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2026-02-17•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) is accepting applications for the Saudi Economists Track under its SAMA Professional Program, offering scholarships for Saudis to pursue advanced economics degrees abroad. Eligibility requires Saudi citizenship, specific academic qualifications, and English proficiency, with age limits of 25 for bachelor's and 29 for master's degree holders. Selected candidates must complete a SAMA qualification programme in their first employment year.
Institutional development Workforce & recruitment Licence approval
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2026-02-17•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has initiated a public consultation on draft Rules Regulating Cash Center Management and Operation, aiming to establish a framework of controls and standards for compliance. The consultation is hosted on the National Competitiveness Center’s Istitlaa platform.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Currency and cash management
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2026-02-17•India•Securities & Exchange Board of India
SEBI issued a circular detailing new application forms and certificates for stock broker and clearing member registration under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026. These forms replace those from the repealed 1992 regulations and require detailed member information, financials, and compliance undertakings. Effective from 7 January 2026, the circular mandates exchanges and clearing corporations to update their rules and notify members.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licence approval
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2026-02-17•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino (CBSM) refuted claims by San Marino Group S.r.l. (SMG) about its role in SMG's attempted acquisition of Banca di San Marino, denying involvement in creating an acquisition vehicle and rejecting assertions about contract submissions. CBSM clarified that its review of SMG's documentation was comprehensive and not influenced by media pressure, emphasizing that reputational requirements were unmet, leading to non-approval. CBSM dismissed allegations of liquidity issues at Banca di San Marino and reserved the right to seek legal recourse.
Supervision Other
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2026-02-17•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of San Marino has initiated a public consultation on a draft circular to update supervisory provisions on consolidated financial statements and the prudential regime for system securitization. The proposal aims to streamline disclosure requirements and introduce a minimum capital coverage backstop for originator banks exposed to junior and mezzanine asset-backed securities. Key amendments include changes to financial reporting templates and revisions to securitization capital coverage requirements.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Accounting and financial reporting
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2026-02-17•Isle of Man•The Treasury (Isle of Man)
The Isle of Man Treasury has unveiled the 2026 Budget and a five-year financial plan, setting a revenue spending budget of GBP 1.47 billion for 2026/27. Key measures include a GBP 2,250 increase in personal tax allowance, a 4.8% uplift in Class 1 National Insurance thresholds, and an additional GBP 83 million investment in public services. The Treasury anticipates GBP 31 million in revenue from the 15% Domestic Top-up Tax on large multinational enterprises by March 2027.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements
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2026-02-17•Greece•Hellenic Capital Market Commission
The Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the Advertising Self-Regulation Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance investor protection against misleading commercial practices and improve advertising transparency in capital markets, particularly online. The cooperation includes joint initiatives, events, and ethical rule exploration, with a focus on influencer marketing and "finfluencers." The agreement is set for five years.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Consumer and investor protection
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2026-02-17•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has registered the island's first Natural Capital Fund under its regime for investment schemes benefiting the natural world. This fund will focus on habitat creation and ecological restoration projects, aligning with England's 2024 biodiversity net gain regulations. The regime is part of the Guernsey Sustainable Funds framework, alongside the Guernsey Green Fund.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence approval
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2026-02-17•Greece•Bank of Greece
The Bank of Greece reported a cash balance surplus of EUR 1,904 million for the central government's net borrowing requirement in January 2026, compared to EUR 560 million in January 2025. Ordinary budget revenue decreased to EUR 5,387 million from EUR 5,698 million, while expenditure dropped to EUR 4,064 million from EUR 5,488 million year-on-year.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators
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2026-02-17•Gibraltar•Gibraltar Financial Services Commission
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission has initiated a thematic review to evaluate compliance with Targeted Financial Sanctions requirements among regulated entities. The review aims to assess current frameworks, identify best practices, and enhance defences against financial crime. Phase 1 involves a comprehensive questionnaire, while Phase 2 will include onsite assessments of selected firms.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests AML and CFT
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2026-02-17•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia's Governor, Natia Turnava, attended a high-level conference in Brussels on global economic trends and financial stability. Turnava highlighted Georgia's strong economic growth, stable inflation, and increased international reserves, with net foreign exchange purchases exceeding USD 2.4 billion in 2025 and reserves reaching USD 6.3 billion. She also noted the financial sector's resilience and the expanding use of innovative technologies by banks.
Monetary policy Monetary policy assessments & outlooks Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-17•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia proposes streamlining securities issuance by limiting its registration role to potentially risky instruments, while maintaining issuer disclosure and investor protection. Key proposals include exempting certain non-public share issues and "plain vanilla" bonds from registration, with exchanges verifying compliance. The initiative aims to reduce issuance costs and time, enhancing companies' access to capital markets.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-17•Türkiye•Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye is advancing its action programme to prevent exploitation in traffic accident claims by entities posing as "claims consultants" or "claims intermediaries." The initiative includes the Smart Expert Assignment System to streamline value loss compensation and planned amendments to traffic insurance terms for fairer, quicker compensation aligned with judicial precedents.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Fraud and scams
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2026-02-17•Liberia•Central Bank of Liberia
The Central Bank of Liberia, in remarks at a signing ceremony, announced a memorandum of understanding with the Bank of Ghana on capacity building and technical cooperation for its staff. The agreement covers training, technical attachments, joint research and knowledge sharing in areas including supervision, payments, monetary policy, financial stability, cybersecurity and central bank operations. The bank said it will now implement the memorandum’s provisions.
Institutional development Cooperation & capacity building Capacity building Domestic cooperation
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2026-02-17•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority announced a new law criminalizing financial activities conducted without required authorization or registration, effective 1 March 2026. Penalties include fines and imprisonment up to six years for gross intentional offences. The Authority is mandated to report suspected offences to prosecutors, though the law does not alter existing authorization or registration requirements.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing framework and process
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2026-02-17•Spain•Bank of Spain
The Bank of Spain reported a decrease in the Spanish general government debt ratio to 100.8% of GDP in December 2025, down 0.9 percentage points from the previous year, with nominal EDP debt rising 4.8% to EUR 1.699 trillion. State debt increased by 5.1% to EUR 1.549 trillion, while Social Security debt rose 7.9% to EUR 136 billion, attributed to State loans to the General Treasury of Social Security. Figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2026-02-17•Spain•Bank of Spain
Bank of Spain Governor José Luis Escrivá emphasized institutional quality's importance for economic growth and social well-being, announcing a Global Trends and Institutions Analysis Office. He highlighted a strong link between government effectiveness and GDP per capita in Europe, noting no correlation with government size. The speech underscored governance principles like management autonomy, long-term orientation, and meritocracy, citing examples like the National Transplant Organization and the Catalan scientific ecosystem.
Institutional development Mandate & organizational structure Other
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2026-02-17•United Kingdom•Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority issued Consultation Paper CP26/6 to reform the UK securitisation conduct framework, shifting from prescriptive requirements to a principles-based regime to ease compliance for investors and manufacturers. Key proposals include removing investor obligations to verify manufacturers' compliance, simplifying reporting templates, and introducing L-shaped risk retention. The consultation closes on 18 May 2026, with final rules expected in H2 2026.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Securitization
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2026-02-17•Maldives•Maldives Monetary Authority
The Maldives Monetary Authority will issue new MVR 100 notes from the Ran Dhihafaheh series and a new print run of the MVR 20 note starting 17 February 2026 to address increased cash demand and replace damaged notes. Both denominations, signed by Governor Ahmed Munawar, feature the Maldivian rufiyaa symbol and will circulate alongside existing notes.
Monetary policy Monetary policy instruments & operations Currency and cash management
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2026-02-17•Kazakhstan•Astana Financial Services Authority
The Astana Financial Services Authority has introduced a Class Modification for FinTech Lab applicants, moving from a two-stage to a single-stage authorisation process to expedite regulatory sandbox admission. The new approach assesses business model eligibility, proposed candidates, and resources, while requiring submission of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing policies. Participants can offer services after establishing satisfactory internal controls.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory sandbox
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2026-02-17•Global•Bank for International Settlements
The BIS Innovation Hub, Deutsche Bundesbank, and ECB released a Project Spectrum report on using generative AI for inflation nowcasting by automating product classification in high-frequency price data. The embedding-based approach significantly reduces processing time and costs compared to direct GPT-5 prompting. Future steps involve testing on additional datasets and languages and conducting historical back-tests against official inflation series.
Research Artificial intelligence
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2026-02-17•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen, FI) is contacting licensed consumer credit institutions about their plans following a law change eliminating the consumer credit institution category. Effective July 2025, only banks and credit market companies can grant or intermediate consumer credit, with existing institutions required to transition by 31 July 2026. FI will use responses to manage processing capacity and ensure non-compliant firms cease operations.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licensing framework and process
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2026-02-17•Morocco•Moroccan Capital Markets Authority
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority issued a registration notice for CFG Bank's update to its certificates of deposit programme information dossier.
Supervision Regulatory reporting Other
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2026-02-17•Global•Bank for International Settlements - Innovation Hub
The Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub, Deutsche Bundesbank, and European Central Bank released a report on Project Spectrum, showcasing an embedding-based approach for classifying high-frequency product descriptions for inflation analysis. This method significantly reduces compute time and cost compared to large language models, achieving comparable accuracy. Future steps involve testing on diverse datasets and benchmarking CPI indices against official inflation series.
Research Artificial intelligence
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2026-02-17•Egypt•Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has set licensing requirements for futures contracts brokerage, including financial resources, governance, technical readiness, risk management, and client-protection controls. Applicants need a minimum issued and fully paid-up cash capital of EGP 50 million, must follow ownership structure rules, and meet operational and governance criteria. Existing licensed firms have three months to comply, with possible extensions subject to approval.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing framework and process
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2026-02-17•Egypt•Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority
Egypt's Prime Minister appointed Hamdy Mahmoud Badawy as Assistant Chairman of the Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority. Badawy brings over 26 years of experience in financial crime investigation, including leadership roles in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. He has also served as Deputy Assistant Chairman and is an accredited lecturer at the authority's Financial Services Institute.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2026-02-17•Chile•Chile Financial Market Commission
The Chile Financial Market Commission sanctioned Banco Security, now Banco Bice, with a UF 234 fine for breaching the General Banking Act and reserve requirements. The bank operated with a USD 830,303 foreign exchange reserve deficit from March 9 to April 8, 2025, without taking timely corrective measures. The CMF emphasized the importance of maintaining required reserves to meet client obligations.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Liquidity risk
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2026-02-17•Chile•Chile Financial Market Commission
The Chile Financial Market Commission has launched a second public consultation on rules for savings and credit cooperatives to reimburse affiliates' participation shares under exceptional conditions. The proposal requires cooperatives to meet criteria, including a solvency index above 21% and no losses in the previous fiscal year, and excludes those using Central Bank of Chile financing. The draft also introduces fast-track authorisation elements and mandates monthly financial reporting.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Accounting and financial reporting
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2026-02-17•Chile•Chile Financial Market Commission
The Chile Financial Market Commission sanctioned Seguros Generales Suramericana S.A. for using unregistered sales agents to market insurance policies. A UF 100 fine was imposed under Resolution No. 1,771 for breaching Article 57 of the Insurance Law and General Rule No. 471, involving at least 5,349 policies sold by 155 unregistered agents between July 2023 and June 2025.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Sales and distribution
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2026-02-17•United States•Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) seeks comments on a proposed rule to revise appeals procedures for OCC-supervised entities. Key changes include establishing an appeals board, expanding the Ombudsman’s role, adopting a de novo review standard, and enhancing anti-retaliation measures.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Complaints and dispute resolution
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2026-02-17•United States•Federal Reserve Board
The Federal Reserve Board's FEDS Note extends the FLARE stress testing model to simulate a system-wide funding shock from higher uninsured deposit costs, using 2024 stagflation and severely adverse scenarios. Profitability and capital are most affected in high interest rate environments, with moderate impacts on aggregate regulatory capital ratios. Banks with market-adjusted Common Equity Tier 1 (MACET1) ratios of 7% or less face increased costs, with sensitivity tests indicating significant impacts on banking system CET1 and MACET1 ratios.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Liquidity risk Stress testing
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2026-02-17•Kuwait•Kuwait Capital Markets Authority
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority granted National Investments Company a private marketing licence for Islamic Leasing and Finance Fund 12 KD Ltd, a Cayman Islands investment scheme. The licence allows marketing 500,000 shares at KWD 100 each, with a subscription commission up to 2.25%. The offering is limited to professional clients in Kuwait, with subscriptions handled by National Investments Company and National Bank of Kuwait.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-17•Kuwait•Kuwait Capital Markets Authority
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has renewed Kuwait Financial Centre Company's licence to operate as a securities custodian for three years, effective from 15 May 2026. This decision follows the firm's application and references its existing licence and relevant regulations. The renewal will be published in the Official Gazette.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals
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2026-02-17•United States•Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael S. Selig stated in an op-ed that prediction markets, or "event contracts," fall under the CFTC's exclusive jurisdiction. The agency plans to support Crypto.com in appealing state lawsuits classifying these contracts as gambling, potentially restricting access to federally regulated markets. Selig emphasized that event contracts are "swaps" under the Commodity Exchange Act, with the CFTC holding comprehensive authority and enforcing federal safeguards.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Other
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2026-02-17•Global•Network for Greening the Financial System
The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) issued a notice on its Phase V long-term climate scenarios, highlighting the retraction of the Kotz et al. (2024) paper, affecting certain physical risk estimates. The notice clarifies that other Phase V variables and earlier scenarios remain unaffected and emphasizes the importance of firms' own risk management. NGFS plans to update its methodology for the next scenario release in late 2026.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-17•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority imposed a NOK 500,000 penalty on an individual for breaching the Market Abuse Regulation's prohibition on market manipulation. The individual was found to have manipulated stock prices of Nordic Unmanned ASA and Questerre Energy Corporation by publishing favorable articles and selling shares shortly after. The decision has been appealed to the Financial Supervisory Authority Appeals Board.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Market abuse
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2026-02-17•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has imposed a NOK 3 million penalty for breaching the prohibition on market manipulation under Article 15 of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The decision cites manipulative transaction patterns and the absence of "accepted market practices" in Norway. The penalty has been appealed to the Financial Supervisory Authority’s Complaints Board.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Market abuse
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2026-02-17•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority fined Aqua Bio Technology ASA NOK 300,000 for breaching Market Abuse Regulation Article 17 by not promptly disclosing an auditor's resignation due to internal control issues, misleadingly presented in a general meeting notice. The decision has been appealed to the Finanstilsynet Appeals Board.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Market abuse
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2026-02-17•Egypt•Central Bank of Egypt
The Central Bank of Egypt announced a rise in the financial inclusion rate to 77.6% by the end of 2025 and is developing a Second Financial Inclusion Strategy for 2026–2030. The strategy aims to expand digital solutions, support a green economy, enhance financial literacy, and strengthen consumer protection, with input from national and international organizations. Key priorities include supporting SMEs, fostering public-private partnerships, and advancing financial infrastructure.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Financial inclusion
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2026-02-17•Egypt•Central Bank of Egypt
The Central Bank of Egypt's Governor, Hassan Abdalla, attended a ceremony honoring Commercial International Bank (CIB) – Egypt for being named the “Best Bank for Sustainable Finance in Africa 2025.” This recognition aligns with the central bank's support for sustainability and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance standards in the banking sector, consistent with Egypt's sustainable development strategy.
Other Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-17•Thailand•Bank of Thailand
The Bank of Thailand's Banking Sector Quarterly Brief reports a resilient Thai banking system with strong capital, loan loss provisions, and liquidity, despite a 1.1% year-on-year decline in loan growth in Q4 2025. The contraction was due to reduced SME and consumer lending amid heightened credit risks, while gross non-performing loans fell to THB 536.0 billion, lowering the NPL ratio to 2.84%. The report emphasizes monitoring tight financial conditions and debt serviceability, with targeted measures aiding vulnerable businesses and households.
Research Credit risk Liquidity risk Asset quality
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2026-02-17•Dominican Republic•Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores de la Republica Dominicana
The Superintendence of the Securities Market of the Dominican Republic (SIMV) launched its 2025–2027 Citizen Service Commitment Charter, outlining quality standards for citizens and capital market participants. Key components include reduced response times, accessible processes, and mechanisms for citizen participation, focusing on inclusion and equality. The charter was presented to the National Securities Market Council's independent members, representing citizens in evaluating SIMV services.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Other
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2026-02-17•Honduras•Central Bank of Honduras
The Central Bank of Honduras clarified that recent discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not involve proposals to raise taxes or adjust the exchange rate. These meetings are part of the IMF's routine technical dialogue to understand the new government's economic policies. The central bank urged reliance on official communications to avoid misinformation.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Other
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2026-02-17•New Zealand•New Zealand Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority is pursuing High Court orders to liquidate six entities related to Chance Voight, currently under interim liquidation by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The entities include Chance Voight Investment Corporation Limited and CVI Securities Limited. A court hearing is scheduled for 19 February 2026 to set a date for further proceedings and potentially release PwC's interim liquidation report.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Other
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2026-02-17•Middle East•Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF)
MENAFATF and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism held a virtual webinar on countering the misuse of virtual assets for terrorism financing. The session focused on applying international standards to the MENA region and discussed the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee’s Algeria Guiding Principles. An online survey was introduced for MENAFATF members to share experiences for a forthcoming handbook addendum, with contributions from international and regional partners and private-sector participants.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation
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2026-02-17•Canada•British Columbia Financial Services Authority
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority has unveiled its inaugural three-year Strategic Plan for 2026–29, emphasizing confidence in the financial services sector. The plan, "What Matters. Made Clear," targets outcomes including trustworthy financial services, safe institutions, market integrity, and fair consumer treatment. Further details on risks and priorities will be provided in an upcoming Risk Outlook and 2027/28 Regulatory Roadmap.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Other
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2026-02-17•United States•Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed an amicus brief with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, asserting exclusive jurisdiction over US commodity derivatives markets, including prediction markets. In North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. et al v. The State of Nevada, the CFTC argues that state and federal entities lack authority to regulate these markets, warning of potential destabilizing economic effects. The CFTC cites its historical recognition of event contracts and Congress's post-2008 financial crisis grant of comprehensive authority over commodity-based contracts.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Trading
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2026-02-16•Cape Verde•Bank of Cape Verde
The Bank of Cape Verde launched the implementation phase of its Immediate and Inclusive Transfers System (STII) project, introducing it to the financial community. The workshop, in collaboration with the AfricaNenda Foundation and ThitsaWorks, reviewed progress and introduced the Mojaloop technology platform. Implementation is supported by a memorandum of understanding with the AfricaNenda Foundation.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Payments and payment systems
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2026-02-16•Cape Verde•Bank of Cape Verde
The Bank of Cape Verde and the Judicial Police signed a cooperation protocol to combat counterfeiting of Cape Verde escudo banknotes and coins. The protocol outlines procedures for analysis, handling, and custody of suspect notes, and promotes information sharing, technical training, and coordinated enforcement actions.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Currency and cash management Domestic cooperation
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2026-02-16•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft Directions for Authorised Dealer Category I banks to report foreign exchange derivative transactions involving INR by related parties to the Clearing Corporation of India Limited's trade repository. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in OTC derivatives markets, addressing the lack of reporting for offshore Rupee derivative transactions. The draft builds on previous measures for reporting Rupee derivative transactions by standalone primary dealers and banks.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2026-02-16•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
Governor Irena Radovic of the Central Bank of Montenegro stressed at a Brussels conference that simplifying prudential regulation should enhance coherence and efficiency without lowering standards, aligning with Montenegro's EU accession goals. She emphasized the need for a robust regulatory framework to boost investor confidence and reduce financing costs, advocating a systemic macroprudential approach to address non-bank financial intermediation and financial innovation.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities
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2026-02-16•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
The Central Bank of Montenegro met with OTP Bank and Crnogorska komercijalna banka (CKB) to discuss integrating Montenegro into the European payments area. Priorities include implementing European supervisory standards and modernizing the payment system through the TIPS Clone and SEPA projects. OTP Bank plans to enhance operations and support CKB in digital and traditional banking, with cooperation framed as essential for financial stability.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Payments and payment systems
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2026-02-16•Greece•Ministry of National Economy and Finance (Greece)
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance, led by Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, highlighted two priorities for an upcoming Eurogroup meeting: the international role of the euro and global macroeconomic imbalances. Pierrakakis emphasized safeguarding the euro’s role and EU monetary sovereignty amid geopolitical risks. The discussion will include trade and internal imbalances, with input from non-euro area counterparts, including Canada's Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-16•Kyrgyzstan•National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with Open Joint Stock Company Eldik Bank, conducted a lecture for economics students at Issyk-Kul State University on 13 February 2026. The session focused on savings importance, personal money management, and household income and expenses as part of the 2026 regional financial literacy plan.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-16•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India has appointed Punjab National Bank as the lead bank for the newly established district of Hansi in Haryana. Hansi has been assigned the district working code 02V, with no changes to lead bank assignments in other Haryana districts.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Other
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2026-02-16•Pakistan•State Bank of Pakistan
The State Bank of Pakistan has launched "Cyber Shield – the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Regulated Entities" to enhance cyber resilience in banks and financial institutions. The strategy focuses on prevention, rapid response, and recovery from cyber incidents, prioritizing governance, cooperation, talent development, and updated security practices. The State Bank will monitor cyber developments and update the strategy to address emerging threats.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Cyber resilience
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2026-02-16•Greece•Ministry of National Economy and Finance (Greece)
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance announced Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis is attending Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings in Brussels, focusing on the euro's international role and European monetary sovereignty. Discussions will cover economic policy directions for 2026, structural reform priorities, and the digital euro, with contributions from Professor Hélène Rey and Canada's Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne. The meetings will also address the economic impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the Recovery and Resilience Facility implementation.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Other
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2026-02-16•Greece•Ministry of National Economy and Finance (Greece)
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance reported a provisional state budget surplus of EUR 2,287 million for January 2026, exceeding the EUR 543 million target and the EUR 758 million surplus from January 2025. The primary balance showed a surplus of EUR 3,510 million, surpassing the EUR 1,751 million target. Net revenues were EUR 6,136 million, slightly above target, while expenditures were EUR 3,850 million, notably below target.
Data & statistics Economic data and developments
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2026-02-16•Ghana•Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana
The Securities and Exchange Commission Ghana warned against Mekanism Marketing Ltd for running an unauthorized online investment scheme, constituting illegal capital market activity. The scheme solicits deposits via social media, promises fixed daily returns, and requires participants to perform tasks for income. The SEC is working with law enforcement to address the issue and advises the public to verify the licensing status of investment providers.
Supervision Alerts Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2026-02-16•Uzbekistan•Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a seminar on its monetary policy framework for 150 academics, detailing the 5% inflation target, policy rate, and decision-making processes. The event covered the Central Bank's instruments, such as reserve requirements and bonds, and emphasized communication under an inflation targeting regime. Presentations titled “Monetary Policy” and “Operational Mechanism of Monetary Policy” were published.
Monetary policy Other Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-16•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank's Working Paper, “A structural model of capital buffer usability,” finds that even small stigma costs can limit banks' use of regulatory capital buffers during stress, leading to deleveraging to avoid breaching the capital buffer requirement (CBR). The paper suggests that while a non-releasable CBR can enhance resilience in normal conditions, it may not support loan supply during losses if stigma constrains buffer usability, recommending reconsidering the CBR's composition to increase releasable buffers.
Research Capital adequacy
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2026-02-16•Bahrain•Central Bank of Bahrain
The Central Bank of Bahrain hosted the 86th meeting of the Committee of Central Bank Governors of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Manama, focusing on enhancing cross-border cooperation. Key discussions included GCC payment systems, banking sector supervision, financial technologies, cybersecurity information exchange, and efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Other
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2026-02-16•United Kingdom•Bank of England
The Bank of England summarized late-2025 roundtables with Prudential Regulation Authority-regulated firms on AI and ML adoption, highlighting support for a principles-based approach and existing testing frameworks like the FCA's Supercharged Sandbox. Challenges include risk function caution, skills bottlenecks, cross-border regulatory fragmentation, slow procurement, and data protection issues, with calls for enhanced testing and monitoring.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Artificial intelligence
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2026-02-16•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank released a publication titled "Overcoming structural barriers to the green transition."
Research Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-16•Italy•Bank of Italy
The Bank of Italy will participate in Italy’s Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles Day and Earth Hour by switching off all external lighting, aligning with its Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. This initiative aims to reduce the bank's carbon footprint and enhance resilience to climate-related risks.
Other Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2026-02-16•Ireland•Department of Finance (Ireland)
Ireland’s Department of Finance announced that Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris will attend the Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings in Brussels to discuss Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the euro’s international role, and EU savings, investment, and pensions initiatives. Harris will advocate for the swift adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. The meetings will also cover the Euro Area Recommendation for 2026, global macroeconomic imbalances, and the European Investment Bank’s annual investment report.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Geopolitical risk
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2026-02-16•Denmark•National Bank of Denmark
The National Bank of Denmark has issued a security-upgraded DKK 50 banknote, completing the security enhancements of the 2009 banknote series. The upgraded notes, designated as the 2009A series, include new security features to deter counterfeiting while retaining existing designs. Both original and upgraded notes remain legal tender until new banknotes are introduced in 2028-2029.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Currency and cash management
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2026-02-16•Zimbabwe•Securities & Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe has announced a webinar on Zimbabwe’s Warehouse Receipt System for 26 February 2026. The session will explain how the system works on FINSEC’s ZMX platform and how warehouse receipts can support storage, market access, financing, hedging and structured agricultural trade.
Financial literacy & education Market development
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2026-02-16•El Salvador•Superintendencia del Sistema Financiero de El Salvador
The Superintendency of the Financial System of El Salvador authorized Banco de Desarrollo Rural, S.A. of Guatemala to maintain its Information Office in El Salvador for two more years from 18 February 2026. The office can operate as an information centre and engage in credit or investment activities but is prohibited from passive operations. The authorization must be published in the Official Gazette and other specified outlets at the office's cost.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence approval
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2026-02-16•El Salvador•Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador's financial education initiative, Mi Viaje Financiero, has reached over 50,000 students since its launch in May 2024. The program, which has visited 212 locations across 89 districts, uses interactive tools to teach practical digital financial skills. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance financial inclusion.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2026-02-16•Europe•European Commission
The European Commission outlined a strategy to enhance the international role of the euro, aiming to support the EU's de-risking strategy and economic stability. Key actions include advancing EU competitiveness, deepening the Single Market, and finalizing the digital euro proposal. The Eurogroup also discussed global macroeconomic imbalances, with the Commission urging swift implementation of the euro area recommendation for 2026.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Foreign exchange policy and markets
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2026-02-16•Portugal•Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF)
Portugal's Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) released its Q4 2025 sanctions activity summary, initiating two new administrative offence proceedings and concluding eight cases.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Other
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2026-02-16•British Virgin Islands•British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission issued a circular stressing ongoing customer due diligence (CDD) for financial institutions and non-financial businesses. It highlights transaction monitoring, customer screening, and updating CDD information to flag unusual activities and assess money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing risks. Firms should screen for politically exposed persons, sanctions exposure, and criminal links, updating CDD information based on risk sensitivity, with more frequent measures for higher-risk customers.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation KYC AML and CFT
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2026-02-16•Isle of Man•Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA) will present the consolidated Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (Fees) Order 2026 to Tynwald in March, with most fees increasing by 2.9% from 1 April. Following public consultation, the Order includes sector-specific changes for smaller designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) and allows the FSA discretion in future inflation-linked adjustments. The FSA maintains a stable DNFBP fee structure, rejecting alignment with regulated financial services firm fees due to differing statutory frameworks and risk profiles.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing and supervisory fees
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2026-02-16•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina Governor Jasmina Selimovic stressed at a Brussels conference the need for central bank independence for stability amid political and economic uncertainty. She warned that political uncertainty and rising budgetary needs could increase risks in moderately indebted countries, undermining market confidence. Selimovic advocated for safeguards like enhanced transparency, stress testing, and fiscal discipline to mitigate risks from a weaker US dollar and excessive borrowing.
Monetary policy Monetary policy assessments & outlooks Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-16•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia has launched a survey to evaluate satisfaction with payment market tools among individuals and businesses. The survey aims to gather insights on payment method preferences and satisfaction with service quality, fees, and cashless payment acceptance. Results will inform efforts to enhance payment services and are expected in summer 2026.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Consumer and investor protection Payments and payment systems
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2026-02-16•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia's annual cyber fraud survey revealed that 29% of respondents experienced cyber fraud in 2025, a decrease from the previous year. The survey highlighted gender and age differences in exposure and behavior, with pensioners reporting the highest losses. Phone calls were the primary fraud channel, but phishing, fake QR codes, and malware incidents increased, with malware causing losses twice as often as phone calls.
Data & statistics Fraud and scams Cyber resilience
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2026-02-16•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia's 2026–2028 economic research agenda addresses challenges like AI's impact on the economy and financial decision-making. Key areas include monetary policy studies, conditions for reducing the inflation target, and marketplaces' influence on inflation. The agenda also emphasizes behavioural economics, fraud techniques, and retail investor risks to enhance consumer protection.
Research Artificial intelligence Consumer and investor protection
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2026-02-16•Luxembourg•Ministry of Finance (Luxembourg)
Luxembourg's Ministry of Finance announced a letter of intent signed by Finance Minister Gilles Roth and Canada's Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne to enhance bilateral dialogue on financial sector policies. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the Luxembourg and Canadian financial sectors, following discussions between Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2026-02-16•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
At an IMF conference, Bosnia and Herzegovina's Central Bank Governor, Jasmina Selimović, stressed central bank independence's importance for macroeconomic stability amid political and economic uncertainty. She noted risks from political pressures and fiscal irresponsibility undermining market confidence and autonomy. Selimović advocated for transparency, stress testing, and operational efficiency to protect independence and support long-term stability.
Monetary policy Monetary policy framework & strategy Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-16•Albania•Bank of Albania
Governor Gent Sejko launched the "Money Talks: 100 Years: Life and Events – Bank of Albania" exhibition in Prishtina, Kosovo, celebrating Albania's currency centenary. This financial education initiative explores the central bank's history and currency evolution, highlighting European payment integration. Sejko thanked the Central Bank of Kosovo and partners for supporting the exhibition's expansion beyond Tirana to Kosovo and other Albanian regions.
Financial literacy & education Monetary policy decisions and developments
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2026-02-16•Rwanda•Rwanda Capital Markets Authority
The Rwanda Capital Markets Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and East Africa Exchange held a digital dialogue on using Rwanda’s commodities exchange to connect agricultural value chains with capital market finance. The discussion highlighted structured trading and warehouse-receipt finance, including electronic receipts, to facilitate financing and attract agribusiness investment. The exchange model offers standardized contracts, transparent pricing, and electronic trading to improve market access and investor confidence.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Market development
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2026-02-16•Oman•Oman Financial Services Authority
The Oman Financial Services Authority has temporarily suspended the licence of Thara Global Business LLC for three months due to non-compliance with minimum capital and shareholders’ equity requirements. This action is in accordance with the Executive Regulation of the Capital Market Law and Article 58(g) of the Securities Law.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Capital adequacy
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2026-02-16•Bulgaria•National Bank of Bulgaria
The Bulgarian National Bank reported on the cash changeover, confirming the euro as the sole legal tender in Bulgaria since 1 February 2026. As of the reporting date, BGN 4.8 billion in lev remained outside the bank's cash desks, with 84.5% of lev withdrawn since early 2025. Euro banknotes and coins valued over EUR 7.2 billion have been circulated to support the payment system and cash services.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Currency and cash management
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2026-02-16•Global•International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund announced a staff-level agreement with Guinea-Bissau on policies for the ninth and tenth reviews under the Extended Credit Facility, potentially granting access to SDR 2.36 million (USD 3.3 million) and extending the program by five months. The agreement follows delays due to a government change and tighter regional financial conditions, with 2025 growth estimated at 5.5% and public debt at 74.3% of GDP. Transitional authorities have implemented expenditure controls and revenue measures to support the 2026 budget and maintain debt sustainability.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Lending
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2026-02-16•Europe•European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has issued an Opinion on the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group's (EFRAG) advice regarding the draft revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). EIOPA supports EFRAG's simplification approach but recommends a 3-year limit on waivers for omitting own-operations data to enhance interoperability with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Once adopted, the revised ESRS will dictate sustainability disclosures for large companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from 2028.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Accounting and financial reporting
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2026-02-16•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved United International Holding Company's capital increase from SAR 250 million to SAR 750 million through bonus shares issuance. Shareholders will receive 47 bonus shares for every 25 existing shares, funded by transfers from the statutory reserve and retained earnings. An extraordinary general assembly must be held within six months, with compliance to all regulatory requirements.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-16•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has approved Al Rajhi Bank's capital increase from SAR 40 billion to SAR 60 billion through bonus shares issuance. The increase will be funded by transferring SAR 20 billion from retained earnings, raising outstanding shares from 4 billion to 6 billion. An extraordinary general assembly must be held within six months, with all regulatory requirements met.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence approval
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2026-02-16•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved SNB Capital's public offer of the Namaa Waqf Fund, confirming compliance with the Capital Market Law and its Implementing Regulations. The approval is not a subscription recommendation, and investors should review the fund's terms, strategy, and risks.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-16•Albania•Bank of Albania
Governor Gent Sejko of the Bank of Albania addressed the launch of the exhibition "Money Talks: 100 Years: Life and Events – Bank of Albania" in Prishtina, Kosovo, marking the centenary of Albania's first national currency. The exhibition highlights the Bank's historical evolution and role in economic life, focusing on financial literacy and European integration efforts, including alignment with European payment standards and cooperation with the Central Bank of Kosovo.
Financial literacy & education Other
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2026-02-16•Mexico•CONDUSEF
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) reported MXN 81.6 million in financial-services complaints in Baja California Sur for 2025, with MXN 24.6 million recovered. Most complaints were processed electronically, with a 44.7% user-favourable resolution rate. Key issues included unauthorised purchases and unrecognised transfers, with credit cards and multiple banking being the most affected sectors.
Data & statistics Complaints and dispute resolution
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2026-02-16•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino criticized media for discrediting its financial system, emphasizing the acquisition attempt of the Bank of San Marino was properly assessed. Authorization was denied on 24 October 2025, with all communications documented, dismissing alternative narratives. The bank highlighted compliance with supervisory rules and improvements in capitalisation, profitability, and liquidity, supported by recent assessments from the IMF and rating agencies.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Supervision process and methodologies
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2026-02-16•Croatia•Ministry of Finance (Croatia)
The Ministry of Finance of Croatia supports further EU capital market integration, proposing partial centralization of supervisory functions while maintaining national specificities. Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Coric indicated some market supervision could shift to a supranational level. The Eurogroup agenda also covered the E6 coordination initiative and discussions on the euro's international role and global imbalances.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Cross-border cooperation
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2026-02-16•South Africa•South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority
The South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority fined QuickTrade (Pty) Ltd ZAR 710,000 for non-compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, citing deficiencies in anti-money laundering controls, customer due diligence, and cash threshold reporting. The inspection revealed failures in risk management, client identity verification, and reporting of cash deposits over ZAR 24,999.99. QuickTrade has committed to improving its compliance framework, with the FSCA warning of further action for continued non-compliance.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions AML and CFT
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2026-02-16•Romania•National Bank of Romania
The National Bank of Romania reported the current account deficit for January–December 2025 widened to EUR 30,127 million from EUR 28,853 million in the previous year, with total external debt rising by EUR 23,837 million to EUR 227,347 million. The goods balance deficit narrowed, and the services surplus increased, but the primary income deficit and secondary income surplus worsened. Long-term external debt rose significantly, while international reserves covered 6.0 months of imports, up from 5.7 months at the end of 2024.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2026-02-16•Moldova•National Commission for Financial Markets
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets approved a prospectus for Banca Comercială „Moldova-Agroindbank” SA to issue bonds under a MDL 2 billion programme and registered new securities issues, including a share issue by Clubul profesional de fotbal „MIGDAL SGP”. The Commission also registered a share capital reduction for „BUSINESS-INVESTIȚII PENTRU TOȚI” SA and removed securities of several companies from the issuers register. Additionally, it rejected a supervisory complaint related to Moldova-Agroindbank shares and will inform the National Bank of Moldova.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Securities offerings and listings
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2026-02-16•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova held an online training for over 100 banking representatives on implementing its regulation on own funds requirements for operational risk, effective 1 January 2027. Part of an EU-funded project, the session provided guidance on aligning with European standards and discussed a forthcoming draft decision on the reporting framework for operational risk. Proposed amendments to banks' Common Reporting (COREP) submissions were outlined, with public consultation planned for further development.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Operational risk and resilience
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2026-02-16•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission will host an in-person roundtable on digital finance in the insurance sector on 3 March 2026, as part of its Digital Finance Initiative. The session will discuss insurers' use of digital technology and assets, barriers to adoption, and the adequacy of regulatory proposals from the December 2025 consultation paper.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Fintech and insurtech
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2026-02-16•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia released an interactive press release detailing money transfer statistics for January 2026, accessible on its website.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2026-02-16•Denmark•Danish Finanstilsynet
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority revised its analysis on priority loans, correcting an error in the initial data code. The updated analysis shows DKK 85bn in priority loans issued in 2020, up from the previously reported DKK 50bn, confirming substantial growth in priority lending.
Research Financial and market indicators Supervisory data