Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins, seeking clarification on the SEC's implementation of President Trump's executive order concerning proxy advisors in shareholder voting, which she argues could weaken shareholder rights. Warren requested a response by February 25, 2026.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs outlined priorities for digital asset regulatory clarity and capital formation, emphasizing the CLARITY Act and the Empowering Main Street in America Act. Chairman Tim Scott highlighted SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins' commitments, including promoting initial public offerings and revisiting disclosure regimes.
The U.S. Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance reviewed the secondary mortgage market, focusing on government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in mortgage liquidity and affordability, and risks of inadequate oversight. Discussions included the dominance of the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the need for a revived private-label securitization market, and potential transitions for GSEs from conservatorship to receivership.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica reported a 4.8% year-on-year increase in the December 2025 Monthly Index of Economic Activity, with an average growth of 4.6% for 2025. The definitive regime grew by 3.0%, contributing 54.4% to the IMAE increase, while special regimes, led by medical devices manufacturing, grew by 12.8%, contributing 45.6% to overall growth.
The Central Bank of Oman mandates all licensed financial institutions to standardize the new Omani rial symbol across platforms. The directive requires adherence to guidelines for its use in customer channels, systems, and documents, while allowing the international currency code for cross-border activities. Changes must be implemented by 31 July 2026 under senior management oversight.
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Nicole M. Ramsey, a former Regions Bank employee, for misappropriating customer funds.
The Canadian Securities Administrators published its 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report, highlighting the resilience of the Canadian financial system amid economic uncertainty and trade conflicts. Key issues include the impact of artificial intelligence on financial stability, stablecoin concentration risks, and the importance of global regulatory coordination, with no current systemic risk from stablecoins identified.
The Federal Reserve Board approved Cooperativa de Ahorro y Credito Elga, Ltda.'s application to establish a representative office in Miami, Florida.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation released the 2026 stress test scenarios for institutions with over USD 250 billion in assets, featuring baseline and severely adverse paths. These scenarios, developed in coordination with the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, include 28 variables to assess financial resilience, as mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act.
SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins, in Senate testimony, outlined a program to streamline disclosure requirements, reduce public-company reporting costs, review the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), and collaborate with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on crypto market-structure legislation. He emphasized a three-part disclosure approach, backed the CLARITY Act for digital assets, and highlighted cost reductions in CAT operations and a refocused enforcement strategy targeting fraud and investor harm.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency released an explainer on Slovenia's "third pension pillar," highlighting it as a voluntary, individual retirement savings option with diverse products and a lighter regulatory framework than the second pillar. Oversight is shared with the Securities Market Agency and Bank of Slovenia, and the framework involves multiple laws, exposing participants to various risks and specific tax treatments.
National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu met with Gert Jan Koopman of the European Commission to discuss Moldova's integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and EU accession efforts. Key topics included legislative alignment with EU standards, macroeconomic impacts, and significant cost reductions in euro transfers, alongside discussions on EU technical assistance and banking framework equivalence.
Governor Trajko Slaveski of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia met with Nicole Varnes from the US Embassy to discuss economic trends and institutional reforms. Key topics included the bank's focus on payment system modernization and the country's accession to the Single Euro Payments Area, enhancing euro payment efficiency. The meeting also confirmed a commitment to deepen cooperation and share experiences in areas of mutual interest.
The General Pension and Social Security Authority's Board of Directors approved a strategic plan for 2026, emphasizing artificial intelligence to enhance the pension system and ensure financial stability. The plan includes a comprehensive AI roadmap for 2025–2029 to boost operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Key priorities also involve developing national talent, fostering innovation, and improving governance and risk management.
The National Bank of Georgia hosted Dr. Chea Vandeth, Minister of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia, to discuss digital identification, secure technological infrastructure, and public sector innovation, exploring future cooperation prospects.
The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina released preliminary data on the Federation's banking system operations as of 31 December 2025, with final data to follow in the quarterly report.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market discussed corporate governance, focusing on Law No. 3587-IX and OECD principles in state-owned companies, with governance reporting to be introduced in 2026. NSSMC member Maksym Libanov highlighted 2024 legislative changes as foundational but noted incomplete implementation, emphasizing the need to balance state asset management with transparent governance and supervisory board independence.
The German Bundesbank reported that Germany's December 2025 current account surplus rose to EUR 16.1 billion, driven by a stronger surplus in services and income transactions despite a weaker goods trade balance. Preliminary annual figures show a decline in the 2025 current account surplus to EUR 197.4 billion from EUR 251.5 billion in 2024, with final results to be published in the March 2026 Monthly Report.
The German Bundesbank reported a decline in bonds outstanding in Germany for December 2025, with domestic debt securities issuance dropping to EUR 55.9 billion from EUR 106.3 billion in November, leading to a net reduction of EUR 26.4 billion in domestic bonds. Additionally, foreign debt securities outstanding fell by EUR 7.6 billion, while domestic non-banks were the only net buyers of bonds, and domestic investment funds experienced net inflows of EUR 23.3 billion, primarily in special funds.
The Bank of France launched the Climate Change Adaptation Diagnostic Tool (ODACC), a free online service for French companies to assess climate hazard exposure and plan adaptations. Part of France’s National Climate Change Adaptation Plan, ODACC uses Météo-France data to provide insights on six major hazards across current and future warming scenarios. Features include an interactive map and a criticality index, with resources for adaptation planning.
The Bank of Botswana issued a statement reminding the public that mutilation and unauthorized reproduction of currency are prohibited under the Bank of Botswana Act and the Clean Banknotes and Coin Policy, with penalties including fines or imprisonment. The Bank highlighted misuse practices such as "money/cash bouquets" and reiterated that such actions compromise the integrity of the Pula.
The European Central Bank and the European Systemic Risk Board released a report on significant linkages between EU banks and the non-bank financial intermediation sector. While not currently posing acute risks, these linkages could amplify stress in adverse conditions. The report identifies two systemic risk channels: potential loss of short-term funding from NBFIs and bank lending to leveraged NBFIs, which could lead to asset fire sales and credit losses. It also notes data gaps and suggests improved information sharing and a centralized data access mechanism as remedies.
The Central Bank of Colombia's Borradores de Economía working paper estimates that halving the gender wage gap due to discrimination could boost Colombia's long-run GDP by approximately 8%, driven by increased female labor participation and capital accumulation. The paper highlights that these findings are provisional and reflect the authors' views, not the institution's.
The Czech National Bank has outlined its research priorities for 2026–2028, aiming to enhance transparency and align its agenda with monetary policy and financial stability. Key areas include monetary policy transmission, model innovation, financial stability, and the impact of AI and data on market infrastructure. The bank will also regularly update a list of current research questions to address emerging economic developments.
The Rwanda Capital Markets Authority is seeking public comments on draft regulations for intermediary service platform operators, aimed at regulating fintech innovations post-testing in its regulatory sandbox. Comments are due by 24 February 2026, with a consultation meeting scheduled for 26 February 2025.
The International Monetary Fund's 2025 Article IV consultation for Germany identifies three years of negative or low growth due to external shocks, weak productivity, energy-price shocks from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rapid monetary tightening, and stalled structural reforms at the EU and German levels.
The International Monetary Fund staff's end-of-mission statement for the 2026 Article IV consultation with Qatar noted economic resilience supported by liquefied natural gas expansion and non-hydrocarbon growth, with medium-term growth expected to average 4 percent. The statement highlighted risks from global factors and recommended fiscal diversification, improved spending efficiency, and enhanced transparency, while aligning Qatar Central Bank policy with the U.S. Federal Reserve to support the U.S. dollar peg.
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors published its final Application Paper on operational resilience, setting out outcomes-based objectives and a practical toolkit to help supervisors and insurers embed resilience expectations within existing Insurance Core Principles governance and risk management frameworks, including oversight, operational risk integration, and third-party/technology dependencies.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario announced the appointment of Lawrence E. Ritchie to its Board of Directors, effective 15 January 2026, following a recommendation by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. Ritchie, a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, has extensive experience in securities regulation and previously served on the Ontario Securities Commission and FSRA's inaugural Board.
The New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission warned investors that Black Forest Ventures Limited, operating via blackforest-ca.icu, is not registered to deal or advise in securities or derivatives in New Brunswick. They urge avoidance of unregistered firms due to lack of investor protections. The warning applies specifically to this company and URL, with additional resources for investor protection and fraud risk identification in crypto asset trading platforms.
The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco appointed five new members to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) and designated Spencer White as chair for 2026. The CDIAC, established in 2010, advises on economic and banking conditions, regulatory policies, and payment issues within the Twelfth District.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) imposed a CAD 107,250 penalty on Manor Windsor Realty Ltd. for non-compliance with the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, citing failures in maintaining compliance policies, risk assessments, training programs, and program reviews. The penalty, part of FINTRAC's broader enforcement efforts, was issued on November 27, 2025.
Payments Canada has amended the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS) rules, effective 9 February 2026, to align with the Canadian Payments Act and refine clearing and return-processing procedures. Key changes include expanded ACSS participation eligibility, a risk-based approach to affiliate restrictions, and tightened return procedures, alongside operational updates like retiring outdated references and updating interest calculations on default contributions.
The European Banking Authority issued an Opinion advising national authorities on managing the end of the transition period under the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) on 2 March 2026. It outlines conditions for allowing crypto asset service providers to continue offering electronic money token services without a PSD2 licence and recommends cooperation with relevant enforcement authorities.
Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani met with Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO Ted Pick to discuss recent developments in global finance and investment.
Mexico's CONDUSEF reported MXN 6.4 million recovered from 2025 complaints in Campeche, with a 45.4% user-favourable resolution rate. Most complaints were managed electronically, involving credit cards, personal loans, and special credit reports. CONDUSEF emphasized its free procedures and digital channels, cautioning against paying intermediaries for claims processing.
The Bank of England has confirmed it will delete six COREP13 resolution reporting templates with effect from 1 April 2026. The removed templates cover liabilities, own funds, intragroup interconnections, major counterparties and deposit insurance. Until RegData is updated, firms should file negative indicators for the deleted templates.
Croatia’s Ministry of Finance hosted a panel discussion with European Commission Commissioner for Financial Services Marie Luís Albuquerque, focusing on the Savings and Investments Union initiative to enhance European capital markets and mobilize private savings. The discussion emphasized improving financial literacy and providing simple financial instruments to increase citizen participation and support EU strategic priorities.
The United Arab Emirates Higher Committee approved the National Proliferation Financing Risk Assessment and a three-year cycle for updating the national AML/CFT risk assessment and strategy. National teams are preparing for the FATF mutual evaluation and its on-site visit in June. Authorities confiscated AED 5.4 billion in assets during 2025.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets reported increased fundraising volumes and market capitalisation for 2025, with a notable concentration of secondary-market trading outside regulated venues. The International Stock Exchange of Moldova SA awaits CNPF authorisation to begin operations by 30 June 2026, while the voluntary pension fund by Aragonn Grup SA is under review.
The National Bank of Georgia announced its inaugural access to China's bond market.
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) has gained access to the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM), allowing it to invest directly in China's onshore bond market. This access, formalized through an agreement with the People's Bank of China, includes trading, settlement, and custodial services. The NBG aims to use this opportunity to diversify international reserves and enhance risk management.
Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency released its quarterly "Turkish Banking Sector Main Indicators" for December 2025, detailing the sector's financial structure, asset and liability composition, capital adequacy, profitability, liquidity, and risk profile. The report, available in Turkish and English, emphasizes data integrity and comparability, with graphical presentations and breakdowns by ownership and functional groups.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority announced the suspension of an insurance business licence, directing readers to a statement for more information.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has launched "Contribution," an educational project aimed at enhancing financial literacy on capital markets and investment by simplifying complex topics and offering verified information on market instruments. The portal will cover capital market functions, investment initiation, personal investment accounts, virtual asset industry developments, and investor protection.
The Central Bank of Ireland's Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros emphasized the need for increased domestic investment to support long-term economic success, highlighting the importance of sustainable policy, enhanced public investment, and stronger indigenous business dynamism. The speech also underscored the role of the EU’s Savings and Investment Union in unlocking capital and the necessity of careful fiscal choices and diverse financing.
The National Bank of Serbia held its key policy rate at 5.75 % (deposit 4.5 %, lending 7.0 %) on 12 February, citing December CPI of 2.7 %—below the 3 % midpoint of its 3 ± 1.5 pp target—and projecting inflation will stay within range through 2026 despite the expiry of the retail-margin cap. While flagging global uncertainties, the Board expects growth to accelerate on consumption, investment and the Serbia Expo 2027 programme and will set policy on a meeting-by-meeting basis, with updated forecasts due in the 19 February Inflation Report.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced an increase in the Equity Market Development Programme from SGD 5 billion to SGD 6.5 billion, following the Budget 2026 decision to enhance the Financial Sector Development Fund. This expansion aims to support high-quality asset managers investing in Singapore equities and to boost third-party investment, with the next batch of managers expected to be appointed by mid-2026.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued an alert about fraudsters impersonating the SFC in phishing emails targeting SFC-licensed corporations and the public, urging verification of communications through official channels and reporting suspicious activity to the SFC or Police.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission announced that Mr. Ng Ka Hei was sentenced to 220 hours of community service and fined 117,715 HKD for false trading in shares of six Hong Kong-listed companies, with additional costs of 199,669 HKD for the SFC's investigation. The Eastern Magistrates’ Courts highlighted the seriousness of the offences, involving "scaffolding" and wash trading, but chose community service over imprisonment after reviewing a probation report.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched its 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign, "Unite to Fight Scams," featuring a Kung Fu-themed music video and "Horse Butler" animated stickers to promote fraud awareness during Chinese New Year. The campaign warns against scams involving phishing QR codes in electronic red packets and emphasizes the use of secure payment systems while maintaining vigilance against fraud.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake banking login screens, and phishing emails linked to Chong Hing Bank and Ant Bank (Hong Kong), reminding the public that banks won't request sensitive information via hyperlinks. Affected individuals should contact the relevant bank and report incidents to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police.
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued a warning regarding counterfeit surety bond insurance policies falsely attributed to ADAC Versicherung AG. ADAC Versicherung AG, a Germany-based insurer supervised by BaFin, has disowned these policies and the associated fraudulent email addresses. IVASS advises consumers to verify the legitimacy of insurance quotes and contracts through its website before making payments.
The Central Bank of Cuba announced emergency measures to maintain core banking services, focusing on energy self-sufficiency and adjusted hours. Prioritized services include pension and salary payments, deposits, and cash withdrawals, with increased digital channel use and the Ticket app for bookings. Credit facilities for photovoltaic systems and prioritization of international payments for essential imports are highlighted, alongside efforts to strengthen internal fraud controls.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange announced measures to tighten KOSDAQ delisting rules, including stricter delisting triggers and a shorter review timeline, with some measures also applied to KOSPI. The intensive delisting management period begins immediately, with streamlined processes effective April 1, 2026, and strengthened standards from July 1, 2026.
The Central Bank of Paraguay used the 30th anniversary of its Insurance Superintendency to reiterate that it is gradually implementing risk based supervision and preparing related regulatory modernization. The update did not announce a specific new rule, but positioned the shift as part of a broader supervisory and technological overhaul. The bank also highlighted 2025 insurance penetration of 1.3% of GDP and insured capital of about USD 125 billion.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency hosted European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque to discuss priorities in capital markets, insurance, and pension funds under the Savings and Investments Union framework. The talks emphasized strengthening the European financial system's resilience and competitiveness while considering national market specificities. Hanfa Board President Ante Žigman highlighted the importance of cooperation with European institutions and proportionality in regulatory implementation.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan registered 3,881 new companies in January 2026, with 99.9% completed online via the eZfile system, totaling a paid-up capital of PKR 8.4 billion. Foreign investment was noted in 82 companies from 15 countries, including China, the U.S., and the U.K. Information technology and e-commerce sectors led new registrations, with Punjab recording the highest number of incorporations.
The Union of Arab Securities Authorities and the Qatar Financial Markets Authority conducted a three-day training program in Doha on "Investments in Bonds," focusing on fixed-income instruments, pricing, risk management, and derivatives for financial services professionals.
Sweden's Financial Supervisory Authority (FI) has added ten firms to its warning list for lacking authorization to provide financial services in Sweden and issued a consumer alert about recovery companies targeting fraud victims. FI highlighted a surge in complaints about scams promising fund recovery for an upfront fee and emphasized that legitimate entities do not demand advance payments for such services.
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance and the Vietnam State Securities Commission are consulting on a draft circular to define the economic-technical characteristics of securities-sector services provided by the Vietnam Stock Exchange and the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation. The circular will address state-set service pricing.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has cancelled a tender for a consultancy package to supervise its IT system due to all technical proposals failing to meet requirements. The package, budgeted at VND 1,555,200,000, was procured via a domestic open e-tender. The cancellation was published on Vietnam’s National Procurement Network System, citing Article 17(1) of Tendering Law No. 22/2023/QH15.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission requires individuals listed in an attached notice to pay a VND 1,000,000 fee for a securities practice certificate, per the Ministry of Finance’s Circular 25/2022/TT-BTC. Payments can be made via bank transfer to designated accounts or in person at the Commission. Failure to complete the certificate collection within one year will result in cancellation.
Central Reserve Bank of Peru kept its policy rate at 4.25 % on 12 Feb 2026, saying inflation at 1.7 % y/y in January (core 2.0 %) sits near the 2 % midpoint of its 1–3 % target while activity stays around potential; overnight deposit (2.25 %) and repo/rediscount (4.75 % for initial drawings) rates were likewise held, with the Board pledging vigilance.
HM Treasury has launched a consultation to amend the UK legislative framework for Appointed Representatives (ARs), focusing on enhancing oversight by principal firms while maintaining the AR regime's benefits. Key proposals include an FCA "gateway" for principal firms, extending the Financial Ombudsman Service's jurisdiction, aligning AR conduct with the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, moving detailed requirements from legislation to FCA rules, and repealing FSMA section 39A on tied agents.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority approved licensing and product registration applications, including granting Mema Asset Management Limited a fund manager licence. It also authorised the CPF Multi-Asset Special Fund under CPF Asset Managers Limited and three additional sub-funds under the Dyer & Blair Unit Trust Scheme. These approvals enable exposure to alternative investments and global markets.
The Court of Cassation upheld the Qatar Financial Markets Authority's decision to impose disciplinary sanctions on RPME Limited. The sanctions include permanent removal from QFMA's lists, cancellation of registration, a QAR 5 million penalty, and notification to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for further action.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has extended the deadline for insurance companies and pools to present their financial statements to general assembly meetings to 30 April 2026. This decision aligns with the earlier framework under Decision No. 3 of 2025, mandating the preparation of consolidated financial statements and related reports at least one month prior to the meetings.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority requires licensed non-banking financial companies with capital of EGP 50 million or more to maintain an annual insurance policy for professional liability risks of boards and executives. Under Decision No. 35 of 2026, the policy must be with an Egyptian insurer, renewed annually, and cover at least 5% of the company's average revenues over the past three years. Companies must disclose any policy changes to the authority and regularise their position within six months of the decision's enactment.
Chile's Financial Market Commission launched an information campaign on Compulsory Personal Accidents Insurance (SOAP) under the Jacinta Act, effective 7 February 2026, highlighting increased benefits and reduced compensation timeframes. Maximum coverage for death and total permanent disability rises to UF 600, with partial permanent disability and medical expenses also increasing. The CMF encourages consumers to compare prices, with current rates up to CLP 12,130 for cars and CLP 81,200 for motorcycles.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released economic and financial market scenarios for the 2026 Dodd-Frank Act company-run stress tests. These scenarios, including baseline and severely adverse conditions, assess covered institutions' risk profiles and capital adequacy. The OCC emphasized the requirement for periodic stress tests under section 165(i)(2) of the Dodd-Frank Act, applicable to certain financial companies.
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority held their third bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi to enhance financial cooperation, with the UAE Central Bank joining Hong Kong’s Central Moneymarkets Unit. Discussions included cross-border debt market connectivity, digital assets, tokenisation, central bank digital currency, stablecoin regulation, and supply chain financing.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority issued Decision No. 18 of 2026, introducing investment controls for multi-asset funds and amending Executive Regulations for collective investment schemes, including fees and documentation. The decision revises Books One, Two, and Thirteen, updates the service fee schedule, and adds templates for foreign scheme marketing. Existing fund managers are exempt from aligning with fee schedule changes but may adopt new provisions with approval.
NAMFISA has issued a second call for public input on the revised Consumer Credit Bill, focusing on new or amended provisions. The Bill aims to regulate consumer credit transactions by promoting fairness, transparency, and responsible lending, requiring registration and compliance from credit providers, bureaus, and debt collectors. The revised draft follows a review with key ministries and the Bank of Namibia, incorporating feedback from the 2023/2024 consultation.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) identified deficiencies in Meglergaarden AS's risk assessments and procedures under the Real Estate Brokerage Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act. Key issues included inadequate risk coverage, oversight of trainee brokers, and gaps in anti-money laundering controls. Meglergaarden AS plans to update procedures, enhance training, and improve documentation and compliance measures.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has published its 2025 supervisory reports, detailing oversight activities in financial-sector firms and markets, including supervision, analysis, licensing, and regulatory development. The reports highlight cross-cutting themes such as economic risk monitoring, anti-money laundering measures, European cooperation, crypto regulation, digital resilience, and the regulatory sandbox.
The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) issued General Resolution No. 1107, amending the issuance and trading regime for Individually Issued Negotiable Securities (VNEI) to clarify the operational framework. The resolution introduces exceptions allowing certain agents to act as issuers or drawers of VNEI, including those registered as ALyC Participante Directo, ALyC Integral – Agroindustrial, AN RUCA, financial institutions, and for MiPyME Electronic Credit Invoices and VNEI traded in the guaranteed segment.
The India International Financial Services Centres Authority approved draft IFSCA (Pension Fund) Regulations, 2026, proposing a framework for pension products in the International Financial Services Centre. The draft allows Pension Fund Managers to offer voluntary pension schemes with options for investment approaches, healthcare benefits, and a comprehensive withdrawal and governance framework.
The Palestine Capital Market Authority warned of organized financial fraud targeting the public and investors, with global losses in the tens of billions of USD. These scams often originate from fake messages or social media, promising benefits through AI and unlicensed trading. The authority advises using only official channels for investment-related contact and reporting suspicious activities to the authority and security agencies.
The Malaysia Securities Commission appointed LC Wakaful Digital Sdn Bhd as the first Social Exchange Platform operator to establish Impakrintas, supporting donation-based social impact financing. Phase 1, launching on 19 February 2026, will enable direct cash donations to approved non-profits, with tax benefits under the Income Tax Act 1967, initially onboarding six organisations focusing on healthcare, education, food security, livelihoods, and sustainability.
The OECD's first Economic Survey of the Philippines forecasts GDP growth to rise to 5.1% in 2026 and 5.8% in 2027, with inflation at 2.6% and 3.0% respectively, within the central bank's target range. The report emphasizes the need for stronger competition, fiscal prudence, and climate action, recommending reforms in fiscal policy, productivity, labour, and climate measures to sustain growth and improve economic conditions.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission released end-December 2025 statistics for credit cards, cash cards, and electronic payment institutions, highlighting 60.49 million effective credit cards with a delinquency ratio of 0.24%, and 200.14 million stored value cards with balances of TWD 15.74 billion. Non-cash payment transactions for 2025 totaled 8.727 billion, amounting to TWD 8.74 trillion.
The Central Bank of Taiwan approved new foreign exchange activities for E.Sun Commercial Bank and President Securities in January 2026, promoting market liberalization and internationalization. E.Sun can issue foreign currency denominated negotiable certificates of deposit, while President Securities can engage in non-principal protected structured products linked to foreign currency equity options.
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission's Q4 2025 data shows continued expansion in the banking and insurance sectors, with banking financial institutions' assets reaching CNY 480 trillion, an 8.0% increase year on year, and a stable non-performing loan ratio of 1.50%. Insurance companies' assets grew to CNY 41.3 trillion, up 15.1% from the start of the year, with solvency adequacy ratios exceeding regulatory standards.
The Central Bank of Samoa seeks a Communications Adviser to enhance its communications strategy, focusing on financial literacy and public understanding of financial products and policies. Proposals are due by 27 February 2026, with clarifications requested by 25 February 2026.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea published KPMG’s audit report on its 2023 financial statements, which carries an unmodified opinion under the bank’s accounting framework. The auditor highlighted, without qualifying the opinion, uncertainty over monetary gold held with a processing provider that failed to return a deposit, for which the bank maintained a GNF 888.51 billion provision. The bank reported a 2023 net loss of GNF 871.63 billion.
Superintendent Ernesto Bournigal of the Dominican Republic's Superintendency of the Securities Market emphasized the securities market's role in investment and macroeconomic stability at an AMCHAMDR and Primma Advisors event. He noted over USD 195 billion mobilised in 2025, with custody nearing USD 49 billion. The event also covered global capital trends and opportunities in Dominican corporate credit, with major financial institutions participating.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that a jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas found Ismael Sanchez liable for securities fraud and registration violations related to his role in the CryptoFX Ponzi scheme, which targeted approximately 40,000 investors. Sanchez's Chicago office raised tens of millions of dollars, with funds misused for Ponzi payments, commissions, and personal expenses.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced the membership of its Innovation Advisory Committee, which will advise on innovation in derivatives and commodity markets, focusing on technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. Chairman Michael S. Selig sponsors the committee, with Michael Passalacqua as the designated federal officer.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's quarterly report to the U.S. Congress revealed no Federal Reserve intervention in foreign exchange markets during Q4 2025, while the U.S. Treasury did intervene. The U.S. dollar depreciated 0.4% in Q4, contributing to a 7.2% cumulative depreciation in 2025, driven by movements against emerging market currencies and influenced by narrowing interest rate differentials and Federal Reserve policy expectations.
At a U.S. Senate Committee hearing, Elizabeth Warren challenged SEC Chair Paul Atkins over reduced SEC enforcement and investor protections, citing fewer actions and penalties. Warren linked case withdrawals to presidential clemency and Trump donations, while Atkins disputed her claims, noting the impact of pardons and stating the SEC hadn't released enforcement data.
The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services leadership sent a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, expressing concerns over unsafe conditions in public housing and seeking details on HUD's oversight of public housing authorities. The letter emphasizes the need for timely inspections, accountability, and transparency, and requests information on inspection practices and enforcement actions.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has promoted Dwight Blackwood to senior vice president and managing counsel, Alan Faircloth to vice president and counsel-practice leader, and Rebecca Wasserman to vice president, ethics officer, and counsel-practice leader in its Legal Department. Blackwood will oversee legal matters for Supervision and Regulation, employment, procurement, facilities, and discount window operations, while Faircloth will serve as key legal counsel for Supervision and Regulation and continue his risk, privacy, and training roles. Wasserman will lead ethics compliance, retain privacy officer responsibilities, and oversee litigation, intellectual property, Credit and Risk legal support, and training.
The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has initiated a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Insurance (Valuation and Capital) Rules to enhance the Risk-based Capital Regime, bolstering Hong Kong's global competitiveness and infrastructure financing. Key proposals include preferential capital treatment for infrastructure investments, revised capital requirements for general business, and adjustments for indexed universal life business, crypto assets, and stablecoins, with comments due by 10 March 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India issued draft amendment directions for public comment to establish comprehensive guidelines for advertising, marketing, and selling financial products and services, including third-party offerings. The framework, which includes updates to Responsible Business Conduct directions and the Reserve Bank of India (Undertaking of Financial Services) Directions, 2025, is open for feedback until March 4, 2026.
The Reserve Bank of India has repealed its January 2021 instructions on grievance redress mechanisms for scheduled commercial banks, excluding regional rural banks, consolidating complaint-related disclosures into the Master Direction on Financial Statements and enhancing customer compensation under the Reserve Bank–Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2026. This withdrawal does not affect banks' existing obligations under current regulatory and supervisory instructions.
The Ministry of Finance (Albania) held a meeting with commercial banks, the Bank of Albania, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to assess the Sovereign Guarantee Scheme for agriculture and the Micro, Small and Medium Business Financing Programme. Discussions centered on improving credit transmission and access to finance for farmers and MSMEs, with a focus on operational issues and outreach efforts.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel, in a Vienna lecture, advocated for a "28th regime" to unify European corporate frameworks, aiming to reduce fragmentation and enhance firm growth across the EU. The regime would offer a voluntary, digital incorporation process under a single set of rules, addressing regulatory barriers and promoting productivity by facilitating firm expansion and technology diffusion.
The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority suspended trading in Celyad Oncology financial instruments on Euronext Brussels from 11 February 2026 at 14:35 CET pending a press release.
The European Central Bank's Supervisory Board Chair plans to enhance cooperation with the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and other supervisors to integrate money laundering and terrorist financing risks into prudential assessments, reducing duplication across the EU. A June 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with AMLA was highlighted, with AMLA assuming direct supervision of higher-risk institutions from 2028, and addressing digitalisation-driven vulnerabilities, particularly in the crypto-asset sector.