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2026-02-19•Global•International Monetary Fund
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, at the India AI Impact Summit, highlighted AI's potential to boost global GDP growth by up to 0.8 percentage points and create a net addition of 1.3 jobs for every AI-related hire. She emphasized the risks of job displacement and the importance of a human-centred AI approach. Georgieva also encouraged India to share its practical AI advancements with low-income and developing countries.
Research
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2026-02-19•Global•International Monetary Fund
The IMF's 2026 Article IV consultation with Azerbaijan emphasizes fiscal consolidation, monetary policy strengthening, and completing Financial Sector Assessment Program recommendations. Growth slowed to 1.4% in 2025, with inflation exceeding the Central Bank's target. The IMF supports maintaining the countercyclical capital buffer, implementing the liquidity coverage ratio, and introducing the net stable funding ratio to boost financial sector resilience.
Research Economic data and developments
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2026-02-19•Canada•Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario imposed a compliance order on Andi Efovia to cease insurance business activities in Ontario and fined him CAD 25,000. Efovia violated Ontario’s Insurance Act by acting as an unlicensed insurance agent and misrepresenting his status. He did not contest FSRA’s proposal or request a hearing.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2026-02-19•Canada•Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
FINTRAC is creating a liaison function to combat extortion by expediting tactical financial intelligence sharing with select law enforcement. This involves onsite engagement with priority agencies in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, supported by reassigned intelligence officers for strategic analysis and faster disclosures. The goal is to enhance information exchange and identify emerging money laundering indicators linked to extortion.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots AML and CFT
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2026-02-19•Canada•Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
FINTRAC announced initiatives to enhance detection and reporting of extortion-related money laundering. The plan includes developing Targeted Indicator Profiles, sector-specific outreach events, and a special bulletin, leveraging law enforcement expertise and public-private partnerships. FINTRAC aims to improve the quality of suspicious transaction reports and facilitate information sharing for potential law enforcement disclosures.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation AML and CFT
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2026-02-19•Canada•Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) introduced "Targeted Indicator Profiles" (TIP sheets) to enhance strategic financial intelligence sharing on extortion and money laundering. Under the Countering Extortion Partnership, FINTRAC collaborates with financial institutions to develop early-stage indicator profiles, improving suspicious transaction report timeliness and quality. This initiative refines indicators through private-sector feedback, aiding tactical financial intelligence generation for law enforcement and other authorized entities.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots AML and CFT
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2026-02-19•United States•U.S. Department of the Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury outlined priorities for the 2026 G20 Finance Track, focusing on modernizing financial regulation, enhancing debt transparency, and endorsing a digital assets ecosystem. Key meetings include finance ministers and central bank governors in Asheville, North Carolina, and a Leaders’ Summit in Miami, Florida.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Cross-border payments Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-19•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins and Commissioner Hester M. Peirce introduced "Project Crypto" at ETHDenver, a joint effort with the CFTC to clarify crypto asset regulations. Proposed actions include a framework for crypto asset investment contracts, an "innovation exemption" for limited trading of tokenized securities, and rulemaking on broker-dealer custody of non-security crypto assets. The initiative will involve ongoing collaboration with Congress and the CFTC.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-19•Europe•Council of Europe
MONEYVAL, the Council of Europe's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing body, evaluated Latvia's effectiveness, noting strong performance but improvement needs in non-financial sector supervision. The report highlights Latvia's robust risk understanding, international cooperation, and beneficial ownership transparency, while calling for enhancements in risk assessment methodologies and legal person pursuit. Latvia is under regular follow-up with a roadmap for key actions by 2028.
Policy & regulation Peer reviews and country evaluations AML and CFT
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2026-02-19•United Kingdom•Prudential Regulation Authority
The Prudential Regulation Authority has published a consultation paper proposing targeted amendments to the PRA Rulebook and a minor change to its Pillar 2 methodologies statement of policy to reflect HM Treasury’s intended Overseas Prudential Requirements Regime, with minimal expected impact on firms. The proposals clarify the treatment of “exposures to institutions,” adjust eligibility of collateral and protection providers, extend “eligible covered bond” treatment, restate the 100% risk weight for certain public sector entities, and align large exposures provisions with the revised concepts.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-19•Kyrgyzstan•State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic reported on licensing and registration activities from 9–13 February 2026. Key actions included securities registrations for CJSC Vog and OJSC Ala-Too Resort, issuance results for several companies, and permits for pawnshop and lottery activities. The authority also revoked several pawnshop licenses and completed audit registrations.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals
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2026-02-19•Ghana•Bank of Ghana
The Bank of Ghana and the Central Bank of Liberia have established a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance central banking operations. The MoU covers cooperation in areas such as macroeconomic forecasting, monetary policy, reserve management, bank supervision, AML/CFT, digital currency, and AI applications, with potential for expansion.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Capacity building
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2026-02-19•Greece•Hellenic Capital Market Commission
The Hellenic Capital Market Commission approved KYKLOS HOLDING SINGLE-MEMBER SOCIETE ANONYME's request to exercise the squeeze-out right on AKRITAS S.A. shares under Article 27 of Law 3461/2006.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Corporate governance
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2026-02-19•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed cooperation agreements with several public faculties to enhance institutional links with academia and support research and skills development. The agreements include joint research projects, guest lectures, internships, and collaboration in scientific publishing. Further agreements are planned with additional faculties to align with the Central Bank's business needs.
Institutional development Cooperation & capacity building Capacity building Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-19•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
Sweden's Finansinspektionen (FI) has initiated an analysis to assess how selected life and non-life insurers incorporate sustainability risks into corporate governance, focusing on risk management. This effort aims to enhance FI's supervisory understanding and facilitate dialogue with firms. The analysis is part of FI's 2026 priorities on sustainability risks related to climate change and is not a compliance assessment.
Supervision Risk monitoring & watch points Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-19•Spain•Bank of Spain
The Bank of Spain and the National Bank of Ukraine have agreed to collaborate on digital transformation, psychological support for war-affected staff, and work-study visits for NBU employees. The agreement involves developing AI solutions for database access and payment system monitoring, with NBU personnel seconded to Spain. The Bank of Spain will also fund a psychological support program for NBU staff and facilitate training placements in Spain.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2026-02-19•Cuba•Central Bank of Cuba
The Central Bank of Cuba announced that major banks have implemented measures to ensure February 2026 pension payments despite electricity and transport challenges. In Villa Clara, Banco de Crédito y Comercio, Banco Popular de Ahorro, and Casa de Cambio will prioritize pension payments and foreign-exchange services during power outages, with revised operating hours and staffing adjustments. Banks are promoting electronic payments due to cash constraints, with ATMs restocked daily except Sundays and withdrawal limits set.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Payments and payment systems
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2026-02-19•Uganda•Uganda Capital Markets Authority
The Uganda Capital Markets Authority mandates full compliance with the Capital Markets Authority (Corporate Governance) Regulations, 2025, for all public listed companies and market intermediaries following the transition period's expiry. The Authority will enforce compliance and take remedial measures against non-compliant entities under its supervisory powers in the Capital Markets Act, Cap. 64.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Corporate governance
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2026-02-19•Global•Financial Stability Board
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has initiated a strategic review of its crisis preparedness activities to address emerging vulnerabilities in the global financial system. Andrea Enria will chair a high-level group to assess preparedness across the crisis cycle and recommend changes to internal processes and structures. The review aims to reinforce the Key Attributes of Effective Resolution Regimes as the international standard for resolution.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Recovery and resolution
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2026-02-19•Albania•Albania Financial Services Authority
The Albania Financial Services Authority concluded the fifth "Let's Learn About the Stock Exchange" competition, educating students on stock market decision-making and risk through virtual trading. The event involved 111 participants from 20 educational institutions, with portfolios evaluated by an international jury. AMF Executive Deputy Director Merita Gurabardhi highlighted the importance of financial education for a transparent capital market aligned with European standards.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-19•Brazil•Brazil Securities Commission (CVM)
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) announced that its cooperation with the Brazilian Financial and Capital Markets Association (ANBIMA) led to ANBIMA entering into terms of commitment with six institutions in the fund industry. These commitments primarily relate to ANBIMA’s codes on third-party resource management and investment product distribution. The cooperation aims to enhance supervision, reduce duplication, and align enforcement.
Supervision Cooperation Supervision process and methodologies
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2026-02-19•Jordan•Jordan Securities Commission
The Jordan Securities Commission conducted an awareness workshop on the 2025 Indexing and Classification of Information and Documents System, focusing on amendments to the Law on Guaranteeing the Right to Information. The session covered requirements for indexing, classifying confidential information, and forming a committee to oversee these processes, including capacity-building for staff across government entities.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Regulatory burden
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2026-02-19•Middle East•Arab Monetary Fund
The Arab Monetary Fund's quarterly bulletin reported mixed performance in Arab stock markets by Q4 2025, with the AMF composite index down 1.04% from Q3 but up 5.61% year-on-year. Indices rose in 10 markets, notably Amman, Egypt, and Muscat, while six exchanges, including Saudi Arabia and Damascus, saw declines. Total market capitalisation fell by USD 107bn to USD 4,208.08bn, attributed to declining oil prices, weaker energy and petrochemicals performance, and broader economic and geopolitical factors.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Market development
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2026-02-19•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UAE Internal Auditors Association to enhance financial oversight through international auditing standards and modernized governance frameworks. The agreement includes joint initiatives for developing oversight systems, exchanging expertise, and promoting internal oversight culture. It also aims to enhance skills and accelerate Emiratization in the internal audit profession.
Supervision Cooperation Auditing Corporate governance
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2026-02-19•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia reported a year-on-year decrease in the trade surplus for Q4 2025, leading to a narrower current account surplus. Goods exports fell due to lower global prices for oil, gas, and coal, and reduced Russian fuel supplies, while imports remained stable. The services balance deficit widened as services imports, particularly from foreign travel, increased more than exports.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2026-02-19•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank reported that Dutch households ended 2025 with a 7.8% increase in securities portfolios, reaching EUR 204.3 billion, despite market volatility. The growth was primarily driven by favorable price developments, with net purchases contributing modestly. In Q4, household sales offset stock price gains, resulting in a stable portfolio value, while listed shareholdings and bond holdings declined due to sales and maturing bonds.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2026-02-19•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority
The Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority has suspended United Cooperative Insurance Company from issuing or renewing any vehicle insurance policies, including comprehensive coverage, effective Feb. 19, 2026. Existing policy and claims obligations remain in force, and the suspension will continue until the company rectifies its position and demonstrates regulatory compliance.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Consumer and investor protection Compliance Claims management
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2026-02-19•Switzerland•Swiss National Bank
The Swiss National Bank has detailed its Extended Liquidity Facility (ELF) framework, offering liquidity support to Swiss banks against collateral. The ELF will include mortgages and securities as eligible collateral and will be tested with pilot banks and SIX entities until mid-2026. Full documentation and contracts are anticipated by summer 2026, with the ELF set to launch in early 2027.
Monetary policy Monetary policy framework & strategy Liquidity risk
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2026-02-19•Pakistan•Securites & Exchange Commission of Pakistan
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan conducted an investor awareness session at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad, focusing on financial planning and informed decision-making. The session aimed to enhance financial literacy and protect students from fraudulent schemes by covering topics such as budgeting, saving, and identifying Ponzi and pyramid schemes.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education Consumer and investor protection
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2026-02-19•Solomon Islands•Central Bank of the Solomon Islands
The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands (CBSI) will maintain an accommodative monetary policy for six months, introducing a 1.5% policy rate to guide interest rates and enhance transparency. CBSI revised its growth outlook to 3.6% for 2025 and 3.8% for 2026, with inflation projected to rise temporarily in early 2026 before easing. CBSI remains vigilant to adjust its stance if inflationary pressures or macroeconomic shocks occur.
Monetary policy Policy rate decisions Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-19•Philippines•Central Bank of the Philippines
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cut the Target Reverse Repurchase rate by 25 bp to 4.25 %, lowering overnight deposit and lending facility rates to 3.75 % and 4.75 % and bringing cumulative easing since April 2025 to 150 bp. Citing weaker domestic demand and “manageable” inflation expected to return to the 3 % goal by 2027, the Board kept a 50 bp policy corridor and reaffirmed its data-dependent stance.
Monetary policy Policy rate decisions Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-19•Indonesia•Bank Indonesia
Bank Indonesia left the BI-Rate unchanged at 4.75% (Deposit 3.75%, Lending 5.50%) for a fifth straight meeting after 150 bp of cuts since September 2024, prioritising rupiah stabilisation and keeping inflation within the 2.5 ± 1% target for 2026-27 while sustaining growth. It is ramping up FX and bond-market operations to support the currency and signalled scope for further easing if price pressures stay contained amid a softer global outlook.
Monetary policy Policy rate decisions Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-19•United Kingdom•HM Treasury
HM Treasury confirms transferring prudential requirements to Prudential Regulation Authority rules for Basel 3.1, establishing new Overseas Recognition Regimes. Draft regulations replace equivalence mechanisms with a UK-specific regime, designating overseas jurisdictions for prudential treatments. The finalized approach affects exchanges, covered bonds, and investment firms, effective 1 January 2027.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Capital adequacy
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2026-02-19•Malaysia•Malaysia Securities Commission
The Malaysia Securities Commission has appointed Dr. Abdulkader Thomas as the inaugural Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellow to lead research in Islamic finance, effective 1 November 2025. The fellowship will focus on Islamic financial markets, Maqasid al-Shariah, impact investing, and ESG considerations, while fostering collaboration with global partners through the SC's partnership with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-19•Canada•Alberta Securities Commission
Securities regulators across several Canadian provinces and territories have adopted final amendments to Multilateral Instrument 25-102, refining assurance report obligations for designated benchmarks. The amendments specify the level and timing of assurance reports required and introduce new requirements for non-commodity, non-critical, and non-interest rate benchmarks. These changes are pending ministerial approval and are set to take effect on 5 May 2026.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Financial benchmarks
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2026-02-19•Qatar•Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority
The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority settled with Experts Credit Solutions Consultancy LLC over unauthorised credit facility arrangements conducted from January 2023 to October 2024. The firm will pay a reduced penalty of QAR 145,800 (USD 40,000) and QAR 36,450 (USD 10,000) for investigation costs, reflecting its cooperation and remedial actions. The settlement concludes the investigation to the regulator's satisfaction.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2026-02-19•Chile•Chile Financial Market Commission
Chile’s Financial Market Commission (CMF) released the "Balance of the CMF’s Mandates," outlining its strategic framework for implementing Prudential, Market Conduct, and Market Development mandates. The CMF emphasizes a case-by-case approach to managing trade-offs, focusing on risk analysis and empirical evidence, with no statutory hierarchy among mandates. The Board highlights the importance of internal transparency, accountability, and periodic reviews of risk analysis.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Prudential risks Market development
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2026-02-19•United States•Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced the termination of enforcement actions for several banks, including First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky and Unity National Bank of Houston. Terminations occur when banks comply with enforcement articles, when articles become outdated, or are incorporated into new actions.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Other
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2026-02-19•United States•Federal Reserve Board
Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman, at the 2026 Banking Outlook Conference, outlined priorities including tailored supervision for community banks, modernization of large-bank capital rules, and a focus on core financial risks. The Federal Reserve is reviewing safety and soundness Matters Requiring Attention (MRAs) for state member banks, with non-compliant MRAs to be downgraded. Key initiatives include revising the community bank leverage ratio, mutual bank capital framework, and advancing U.S. Basel III implementation.
Supervision Supervision approach, priorities & toolkit Supervision process and methodologies
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2026-02-19•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority warned against entities marketing crypto investments via unauthorised platforms lacking permission to operate. Investors should avoid agreements or transfers to such platforms, which are outside regulatory supervision. Warning signs include undocumented profits, aggressive deposit calls, and withdrawal issues. Consumers should verify company legitimacy and consult Finanstilsynet’s registers.
Supervision Alerts Unlicensed or unauthorized activity Fraud and scams
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2026-02-19•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway reported a 35% decrease in fraud for the first half of 2025, with the gross defrauded amount from account transfers and payment card use totalling NOK 404 million. Account transfer fraud fell to NOK 238 million, and payment card fraud decreased to NOK 166 million. The authority attributes the decline to more effective preventive measures by payment service providers, though results varied across companies.
Data & statistics Fraud and scams
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2026-02-19•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) warns that Saptrust Bank, Instant Bank, Banksured Bank, and WATTPROSAVER Bank are operating without authorization and are likely fraudulent. These entities falsely claim to offer payment and lending services in Norway via various web platforms. Finanstilsynet advises consumers to verify firms through its market warning register before engaging in unsolicited investment offers.
Supervision Alerts Unlicensed or unauthorized activity Fraud and scams
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2026-02-19•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway inspected PRA Group Norge AS, noting deficiencies in annual training and testing of its disaster recovery plan per the ICT Regulation. The inspection also reviewed compliance with client funds reconciliation, debt collection processes, and risk assessments for outsourced arrangements. Finanstilsynet requested further explanations on VAT joint registration, invoicing court fees, and debtor complaint handling, noting the firm's subsequent actions and explanations.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Client asset custody and safekeeping
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2026-02-19•Argentina•Argentina Securities Commission (CNV)
The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) issued General Resolution No. 1108 to align with the Fiscal Innocence Law, allowing individuals in the "Simplified Sworn Declaration Regime for Income Tax" to engage in capital market transactions and use registered Virtual Asset Service Providers (PSAVs). Eligible investors can make cash deposits, transfer securities, and virtual assets, provided the originating jurisdictions are not on non-cooperative or high-risk lists. Compliance with anti-money laundering and CNV requirements is mandatory.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements AML and CFT Financial inclusion
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2026-02-19•Argentina•Argentina Securities Commission (CNV)
The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) issued General Resolution No. 1109, deregulating the Regional Representative Entities (ERR) regime and removing ERR from CNV oversight. The resolution allows stock exchanges previously registered as ERR to record purchase-sale agreements and contracts linked to future real estate units, expanding entities permitted for these activities. This change aligns with measures to support the mortgage credit market under Emergency Decree No. 1017/24.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing framework and process
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2026-02-19•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency released an updated executive list detailing recent senior leadership changes. The publication includes references to previous executive-list updates from the Reiwa and Heisei eras.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2026-02-19•Colombia•Central Bank of Colombia
The Central Bank of Colombia released a working paper analyzing the impact of reduced intergovernmental transfers on municipalities along the Magdalena River. The study highlights a decline in local economic activity and municipal investment post-2002 reform, despite increased local tax revenues. It also notes ineffective implementation of 2007 legislation mandating special transfers for environmental and navigability projects, indicating governance and compliance challenges.
Research Other
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2026-02-19•United States•Federal Reserve Board
The Federal Reserve Board has approved Fulton Financial Corporation's application to acquire Blue Foundry Bancorp, including its subsidiary, Blue Foundry Bank.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence approval
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2026-02-18•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission proposed amendments to Form N-PORT to reduce reporting burdens while maintaining data utility, including extending filing deadlines and reducing public data availability. The proposal eliminates Names Rule reporting from Form N-PORT and adds information for exchange-traded fund share classes. Compliance dates for the Names Rule were extended to November 2027 for large fund groups and May 2028 for smaller ones.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-18•Europe•Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
The European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs will hold a hearing with François-Louis Michaud, the proposed candidate for Chair of the European Banking Authority, before a committee vote on his appointment. Michaud, currently the EBA’s Executive Director, was nominated following José Manuel Campa's resignation at the end of January 2026.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2026-02-18•Europe•European Securities and Markets Authority
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) issued a supervisory statement regarding Barclays Bank PLC's withdrawal from the Euribor panel, effective 27 February 2026. ESMA and the National Competent Authorities concluded that this does not affect Euribor's representativeness. The panel has expanded with three new banks since 2022, and another bank is expected to join soon, reinforcing the benchmark's robustness.
Supervision Risk monitoring & watch points Financial benchmarks
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2026-02-18•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India mandates eligible market participants to report a Unique Transaction Identifier (UTI) for over-the-counter derivative transactions to the Clearing Corporation of India Limited’s trade repository, effective 1 January 2027. This requirement covers derivatives under RBI and FEMA frameworks, with UTIs generated per CPMI-IOSCO guidance. CCIL will provide guidelines, and participants must comply with reporting deadlines, including interim measures for cross-jurisdictional transactions.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-18•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India has revised reporting requirements for External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, updating the ECB return formats in its Master Direction to align with the revised ECB Framework. New formats are provided in Annex I (Form ECB 1 and Revised Form ECB 1) and Annex II (Form ECB 2) following the Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026. Authorised Persons must inform customers of these changes.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-18•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
The Central Bank of Montenegro's Financial Stability Council reviewed the Q4 2025 financial stability update, confirming system stability and progress in sustainable finance governance. The Council noted 3.2% economic growth, moderate systemic risk, and challenges in sustainable finance, including limited capacity and data issues. Priorities include operational rollout of frameworks, data improvement, and enhanced cooperation.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-18•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
The Central Bank of Montenegro reviewed the progress of its Financial Education Development Programme 2023–2027, reporting 84% completion of the 2025 Action Plan. Efforts focused on youth education, with plans to expand to other groups and develop a financial literacy web platform in 2026. The National Committee endorsed recommendations to enhance institutional capacity and coordination.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-18•Europe•European Central Bank
ECB Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel highlighted fiscal challenges amid geopolitical uncertainty and ageing societies, focusing on higher public spending needs, debt sustainability, and market conditions in the euro area. She contrasted Germany’s low debt-to-GDP ratio with low public investment and analyzed defence and infrastructure spending impacts on GDP and debt. Schnabel noted rising government interest expenditure, weaker potential GDP growth, and the euro's growing role as a "safe haven" in global foreign exchange reserves.
Research Geopolitical risk
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2026-02-18•Belgium•Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority
The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority has settled with DELA Enterprises and six former sub-agents, resulting in a EUR 54,000 payment and public disclosure of the parties' names on the FSMA website.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Other
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2026-02-18•Kyrgyzstan•National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic's Talas Regional Department and OJSC Eldik Bank conducted a financial literacy lecture at Talas State University on 17 February 2026. The session, part of the 2026 regional financial literacy plan, addressed savings importance, personal money management, and financial fraud awareness.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-18•Kyrgyzstan•National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has suspended the licences of two exchange bureaus, Imin Salim LLC and Sanson Grand LLC, for violations of national legislation and bank regulations. The suspensions are effective from 19 February to 5 March 2026.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2026-02-18•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency released preliminary results from its NISA Account Usage Survey, detailing the number of NISA accounts and purchase amounts as of December 2025. The survey includes data from all financial institutions handling NISA and trend materials since 2014. These figures are preliminary and may differ from future confirmed results.
Data & statistics Activity and performance reporting
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2026-02-18•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency released minutes from the Financial Services Council’s Market System Working Group meeting, where members agreed on a draft report proposing changes to Japan’s unfair trading framework. Key proposals include expanding insider trading rules, recalibrating administrative surcharges, and enhancing investigative tools for enforcement. The draft also suggests redefining "parent company" for insider trading, adjusting surcharge calculations, and extending the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission's criminal investigation remit.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Market abuse
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2026-02-18•Israel•Bank of Israel
The Bank of Israel released updated inflation expectations derived from capital-market breakevens and other sources, showing one-year expectations ranging from 1.5% to 1.9% and five-to-ten-year forward expectations at 2.2%. The report details the methodology for deriving these expectations, noting significant biases in one-year breakevens in January 2024.
Data & statistics
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2026-02-18•Europe•European Securities and Markets Authority
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) issued guidance on applying the revised prospectus framework under the Listing Act, detailing transitional arrangements and interim disclosure expectations. Registration documents approved or filed by 4 June 2026 fall under the Article 48a transitional regime. ESMA expects national authorities to adhere to this guidance, enabling issuers and advisors to rely on its content.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-18•Cyprus•Central Bank of Cyprus
The Central Bank of Cyprus released investment fund statistics for December 2025, showing a stable market with a slight decrease in the number of funds to 350 and a 0.1% increase in total assets to EUR 7,899.0 million. These figures are part of the February 2026 Investment Fund Statistics publication.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators
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2026-02-18•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency will purchase trust beneficiary rights and related instruments linked to a preferential investment by Kyoei Shinkin Bank under the Act on Special Measures for Strengthening Financial Functions. The agency has published the Management Enhancement Plan and Management Enhancement Guidance Plan for Noto Kyoei Shinkin Bank and Shinkin Central Bank.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Supervision process and methodologies
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2026-02-18•Japan•Bank of Japan
The Bank of Japan introduced an Application Programming Interface (API) service for its Time-Series Data Search, allowing access to statistical data in JSON and CSV formats. Guidance is available via an API User Manual and a notice on appropriate use.
Data & statistics Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-18•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank released research analyzing the impact of U.S. tariffs on global trade redirection, focusing on the resulting changes in Chinese export patterns.
Research Other
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2026-02-18•Europe•European Securities and Markets Authority
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its opinion on EFRAG’s draft revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards, endorsing the European Commission’s simplification goals while suggesting amendments for enhanced investor protection and financial stability. ESMA recommends improvements in readability, format, and a focus on material matters, alongside technical adjustments like time limits on permanent reliefs and enhanced transparency on sustainability actions. The Commission will consider ESMA’s input with other feedback to adopt the revised standards by summer 2026, with ESMA supporting national authorities in supervision.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Accounting and financial reporting
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2026-02-18•Cyprus•Central Bank of Cyprus
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported a decline in non-performing exposures and loans for the Cyprus banking sector as of 31 December 2025. The Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio dropped to 3.2%, while the MEX ratio fell to 1.6%, below the EU average for the first time since 2014. The coverage ratio of non-performing exposures decreased to 62.3%, with total restructured loans at EUR 0.8 billion.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2026-02-18•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
ASIC has cancelled Red Panda Future Wealth Pty Ltd's financial services licence, effective 16 February 2026, as the firm ceased operations. The licence remains valid until 16 February 2027 solely for maintaining membership with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. This is part of an ongoing ASIC investigation involving Red Panda and related entities.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2026-02-18•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) is reviewing financial advice licensees using lead generation services, focusing on practices that may inappropriately encourage superannuation switching. ASIC aims to identify these arrangements and may take enforcement action against contraventions like misleading conduct or unlicensed advice. A list of entities involved in lead generation has been published, with updates to follow, though inclusion does not imply legal breach.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Sales and distribution
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2026-02-18•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) issued an infringement notice to Fundhost Limited, which paid AUD 19,800, for allegedly making false or misleading representations about the Polen Capital Global Growth Fund's performance. The performance chart, updated monthly by Fundhost, inaccurately suggested the fund outperformed the MSCI ACWI Net Total Return Index since inception. Payment of the notice is not an admission of liability.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions
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2026-02-18•Global•International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund's research shows that since 2020, stocks and sovereign bonds increasingly sell off together during market stress, weakening diversification benefits. This affects 60/40 equity-bond allocations and risk parity strategies, potentially impacting financial stability. Central bank interventions can temporarily stabilize bond markets, but fiscal discipline and price stability are needed to restore bonds' safe haven status. Regulators should include stock-bond correlation breakdowns in stress tests.
Research Asset quality Credit risk Financial stability and systemic risk
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2026-02-18•Global•International Monetary Fund
The IMF's Executive Board completed the 2025 Article IV consultation with China, noting resilient growth but weak private demand and muted inflation. The Board recommended a macroeconomic support mix and structural reforms for consumption-led growth, including fiscal expansion, monetary easing, and exchange rate flexibility. It advised addressing housing issues, enhancing social protection, and restructuring local government financing vehicle debt for long-term sustainability and stability.
Policy & regulation Peer reviews and country evaluations Economic data and developments
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2026-02-18•Global•International Monetary Fund
The IMF's 2026 Article IV consultation on Japan revised growth projections to 0.8% for 2026, with inflation expected to meet the Bank of Japan's 2% target by 2027. The IMF advised against near-term fiscal loosening, recommended gradual monetary tightening, and highlighted the need for high-quality public investment and reforms to manage public debt and ageing-related spending. It also cautioned against a proposed consumption tax suspension, suggesting targeted, budget-neutral support instead.
Policy & regulation International standards & recommendations Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-18•Global•International Monetary Fund
The IMF's 2025 Article IV consultation with China highlights economic resilience despite weak domestic demand and deflationary pressures from the property sector and local government debt. Strong export growth, aided by real exchange rate depreciation, partially offsets demand shortfalls, but emerging external imbalances and unsustainable export reliance are concerns. The report criticizes state-led, debt-financed investments and industrial policies for weakening productivity and increasing financial vulnerabilities, noting a modest policy response to these challenges.
Research Economic data and developments
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2026-02-18•Global•International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommends China adopt a more robust macroeconomic policy and enhance social protection to pivot its growth model towards domestic consumption. The IMF suggests additional fiscal stimulus, monetary easing, and increased social spending to counter weak domestic demand and deflationary pressures. It estimates these measures could raise the consumption-to-GDP ratio by about 4 percentage points over five years.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities
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2026-02-18•British Virgin Islands•British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission announced that Economic Substance filing fees are now processed through the VIRRGIN system, eliminating the need for BOSS System subscription fees to the Ministry of Finance. The Commission will provide details on the new fee regime following industry consultation and advises practitioners to monitor updates regarding Economic Substance transactions.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing and supervisory fees
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2026-02-18•Ireland•Central Bank of Ireland
Central Bank of Ireland Governor Gabriel Makhlouf stressed central bank independence's role in price stability and economic prosperity, based on clear mandates and accountability. He noted credibility, competence, and public trust are vital, contrasting past political pressures with credible central banks' decisive post-pandemic actions. Makhlouf argued independence must be continuously justified and earned through societal dialogue and accountability.
Monetary policy Monetary policy framework & strategy Other
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2026-02-18•Peru•Central Bank of Peru
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru reported that Peru led regional growth in non-traditional exports in 2025, with a 14.4% increase, surpassing Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and Chile. From 2021 to 2025, Peru's non-traditional exports grew at an average annual rate of 9.8%, driven by agricultural, textile, chemical, and steel and metalworking sectors. The data excludes commodity sales and includes country-specific exclusions for comparability.
Data & statistics Economic data and developments
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2026-02-18•Canada•Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization
The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is accepting applications for its Investor Advisory Panel, which advises on regulatory policy and strategic initiatives. CIRO seeks candidates with expertise in investor protection and diverse perspectives, excluding those employed by CIRO Members or on CIRO Hearing Panels. Applications should detail relevant experience and potential conflicts of interest.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Hiring and recruitment
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2026-02-18•Botswana•Botswana Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority
The Botswana Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) mandates all non-bank financial institutions to adopt a revised Personal Questionnaire for Controllers/Key Persons, including a Data Privacy Notice per the Data Protection Act, 2024. This directive, based on NBFIRA's authority under Section 5(2)(e) of the Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority Act of 2023, requires immediate compliance. The updated questionnaire is available on NBFIRA’s website.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Other
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2026-02-18•United States•U.S. Department of the Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury concluded a public-private initiative to enhance cybersecurity and risk management for artificial intelligence in the financial sector. Led by the Artificial Intelligence Executive Oversight Group, the initiative will produce six resources focusing on governance, data practices, transparency, fraud, and digital identity, aimed at supporting secure AI use, particularly for small and mid-sized institutions.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Cyber resilience Artificial intelligence
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2026-02-18•Trinidad & Tobago•Ministry of Finance (Trinidad & Tobago)
The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Finance announced the country's removal from the EU's list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions after the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council's decision on 17 February 2026. This delisting follows reforms aligning with international tax standards, including transitioning to a Special Economic Zone regime and enhancing tax transparency. Measures include signing the OECD Multilateral Convention, achieving a "Largely Compliant" Global Forum rating, and meeting standards for automatic exchange of financial account information.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Tax transparency and information exchange
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2026-02-18•Portugal•Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF)
The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) reported to the parliamentary committee on the insurance market's response to recent severe storms, estimating insured losses up to EUR 600 million. ASF outlined measures for rapid claims processing and noted a significant protection gap, with 49% of homes lacking storm or flood coverage. Under its 2026–28 Strategic Plan, ASF aims to propose a shared-responsibility framework to improve natural catastrophe protection.
Supervision Risk monitoring & watch points Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-18•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova reported a visit to the National Bank of Romania to enhance cooperation and support Moldova's integration into European financial structures. Discussions led by Governor Anca Dragu focused on institutional collaboration, technical assistance, and financial education. The partnership is linked to Moldova's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area, with the National Bank of Romania's support crucial for aligning with European standards.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2026-02-18•Estonia•Central Bank of Estonia
The Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Estonia confirmed its profit distribution strategy, allowing the state to receive 0% to 25% of the previous year's profit. The Board aims to increase the central bank's capital to align with the euro area average, considering Eurosystem-wide risk factors. Amendments to the Estonian Fiscal Council's statutes were also approved to reflect recent changes in the State Budget Act.
Institutional development Mandate & organizational structure Other
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2026-02-18•Ethiopia•National Bank of Ethiopia
The National Bank of Ethiopia appointed two external members to its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to enhance analytical capacity and support evidence-based decision-making. The appointments, approved by the NBE Board, involve economists with strong academic and professional backgrounds in macroeconomic analysis. This move aims to strengthen policy deliberations and reinforce the MPC's effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2026-02-18•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market (NSSMC) adopted regulatory, supervisory, and licensing decisions, including regulations for non-state pension funds and updates to its 2026 rule-making plan. Key actions involved approving draft codes, strategies for financial investigations, EU-linked sanctions proposals, and asset blocking sanctions on FREEDOM FINANCE UKRAINE LLC. The NSSMC also registered bond and share issues, made changes to authorized entities, and confirmed compliance and risk management appointments at several market participants.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Other
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2026-02-18•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market approved a revised Regulation on the Administration of a Non-State Pension Fund, transitioning most administrative procedures to electronic form. This aims to enhance remote management, transparency, and accessibility for participants. The regulation also outlines procedures for handling cases involving missing participants and interactions with heirs or legal representatives.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Other
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2026-02-18•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market discussed strategies with the Minister of Economy to enhance market transparency and competition, including exchange trading's role in price formation. Key topics included municipal bonds development, virtual assets regulation, and potential exchange holding creation. The NSSMC chair emphasized transparent exchange pricing benefits for solid biofuels as an alternative energy resource.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Market development
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2026-02-18•Sweden•Riksbank
The Executive Board of Sweden's Riksbank has adopted a research agenda focusing on four themes: challenges in money, banking, and payments; the monetary transmission mechanism; structural transitions in the labour market, demography, and the green economy; and the interaction between monetary, fiscal, and financial stability policies. The agenda emphasizes using modern methods and new data sources relevant to Sweden's open economy.
Research
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2026-02-18•Tanzania•Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) launched the film Koti Jeupe as part of a public education initiative to enhance understanding of life insurance. The initiative aligns with TIRA's broader strategy to promote insurance awareness through various channels, aiming to increase the adoption of life, health, property, and investment insurance products.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-18•Jordan•Jordan Securities Commission
The Jordan Securities Commission held a lecture for Criminal Investigation Department personnel on financial crime investigation, focusing on theft and fraud, as part of investor-protection initiatives. The session detailed global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks, Jordan’s laws, and the Commission’s compliance monitoring. It covered risk-based firm classification, inspection stages, and cooperation with criminal investigators, including efforts to develop an early warning system.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation AML and CFT Consumer and investor protection
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2026-02-18•Germany•BaFin
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has opened a hearing on a draft general order to partially revoke its 15 June 2023 decision permitting deferrals of post-trade publication for certain non-equity instruments. From 2 March 2026, the revocation would apply to bonds, structured finance products and emission allowances to align with revised EU post-trade transparency rules under amended Regulatory Technical Standards 2, while the national deferral regime would remain in place for derivatives pending further EU changes.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Market infrastructure
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2026-02-18•Germany•BaFin
BaFin has opened a hearing on a draft general administrative act to partially revoke its 15 June 2023 order allowing investment firms to defer post-trade publication for over-the-counter transactions in non-equity instruments. The withdrawal will apply to bonds, structured finance products and emission allowances from 2 March 2026, but not to derivatives. BaFin cites changes to the legal basis in the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation and the introduction of harmonised deferral conditions in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1246 and revised Regulatory Technical Standards 2.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Market infrastructure
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2026-02-18•Colombia•Central Bank of Colombia
The Central Bank of Colombia released a working paper analyzing the fiscal impact of demographic changes on public education financing, highlighting declining enrolment due to a sharp drop in fertility rates. The study projects a significant decrease in the school-age population by 2050 and suggests reallocating savings from lower enrolment to enhance pre-school and upper-secondary education, contingent on institutional reforms. Part of the bank's Borradores de Economía series, the paper reflects the authors' views.
Research Other
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2026-02-18•Brazil•Central Bank of Brazil
The Central Bank of Brazil ordered the extrajudicial liquidation of Banco Pleno S.A. and extended a special regime to Pleno Distribuidora Títulos e Valores Mobiliários S.A. due to financial deterioration and regulatory breaches. The Pleno conglomerate, classified as small within the S4 segment, holds 0.04% of total assets in Brazil's financial system. The Central Bank will pursue further actions, potentially leading to administrative sanctions and legal referrals.
Supervision Interventions Prudential risks Liquidity risk
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2026-02-18•Albania•Bank of Albania
Bank of Albania's Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj highlighted Corridor VIII's role in European integration and regional economic development at a Tirana Economic Forum. She noted Albania's potential benefits from reduced trade costs, enhanced export competitiveness, and the Port of Durrës's strategic importance. Ahmetaj also discussed the banking system's EU-aligned regulatory framework and the need for international cooperation and blended financing for large infrastructure projects.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-18•United States•New York State Department of Financial Services
The New York State Department of Financial Services and the New York State Comptroller approved the Butternut Valley Banking Development District (BDD), placing USD 35 million at Sidney Federal Credit Union's Morris branch. This designation aims to expand banking access in underserved areas and marks the state's 58th BDD. As of February 2025, state deposits in BDDs total approximately USD 514 million across 13 institutions.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Market development