sociedade Interbancária de Moçambique, SPIM mandates participation for electronic money and certain credit institutions, with specific transaction and client thresholds. Operating 24/7, it exempts individual interbank transactions from fees and imposes daily limits of MZN 200,000 for individuals and MZN 500,000 for legal entities.
The Central Bank of the UAE has partnered with Core42 to develop the Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure, the first dedicated financial cloud ecosystem. Part of the Financial Infrastructure Transformation programme, it aims to enhance data sovereignty, cybersecurity, and operational agility for the UAE financial sector. The platform will incorporate AI and advanced analytics for intelligent automation and real-time data analysis, offering a unified framework for managing multi-cloud services.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market's Committee approved a draft to introduce new rules for transactions in Ukraine’s external government loan bonds (OZDP) during martial law. It mandates delivery-versus-payment settlement via a central counterparty and restricts OZDP rights transfers through the depository system. Depository institutions need National Bank of Ukraine orders for transfers, and investment firms must align contracts with the new requirements, excluding those where banks act independently.
Sweden's Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) has set the reporting timetable and technical requirements for payment service providers under the EU Instant Payments Regulation. Providers must submit fee and rejection data via the Fidac system, with the first submission due by 9 April 2026. Reporting includes fee levels, transaction rejections, and account data, using XBRL-CSV format, with some fields in EUR and others in national currency.
EFAMA's December 2025 report highlights a record year for UCITS, with net inflows of EUR 873 billion and assets over EUR 25 trillion. UCITS net sales hit EUR 828 billion, driven by bond and equity UCITS, while equity ETFs attracted EUR 261 billion. AIFs saw net sales of EUR 45 billion, with multi-asset AIFs posting EUR 53 billion.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission outlined a programme to enhance equity market activity, mutual market access with Mainland China, and digital asset and fixed income market infrastructure. Key initiatives include equity market reforms, implementing an uncertificated securities market regime, and legislative proposals for virtual asset regulation. The SFC also plans to support fund distribution initiatives and explore a regulated electronic trading platform for fixed income and currency markets.
Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the policy rate by 25 bp to 1.00 % on 25 Feb 2026 in a four-to-two vote, bringing total easing to 125 bp since Feb 2025. The move targets below-potential growth and muted inflation—now forecast to return to target only in H2 2027—against a backdrop of contracting credit and baht appreciation, with the MPC pledging close monitoring of transmission, credit conditions, deflation risks and exchange-rate pressures.
The State Bank of Vietnam published General Secretary To Lam’s speech on implementing Politburo Resolutions No. 79 and No. 80, emphasizing restructuring the state economy for macroeconomic stability and security. The focus is on strategic sectors, private-sector participation, cultural resilience, and misinformation. It called for immediate action plans with accountability and clear goals for effective implementation.
The State Bank of Vietnam reported on the 2026 meeting of the Government Steering Committee, highlighting a focus on the data economy and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh identified bottlenecks in human resources, digital infrastructure, and cyber security, outlining five task groups for improvement. The report also detailed biometric identity matching in banking and welfare payments under Resolution 418/NQ-CP.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority issued guidance on KRT-1003 self-reporting for issuers listed on Oslo Børs/Euronext Expand, detailing the scope and reporting timetable. Share and bond issuers with denominations below EUR 100,000 must complete KRT-1003, while those with higher denominations are exempt. The data collected will aid in risk-based selection for financial reporting controls, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
Argentina's Securities Commission (CNV) issued General Resolution No. 1112, amending CNV Rules to modernize procedural requirements and standardize methodology and terminology. The resolution updates TAD system procedures, removes obsolete practices, and expands identification methods for debtor notifications. It also consolidates internal delegation, transferring non-essential decisions from the CNV Board to management units to expedite processing.
The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) is consulting on a draft rule to allow certain crowdfunding-style placements within the automatic public offering regime for low- and medium-impact offerings, introducing a framework for "super qualified investors." The proposal permits smaller-scale issuances through capital markets without prior CNV intervention, with investment limits for non-qualified investors and relaxed restrictions for high-net-worth investors. The Crowdfunding Platforms Regime under Law No. 27,349 remains unchanged.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission proposes amending its whistleblower reward program for unfair trading and accounting fraud by removing fixed payout caps and linking rewards to recovered illicit gains or penalties. Changes include uncapped rewards up to 30% of recovered amounts, minimum rewards of KRW 5 million for unfair trading and KRW 3 million for accounting fraud, and expanded eligibility for reports to various government agencies. An inter-agency consultative mechanism is planned for referrals and information sharing.
The Kazakhstan Ministry of Finance has released a draft regulatory act for the Joint-Stock Company “Fund of Problem Loans,” detailing asset acquisition, valuation, management, and disposal procedures. It specifies criteria and limitations for asset selection, inadmissible acquisitions, and includes exceptions for government-approved transactions or those before 31 December 2017. This initiative aims to align the Fund’s operations with national legislation under Article 132 of Kazakhstan’s Law “On Banks and Banking Activity.”
Bank Negara Malaysia imposed penalties of RM1,500 to RM2,000 on 13 Money Services Business licensees for failing to meet capital requirements between July and December 2025. The penalties, based on non-compliance frequency and historical records, were under section 75(2)(b) of the Money Services Business Act 2011. All licensees have paid and taken remedial actions, with First Million Avenue Sdn. Bhd. surrendering its license to operate as an MSB agent.
Bank Negara Malaysia imposed a RM1,025,000 penalty on KAF Investment Bank Berhad for non-compliance with internal controls and procedures under the Foreign Exchange Policy Notices. The breach involved transactions exceeding permissible limits for resident individuals with Domestic Ringgit Borrowing without prior BNM approval. KAF IB has since implemented remedial measures and paid the penalty.
The IMF's 2026 Article IV mission to the U.S. highlights the 2025 policy shift towards economic self-reliance, projecting 2.4% growth in 2026 and inflation returning to 2% by early 2027. The report notes high fiscal deficits, rising public debt, and calls for a consolidation plan to achieve a primary surplus. It emphasizes full Basel III implementation, enhanced oversight for large banks, and a regulatory framework for crypto-assets.
The IMF Executive Board completed final reviews of Benin’s Extended Fund Facility, Extended Credit Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility, enabling an immediate disbursement of approximately USD 118 million. All performance criteria and targets were met, with structural benchmarks implemented, including reforms in climate-related financial management and social protection. The 2024 fiscal deficit was reported at 3.1% of GDP, with a 2026 budget targeting a deficit within the West African Economic and Monetary Union ceiling of 3% of GDP.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) reported a 28% increase in reports of misconduct (ROMs) for July to December 2025, driven by corporate governance concerns. Corporate governance issues accounted for 40% of the 13,036 issues raised, with financial services and retail investor matters comprising 44%. ASIC highlighted AUD 349.8 million in civil penalties and significant remediation efforts in its enforcement update.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission reported a record $349.8 million in court-ordered civil penalties and $583 million expected in remediation and refunds for July to December 2025. Major penalties included ANZ’s $250 million for misconduct and systemic risk failures, and Macquarie’s $321 million payment to Shield Master Fund investors. ASIC noted a 28% increase in misconduct reports, driven by corporate governance issues, and detailed significant activities including 123 investigations and 23 new civil proceedings.
The Bulgaria Financial Supervision Commission issued decisions, including register changes and fee amendments. Key actions include approving Euroconsult and Accounting Ltd.'s 12.74% stake acquisition in Trend Asset Management AD, appointing Teodora Yankova at EUROINS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY EAD, and updating the insurance brokers register. The Commission terminated Metaltrust Investor Care EDPC proceedings and requested more information from Biller Ltd. on its crypto-asset service provider application.
The Angolan Agency for Regulation and Supervision of Insurance (ARSEG) appointed a liquidation committee for Global Seguros, S.A. after revoking its insurance business licence. Led by Henda Mondlane Ferreira da Silva, the committee will oversee the company's dissolution and liquidation. Global Seguros must provide comprehensive documentation, including creditor lists, pending lawsuits, and financial reports from the past three years.
The Bank of Israel published its Banking System Annual Survey 2024, complete with figures and tables.
The Japan Financial Services Agency is recruiting fixed-term staff to monitor financial institutions' anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures, in line with Japan's Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluations. The role involves compliance monitoring, governance assessment, and coordination with foreign and domestic authorities. Candidates should possess AML qualifications and English proficiency, with appointments starting in April 2026 for about two years.
The U.S. SEC’s Division of Enforcement updated its Enforcement Manual for consistency, transparency, and efficiency in investigations. Key revisions include a standardized Wells process, simultaneous consideration of settlement offers and waiver requests, and an updated framework for evaluating cooperation and referrals to criminal authorities. The manual will undergo annual reviews, with the last revision in 2017.
Japan Financial Services Agency summarized Finance Minister Katayama’s press conference, highlighting plans for a two-year zero consumption tax on food and beverages, valued at JPY 10 trillion, and benefit-linked tax credits for low- and middle-income earners. The minister emphasized the temporary nature of these measures and the aim to secure funding without new government bonds. Additionally, the briefing covered progress on the "Japanese version of CFIUS" and Japan–US investment projects, with related legal amendments intended for submission to the Diet.
The Japan Financial Services Agency updated its hub on the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, providing guidance on financial services, debt, and insurance support for victims and affected firms. Updates include financial branch operations, debt consolidation guidelines, and simplified insurance claims. Temporary measures offer flexibility in account opening and exemptions for donation-related remittances under JPY 2 million.
The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) delegation, led by Governor Irena Radovic, visited the Deutsche Bundesbank to enhance cooperation and align with European System of Central Banks standards. Discussions focused on regulatory convergence, payment system integration, and digital innovation, including SEPA and TIPS clone implementation. The visit also included participation in a digital euro study programme and cooperation within EU-supported regional initiatives to strengthen CBCG's regulatory framework.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) urged firms to assess if new products, like derivatives marketed as perpetual futures, are covered by existing product intervention measures for contracts for differences (CFDs). ESMA noted these derivatives, including those linked to crypto-assets like Bitcoin, likely fall under national CFD measures, necessitating compliance with leverage limits, risk warnings, and other protections. Firms must ensure a narrow target market, conduct appropriateness assessments, and manage conflicts of interest when offering these complex products.
In a keynote speech, ECB Banking Supervision emphasized its focus on banks' increasing use of artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, due to dependencies on third-party providers and cloud infrastructure. The ECB highlighted uneven governance practices and stressed the need for senior management oversight and alignment with European Banking Authority principles. Looking ahead, the ECB plans to intensify monitoring of AI, focusing on generative AI applications, under its 2026-28 supervisory priorities on operational resilience and ICT capabilities.
The European Central Bank's working paper examines how carbon-intensive energy price changes impact inflation, output, and monetary policy in the euro area and the U.S. using New Keynesian DSGE models. Temporary and permanent price increases create inflationary pressures, with permanent shifts causing persistent activity declines. The impact depends on the central bank's response to potential output changes, with interest-rate rules and expectation-formation assumptions affecting economic adjustments' timing and magnitude.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper 3193 introduces a "Macro-Finance" Financial Conditions Index (FCI) for the euro area, estimated using a macro-finance vector autoregressive model. Aggregating nine asset prices, it shows loose financial conditions from 2015–2021, tightening during the inflation surge, and converging to a neutral level by end-2025. The Macro-Finance FCI outperforms existing measures in forecasting, attributing the pandemic period to a mix of shocks and the inflation surge primarily to supply and demand shocks.
Belgium's Financial Services and Markets Authority announced that trading in ABO Group financial instruments on Euronext Brussels will re-open on 24 February 2026 at 09:00 CET, under Article 78 of the Law of 21 November 2017.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia have launched the Indonesia Digital Innovation Center (PIDI) to boost innovation and digital talent in the financial services sector. The initiative includes the DIGDAYA x Hackathon 2026 event, promoting mentoring, training, and industry networking. OJK emphasized the need for strong governance and risk management to accompany digitalisation benefits, with measures like the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center.
The Bank of England will extend CHAPS settlement hours by starting at 01:30 instead of 06:00 as part of its RTGS and CHAPS settlement-hours programme, effective September 2027. All CHAPS direct participants will receive payments from 01:30, with firms deciding when to process funds. The Bank will not change the evening contingency window and plans further consultation on near 24x7 operation.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency's quarterly FHFA House Price Index update shows U.S. house prices rose 1.8% from Q4 2024 to Q4 2025, with a 0.8% increase in Q4 2025 compared to Q3 2025. The seasonally adjusted monthly index for December rose 0.1% from November. Over the past year, prices increased in 41 states, with North Dakota leading at 6.4%, while Florida saw the largest decline at 2.7%.
The National Credit Union Administration has proposed a sixth round of regulatory changes under its Deregulation Project, seeking comments on six proposals to clarify guidance and remove burdensome or duplicative requirements. Key changes include eliminating the finance expertise requirement for credit union directors, clarifying loan compensation requirements, and aligning purchase-policy requirements for eligible obligations. The proposals also involve deleting certain standalone regulations deemed duplicative or superfluous.
The Central Bank of Kuwait announced the conclusion of the International Monetary Fund's 2025 Article IV consultation with Kuwait, sharing the IMF mission's concluding statement.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Insurance Regulation and Control Authority (ARCA) signed a memorandum with the National Agency for Investment Promotion (ANAPI) to integrate insurance into investment projects. The agreement aims to promote insurance's role in risk management, raise investor awareness of the Insurance Code, and enhance institutional information-sharing and training. This initiative is part of broader government reforms to improve the business environment.
Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs introduced the American Homeownership Act to curb corporate landlord activity by ending tax breaks and federal housing benefits for Wall Street and corporate landlords. Led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley, the bill aims to reinvest savings into new housing and homeownership support, and empower antitrust enforcers to prevent corporate bulk purchases. It is co-sponsored by 16 Democratic senators and endorsed by various advocacy groups.
Democratic U.S. Senate Banking Committee members urged White House Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett to retract his suggestion to discipline Federal Reserve staff for their tariff cost analysis. The letter emphasizes Federal Reserve independence and questions potential White House interference with economic data, referencing a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report and external estimates on tariffs' economic burden on U.S. firms and consumers.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica and the Ministry of Finance released their 2026 financing plan, detailing a CRC 4.2 trillion funding strategy. The Ministry aims to raise CRC 3.9 trillion domestically and CRC 270 billion externally, with periodic securities auctions and liability-management operations. The central bank will issue short-term Monetary Stabilization Bonds and longer-term bonds to shift funds from the Integrated Liquidity Market.
The Central Bank of Brazil reported that its digital service, Registrato, has issued over 100 million financial reports since its 2014 launch, highlighting strong public demand for financial transparency. Registrato offers access to data on loans, credit limits, banking relationships, and Pix keys. The central bank continues to enhance the service's functionality, interface, and security.
Poland's Ministry of Finance announced the Council of Ministers' adoption of a draft bill amending the audit framework for public interest entities (PIEs), shifting to a model allowing all services not explicitly prohibited by EU law, provided auditor independence is maintained. Core prohibitions remain, with added safeguards like audit committee approval and a fee cap for additional services. The Polish Audit Oversight Agency will supervise audit firms, while the Polish Financial Supervision Authority will oversee PIEs.
The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) issued a warning to investors about nine companies not registered to deal or advise in securities in Ontario. This alert is part of the OSC’s program to identify potentially harmful or illegal activities. Investors are advised to verify registration before investing and can access resources on the OSC’s website for further guidance.
SEC Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda addressed the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, highlighting recent staff publications to clarify small business capital raising. Updates include new guidance on Regulation D, Regulation Crowdfunding, and Regulation A, plus FAQs on Form D and compliance and disclosure interpretations. Uyeda also advocated for a tailored regulatory solution for "finders" to reflect their limited intermediary role.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul S. Atkins addressed the Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, highlighting regulatory uncertainty for "finders" and frictions in the private secondary market. Atkins linked these issues to his priority of rebuilding the initial public offering pipeline, citing constraints like resale restrictions and state blue sky laws. He emphasized the need for structural changes to encourage larger private companies to go public sooner.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission has launched the "Restaurant Peace of Mind with Insurance Protection" initiative to boost insurance adoption among restaurant and beverage operators. It addresses risks like property damage, third-party liability, and business interruption, recommending tailored coverage. Collaboration with the insurance industry and local chambers of commerce will support implementation, including a central registry and consumer-facing logo, with expansion efforts planned for 2026.
The Federal Reserve Board issued a consent prohibition order against Jamal Hillman, a former employee of First Financial Bank, for misappropriating customer funds. First Financial Bank is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Bermuda's Attorney-General issued AML-ATF Ministerial Advisory 1/2026, highlighting money laundering and terrorist financing risks in jurisdictions lacking adequate systems. It emphasizes enhanced due diligence under the Proceeds of Crime (Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2008, especially for transactions involving countries identified as higher risk by the Financial Action Task Force or the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.
The National Bank of Romania reported provisional January 2026 monetary indicators, with broad money (M3) at RON 785,239.0 million, down 1.3% from December 2025 and up 6.9% year on year. Non-government credit decreased 0.2% month on month to RON 446,398.2 million, while resident non-government deposits fell 1.8% to RON 664,101.4 million. Net foreign assets rose 3.0% to RON 403,768.4 million, while net domestic assets decreased 5.4% to RON 381,470.7 million.
The Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) issued a fraud warning about an online scam using images of local figures and media logos to promote a fake "government investment platform" on Facebook. The JFSC also noted a rise in impersonation scams involving cloned websites and AI-generated content, urging the public to verify firms' regulated status and report suspicious activities.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market and the Minister of Finance discussed enhancing capital markets, including personal investment accounts and reducing duplicate financial reporting for IFRS-compliant companies. They also addressed developing the municipal bond market and advancing the agricultural products market through regulatory support and standardisation. Both parties agreed to maintain joint oversight on these initiatives.
The Bank of Finland summarized the inaugural Helsinki Euro Coin Conference, highlighting discussions on euro coin cash supply and counterfeiting prevention. The event featured contributions from European experts, including the European Technical and Scientific Centre, the Royal Dutch Mint, and various central banks, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation. The conference was co-funded by the European Union.
The Central Bank of Ireland released its first quarterly Access to Cash report, mapping ATM and cash service points across eight regions as of December 31, 2025. The report finds cash infrastructure largely meets access criteria, but six shortfalls were identified, prompting the Central Bank to contact responsible entities for resolution. Shortfalls involve proximity and capacity requirements in specific regions, with AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB tasked to address these.
The Bank of Botswana announced that Sefremit (Pty) Limited has voluntarily surrendered its Electronic Payment Service Provider licence. The public is advised against transacting with entities claiming to operate under Sefremit’s name for electronic payment services. Sefremit’s Bureau de Change operations remain unaffected, and unlicensed electronic payment services are a criminal offence under the Electronic Payment Services Regulations, 2019.
Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher J. Waller detailed the Fed's "System-first" AI approach, emphasizing shared standards across 12 Reserve Banks. The strategy includes Fed-approved AI tools, coding assistants, and embedded AI in platforms, under strict security guidelines. AI literacy and application are integrated into employee training and performance goals for sustainable adoption.
Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa D. Cook discussed AI's impact on productivity, employment, and monetary policy, expressing cautious optimism about long-term growth but warning of job displacement. Cook noted the Federal Reserve's limited AI use and highlighted labor-market changes, including weaker demand in some occupations and higher unemployment among recent graduates. She also addressed monetary policy concerns, such as AI-driven investment's implications on the neutral rate and potential inflation pressures.
The Portuguese Securities Commission (CMVM) will host a seminar on 23 March 2026 titled “DLT applied to Capital Markets,” focusing on the integration of distributed ledger technology (DLT) into capital markets. The event will feature panels on financial intermediation changes and challenges in DLT integration, with opening and closing remarks by CMVM leadership.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets is consulting on a draft decision for amicable vehicle accident determination under compulsory motor third-party liability insurance. The proposal updates the "Amicable accident report" form for both paper and electronic use, aligning with Law No. 106/2022 and Law No. 189/2025. It also introduces a compensation limit mechanism and enhances the electronic format framework.
The Central Bank of Colombia released a draft paper analyzing household consumption from 2003 to 2022, revealing significant long-run asymmetries in response to income changes and interest rate adjustments. Consumption reacts more strongly to income increases and interest rate cuts, with remittances and consumer credit also supporting long-term consumption. The paper is provisional and does not reflect the views of the central bank or its Board.
The Central Bank of Brazil published updated External Sector Statistics, reflecting data through January 2026.
The European Central Bank Banking Supervision assessed banks' increasing use of AI and related governance and risk management expectations. Over 85% of large banks under European supervision use AI, with significant growth in generative AI across operations. The ECB highlighted challenges in AI governance, risk management, and dependency on third-party providers, planning to focus on generative AI applications and monitor developments under the EU Artificial Intelligence Act.
The Banking Agency of Republika Srpska released a registry entry for the currency exchange office service provider "KOD JELE" – Dragičević Jadranka s.p., located in Banja Luka. Jadranka Dragičević is listed as the owner and responsible person.
The Banking Agency of Republika Srpska has listed ROJ-KOMERC d.o.o. Bijeljina in its directory of exchange office service providers, identifying Đorđe Runjevac as the responsible person.
The Banking Agency of Republika Srpska has added FIS d.o.o. Vitez to its online list of exchange office service providers, identifying Marijana Maljić as the responsible person. The company's address is listed as Poslovni centar 96, Vitez.
The Banking Agency of Republika Srpska has listed "Exclusive Change" d.o.o. Sarajevo as an exchange office service provider, with Nejra Uštović–Pekić as the responsible person. The office is located at Dr Fetaha Bećirbegovića 8d, Sarajevo.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority announced the refusal of Gray Matter Labs Limited's application under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2024, effective 14 October 2025. The firm was instructed to cease operations or relocate, and it has successfully redomiciled outside Seychelles.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs' minority staff criticized the Trump Administration for halting regular Russia sanctions during the fourth year of the Ukraine war. The report notes a significant reduction, with only one sanction in the fourth year compared to at least 32 annually before, and identifies potential targets, including companies in China and Hong Kong, financial institutions, and entities involved in oil smuggling and sanctions evasion.
The National Bank of Bulgaria has granted Octis Pay Ltd a licence to operate as a payment institution under the Payment Services and Payment Systems Act. The firm is authorized to provide payment initiation and account information services after meeting the conditions outlined in the Act and Ordinance No. 16.
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors announced that the Superintendency of Banks of Guatemala has joined the IAIS Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, enhancing its ability to collaborate internationally on insurance supervision and consumer protection. This agreement facilitates compliance and confidentiality in information exchange among insurance supervisors. Since its inception in 2009, the memorandum now covers about three-quarters of global gross written premiums.
The International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation released a Jurisdictional Readiness Assessment Guide to help jurisdictions evaluate their preparedness for adopting ISSB Standards. This guide supports evidence-based regulatory decisions and aligns with the inaugural meeting of the IFRS Foundation’s Jurisdictional Adopters Working Group.