The Bank of Portugal has warned that the entity operating via https://www.bancodis.com/ is not authorised to conduct financial activities such as accepting deposits or granting credit in Portugal. The notice emphasizes that only authorised undertakings may perform these activities under the Legal Framework of Credit Institutions and Financial Companies.
The Bank of Portugal has issued a warning that "Credifiducia - Instituição Financeira de Crédito, Lda", operating via Facebook, is not authorised to conduct financial activities in Portugal, including lending and credit intermediation. The central bank emphasizes that such activities are restricted to authorised entities under the Legal Framework of Credit Institutions and Financial Companies.
Philippine insurance premiums rose 14.1% to PHP 502.64 billion in 2025, with life and non-life insurers paying PHP 121.88 billion and PHP 34.05 billion in benefits, respectively. Insurance density exceeded PHP 4,000 for the first time in a decade, while industry net income increased 15.1% to PHP 64.79 billion.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority mandates consumer finance companies to insure clients up to age 65 against death and permanent total disability, with coverage equaling the outstanding financing balance. Coverage for clients over 65 requires agreement between the insurer and finance company. A unified contract template is required, exempt from service fees, with insurers settling claims within five days of documentation receipt.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority detailed recent reforms in the non-banking financial sector, including the implementation of the Unified Insurance Law and the launch of a regulatory sandbox. Key developments include digital identity verification for E-KYC, revised securities listing rules, and the introduction of SPACs. The FRA also reported significant investment in gold funds and the establishment of a voluntary carbon market.
The Qatar Central Bank announced that its Governor, H.E. Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, met with H.E. Mr. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The State Bank of Vietnam announced the launch of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, attended by key government and financial figures. The center's founding members include Sovico Group and Nasdaq, while strategic members feature Nam A Commercial Joint Stock Bank and TikTok.
Governor Mihály Varga of the National Bank of Hungary emphasized innovation's role in boosting productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, linking it to economic development and price stability. He noted global economic shifts and artificial intelligence's impact on the labor force and innovation. The bank joined the Coalition for Innovation, launching the "Hungarian Innovator" trademark, recognizing 70 companies with a turnover exceeding HUF 600 billion in 2024.
People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng visited the Silk Road Fund and the China Anti-Money Laundering Monitoring and Analysis Center, endorsing their 2025 performance and setting expectations for 2026 under the 15th Five-Year Plan. Pan emphasized the Silk Road Fund's focus on Belt and Road partner countries and strengthening investment capabilities, while urging the anti-money laundering center to plan key monitoring and analysis work.
The Central Bank of the Republic of China released a 2025 financial market operations overview, highlighting lower key repo rates, increased net bond financing, and significant rises in renminbi derivatives and treasury bond futures turnover. The report also noted a decline in interbank lending turnover, growth in bond repurchase turnover, and substantial gains in equity market indices and average daily turnover.
The Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) proposes a "Ficha Única" for each Fondo Común de Inversión (FCI) to improve investor disclosure and fund comparison, inspired by the EU's Key Information Document. Under General Resolution No. 1106, management companies would use a CNV template to disclose key fund details, including objectives, risk indicators, and historical performance, with monthly updates on their websites. Open-end funds for qualified investors are exempt, and placing agents must promote access through distribution channels.
The Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, BSP) has partnered with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to utilize satellite technology for assessing climate and environmental risks to bolster financial stability. This collaboration includes access to satellite imagery, joint tool development, and research to inform monetary policy and financial supervision.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reported a KRW 1.4 trillion increase in household loans in January 2026, driven by growth in the nonbanking sector despite a contraction in bank loans. The Commission plans to enhance monitoring and manage household loans to prevent liquidity shortages for vulnerable borrowers.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit reaffirmed its commitment to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and mutual evaluations to enhance financial integrity and combat financial crimes. Finance Secretary Édgar Amador Zamora emphasized Mexico's active engagement under the FATF presidency, focusing on inclusive participation and risk-based standards that balance financial protection with development and innovation.
The Central Bank of Bolivia has fully revoked four notarial powers of attorney under its Authorized Signatures Regulation and Supreme Decree No. 2189, rendering the associated documents legally void. The affected attorneys-in-fact have been instructed to acknowledge the communiqué.
Bank Negara Malaysia's Digital Asset Innovation Hub has onboarded three initiatives for 2026 to test ringgit stablecoins and tokenised deposits in wholesale payment use cases, focusing on domestic and cross-border transactions. The testing aims to assess monetary and financial stability implications and may inform future integration with wholesale central bank digital currency efforts.
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) has imposed maximum penalties on real estate developer Mark Chandler and his company 0981478 Ltd. for deceiving consumers by reselling presale condominium units already sold to other buyers. This resulted in a CAD 25,000 penalty for Chandler, a CAD 50,000 penalty for the company, and CAD 66,498.86 in investigative expenses. The misconduct involved over CAD 10 million in deposits not placed into trust, leading to additional penalties and suspensions for involved real estate licensees and unlicensed participants.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission issued an alert warning investors about scams involving impersonation of stock commentators to promote ramp and dump schemes, often using social media and messaging apps. Victims are lured with promises of high returns, directed to fraudulent platforms, and sometimes targeted again for additional deposits under false pretenses.
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga and New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority issued a warning about a Ponzi-style investment scam targeting Tongans, involving entities named BG Wealth or DSJ EX, and part of a broader operation called TXEX. The scam, which uses social media and chat apps to promise 100% returns, involves fraudulent cryptocurrency trading accounts, with victims urged to report suspicious activity and seek support if affected.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has licensed AmTrust Specialty Limited to operate as a general insurer under the Insurance Act 1973 and updated its register of authorized general insurers.
The U.S. Department of Justice sentenced Paxful Holdings Inc. to a USD 4 million criminal penalty for conspiracies related to illegal prostitution, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and violating the Bank Secrecy Act anti-money laundering requirements. Despite facilitating trades worth nearly USD 3 billion, Paxful failed to implement adequate know-your-customer measures and file suspicious activity reports, with the resolution coordinated with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs released a statement from Senator Elizabeth Warren following FanDuel's decision to stop accepting credit cards for sports bets, aligning with DraftKings. Warren highlighted that this change will prevent credit card companies from imposing "junk fees" on most sports betting transactions and called for industry-wide adoption of this restriction.
The U.S. SEC’s Enforcement Director, Margaret Ryan, emphasized a focus on fair process, timely case resolution, and enforcement priorities aligned with the agency’s mission, highlighting the Wells process as a key safeguard. The Division will prioritize high-impact cases, particularly retail investor fraud and market integrity issues, while addressing non-fraud compliance failures posing investor or market risks.
The Bulgaria Financial Supervision Commission scheduled competency exams for financial instruments brokers and investment consultants on 16 and 17 May 2026, respectively, and published related procedures and materials online. Additionally, the FSC approved several appointments and amendments, including Boyan Dombalov as compliance manager for PHOENIX RE INSURANCE COMPANY AD and changes to the rules of pension funds "Saglasie".
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is advancing a multi-year project to enhance its macroeconomic modelling and policy analysis capabilities, following discussions at the Annual Meetings and an initial mission in September 2025. The initiative aims to establish a robust analytical framework for reliable forecasts and scenario analysis, with ongoing cooperation reaffirmed by both.
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance announced that Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie has handed over the chairmanship of the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) Technical Committee after its 58th meeting, which focused on the Eco single currency and macroeconomic convergence. The meeting highlighted WAMZ's real GDP growth of 5.0% in the first half of 2025 and noted Sierra Leone's compliance with two of the four primary convergence criteria.
The Central Bank of Luxembourg released provisional balance sheet statistics for December 2025, showing a total balance sheet of EUR 981,560 million, a 2.72% decrease from November but a 2.49% increase year-on-year. Key changes include a decline in interbank balances and loans to non-bank customers month-on-month, while household mortgage lending and deposits from other financial intermediaries rose significantly over the year.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance plans to upgrade the Thailand Futures Exchange by expanding products and reference variables under the Futures Purchase Agreement Act B.E. 2546 (2003) to support a low-carbon and digital economy. Key changes include making carbon credits deliverable, adding Greenhouse Gas Emission Rights, Renewable Energy Certificates, digital assets, and broadening derivatives linked to foreign exchange, metals, and commodities, with enhanced oversight by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Japan's Financial Services Agency has released a draft policy to enhance cybersecurity in the crypto asset exchange sector, addressing recent cyberattacks and asset outflows. The policy promotes operator-led security initiatives, industry mutual assistance, and public support measures, with public comments open until 11 March 2026.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has granted Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank a banking licence under Article 4(1) of the Banking Act, allowing it to operate a foreign bank branch in Japan, with operations set to begin on 8 April 2026.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has finalized amendments to its Comprehensive Supervisory Guidelines for Major Banks to clarify responses to the Nankai Trough earthquake, effective immediately. The revisions also update guidelines for small and medium-sized financial institutions, insurance companies, and other financial entities.
The Japan Financial Services Agency released updated data on financial institutions' use of its Guidelines for Management Guarantees, detailing bank-specific results and business-type breakdowns for the first half of FY2025, highlighting the ratio of new loans not reliant on management guarantees. The update includes expanded reporting for major and regional banks and notes potential revisions to aggregated values and changes to URLs.
The Bank of England announced a market notice for notes to finance its foreign exchange reserves, emphasizing their separation from UK Government reserves and detailing issuance plans, including biannual benchmarks and distribution restrictions under UK MiFIR/MiFID II. A prospectus will be published, and investment decisions should rely solely on it.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority announced that the Financial Markets Tribunal upheld a USD 25,000 fine against Al Ramz Capital LLC for failing to report suspicious transactions on Nasdaq Dubai, confirming the reporting obligation is based on reasonable grounds to suspect Market Abuse. Al Ramz has 28 days to appeal the decision, which is published on the DFSA website.
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security clarified that vocational training programmes from 2021 and 2022, which expired in December 2023, continued to receive funding to fulfill legal commitments and avoid compensation claims. Following EU negotiations, 14 projects were transferred to the National Strategic Reference Framework 2021-2027, while four partner projects will receive national funding per European Commission guidance and Law 5140/2024.
The Spanish Securities Commission (CNMV) has authorized Bondalti Iberica, S.L.U.'s voluntary public takeover bid for Ercros, S.A., covering 100% of its share capital at EUR 3.505 per share. The bid, conditional on acquiring over half of Ercros' voting rights, is backed by bank guarantees totaling EUR 329,170,316.40, with a 30-day acceptance period commencing after the offer's announcement.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper analyzes cash demand by European non-financial corporations during COVID-19, revealing an inverse relationship between firm size and cash holdings, with cash-intensive sectors and "cash-friendly" countries showing higher holdings. The study highlights implications for central bank digital currency design and suggests further research to explore precautionary and financing-constraint explanations.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper No 3183 explores price level determination in a currency union where some member states' government securities earn a "convenience yield," generating fiscal seigniorage. It concludes that fiscal seigniorage, alongside primary surpluses and monetary seigniorage, can support a uniquely determined price level under certain monetary-fiscal policy configurations, even with permanently negative primary balances if their present value is less than seigniorage.
The State Bank of Pakistan reported a 15.4% year-on-year increase in workers' remittances for January 2026, totaling USD 3.5 billion, with cumulative inflows from July to January reaching USD 23.2 billion, up 11.3% from the previous year. Major sources of January inflows included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
European Central Bank Supervisory Board member Patrick Montagner dismissed calls to include "competitiveness and growth" in EU supervisory mandates and reduce capital requirements, emphasizing resilience as key to banking competitiveness. He stated current lending levels are sufficient and lowering capital buffers won't enhance bank profitability, while the ECB continues to streamline supervision and focus on main risks.
The European Central Bank's Vice-President Luis de Guindos stated that current interest rates are appropriate, with euro area growth and inflation aligning with targets, and emphasized that monetary policy decisions will be data-driven and made meeting by meeting. He highlighted risks from geopolitics and trade, noted marginal tightening in corporate credit standards, and stressed the importance of fiscal consolidation for bond market stability.
The Bank of Japan's preliminary January 2026 money stock statistics reveal a 1.6% year-on-year increase in M2 and a 1.0% rise in M3, with broadly defined liquidity (L) growing 2.0%. Notable changes include a 0.5% decline in M1, a 4.4% increase in quasi-money, and significant fluctuations in components such as a 224.7% rise in commercial paper and a 57.3% fall in straight bonds.
The Bank of Japan has released the 2025 Q4 data for "Loans and Bills Discounted by Sector" and "Loans to Households," along with revised historical data from 2022 Q3 to 2025 Q2 for various loan categories across Shinkin Banks and Domestically Licensed Banks.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority, the Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Statistics Indonesia have expanded the 2026 National Survey of Financial Literacy and Inclusion to 75,000 respondents, with field data collection from 4–18 February 2026. The survey aims to enhance data quality and support financial literacy and inclusion programs, with results informing progress against national development plan targets.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) charged Byson James Kete Turner with dishonestly using his position as a company director and failing to comply with ASIC examination requirements. Following an investigation into Links Support and Consulting Services Pty Ltd, Turner allegedly made 2,782 unlawful transfers totaling AUD 858,948. He faces multiple charges under the Corporations Act and ASIC Act, with the case prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission issued a public warning that Sorin Iancu is not licensed or regulated by the FSC for any financial services business, and a forged investment business licence falsely claims his authorization. The FSC advises extreme caution and urges the public to report any questionable activities related to this matter.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission issued a public warning that Paulina Kosinska is not licensed or regulated to conduct financial services business, highlighting a forged investment business licence falsely authorizing her activities. The public is advised to exercise caution and report any suspicious entities or activities.
The National Credit Union Administration has initiated the fifth round of proposed changes under its Deregulation Project, seeking public comment on three proposals aimed at clarifying guidance and removing burdensome requirements for insured credit unions. The proposals address streamlining conversion processes, maintaining core disclosure requirements while enhancing flexibility, and rescinding redundant standards on low-income designation and community charters.
The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis appointed five new members to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) for three-year terms starting in 2026 and named Orvin "Orv" Kimbrough as council chair. The CDIAC, established in 2011, provides input on the economy and lending conditions to the St. Louis Fed president and meets biannually.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit revealed a USD 191 billion increase in total household debt in Q4 2025, reaching USD 18.8 trillion, with rising mortgage delinquencies concentrated in lower-income areas. Credit card, auto loan, and student loan balances also rose, while serious delinquencies increased for credit cards, mortgages, and student loans, with the latter's delinquency rate at 9.6%.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority participated in a Ministry of Health-led session on Universal Health Insurance implementation, discussing stakeholder contributions to healthcare access and outlining its supervisory role and regulatory framework. The session, chaired by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, included inputs from the Association of Private Health Service Providers Owners and invited further stakeholder feedback.
The Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) held its policy rate at 6.50% as inflation eased to 4.1% in December 2025, while medium-term inflation was projected at 4.7% and domestic growth remained modest. The CBL raised its net international reserves target floor to USD 860 million to support the loti-rand peg, with reserves at USD 1.22 billion.
MONEYVAL's report on virtual assets and VASPs highlights progress in regulatory frameworks and international cooperation but notes enforcement gaps. While 81% of jurisdictions require VASPs to be licensed, enforcement against unlicensed operators is weak, and only 46% have implemented the FATF "Travel Rule." Emerging risks include sanctions evasion and fraud, with calls for enhanced data collection, suspicious activity reporting, and cross-border cooperation.
The Central Bank of Colombia released a report on the evolution of Colombian banks' foreign-currency credit lines and external indebtedness, based on data through December 2025 from its latest survey.
The Algeria Market Authority has set up the governance committee for the Algerian Financial Technology Academy with the Banking Training Institute. The committee will direct the academy's strategy, oversee training in digital finance and cybersecurity, and link established market participants with FinTech innovators.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has issued a comments template for the Consumer Credit Bill, with a 13 March 2026 deadline for responses.
The Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) issued an alert about vulnerabilities CVE-2026-1281 and CVE-2026-1340 in Ivanti Endpoint Manager Mobile (EPMM), enabling unauthenticated remote code execution. The CSSF urged entities using EPMM to follow guidance and implement mitigating actions, emphasizing severe server compromise risks. Entities were reminded to report such incidents under relevant CSSF Circulars.
Central Bank of Kenya’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the Central Bank Rate by 25 bp to 8.75 %, narrowed the corridor to ±50 bp and set the Discount Window rate at the upper band, citing January headline inflation of 4.4 % below the 5 ± 2.5 % target and the need to support credit growth. The move brings cumulative easing since Feb 2025 to 200 bp and the MPC signalled potential further action at its April 2026 meeting.
The Swedish Riksbank has proposed limiting the redemption of invalid banknotes to a ten-year period, ceasing redemptions from 1 July 2027, and increasing the redemption fee from SEK 200 to SEK 300 from 1 September 2026. The proposal also includes stopping the redemption of damaged commemorative coins. The Riksbank highlights challenges in meeting documentation requirements for older notes due to banks' retention policies.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority held its fourth Workers Council meeting, where Insurance Commissioner Dr. Baghayo Saqware emphasized aligning institutional priorities with national objectives to enhance the insurance sector's socio-economic contribution. Dr. Saqware highlighted the importance of effective supervision, customer rights protection, and sector stability in line with the National Development Vision 2050.
The Bank of France launched the Charter of Trust with public, private, and civil-society organizations to address early signs of business fragility. It aims to enhance awareness and proactive intervention through training and management tools, facilitating early outreach and support for struggling firms. Signatories include the Bank of France, credit and business mediation services, ministries, and various professional bodies.
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on cost-of-living and housing affordability, blaming Biden Administration policies and proposing legislative measures to restore affordability. Chairman French Hill cited inflation, high short-term rates, and housing supply constraints, highlighting proposals like the Main Street Capital Access Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act to address these issues.
New York State Department of Financial Services Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow outlined DFS priorities at a legislative hearing on the FY 2026 Executive Budget for Health, focusing on affordability, innovation, and stability in health insurance markets. Key initiatives include insurance affordability campaigns, mental health care access rules, demographic data collection by insurers, AI policy guidance, and improved fraud investigation capabilities.
The Oman Financial Services Authority met with insurance firm chairpersons to address sector challenges and opportunities, emphasizing a shift from quantitative growth to sustainable value. Discussions included adherence to actuarial pricing, risk-adjusted profitability, and improving claims management and customer experience. The meeting highlighted the importance of governance, digital transformation, and a new legislative framework for resilience and risk management.
The International Monetary Fund and Saudi Ministry of Finance concluded the second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, emphasizing sound macroeconomic policies, a reform agenda for growth through private sector engagement, and regional integration. Future dialogues will continue at subsequent AlUla Conferences.
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors announced that the Minnesota Department of Commerce has joined the IAIS Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding, enhancing supervisory cooperation and information exchange among insurance regulators globally. The MMoU covers compliance and confidentiality, supporting cross-border insurance supervision, with membership now representing about three-quarters of global gross written premiums.
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) fined Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. CAD 148,912.50 for failing to submit a suspicious transaction report, violating the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. The penalty, imposed on 10 December 2025, underscores the importance of compliance in FINTRAC's financial intelligence efforts.
Dubai International Financial Centre has enacted new Variable Capital Company (VCC) Regulations to enhance investment structuring and asset management options, allowing proprietary investment activities without Dubai Financial Services Authority authorisation unless engaging in regulated financial services. The framework permits establishing a VCC with a Corporate Service Provider, featuring standalone or umbrella structures, variable share capital, and asset and liability ringfencing.
The Bank of Ghana has launched Steering and Technical Committees for its Bank Listing Project to develop a framework for orderly bank listings, enhancing transparency and market discipline. This initiative responds to improved macroeconomic conditions and significant growth in domestic long-term capital, with pension fund assets over GHS 100 billion. The framework aims to accommodate varied ownership structures while maintaining high prudential and governance standards.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) has launched the 10th "Trazos Financieros" children's drawing and painting competition, themed "The game is in your finances," linking financial decisions to football. Open to Mexican children aged 6–12, the competition offers prizes sponsored by Scotiabank, Banamex, and Banorte, including savings accounts and educational kits.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular establishing conditions for credit rating agencies (CRAs) rating instruments under other regulators, mandating separate disclosures and grievance mechanisms to clarify that SEBI protections do not apply. CRAs must comply with net worth requirements, segregate marketing and reporting, and implement these changes within specified timelines.
The South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority released the first annual report of its Consumer Advisory Panel, detailing contributions to incorporating consumer perspectives into market conduct activities. Covering November 2023 to March 2025, the report outlines the Panel's progress and addresses consumer issues like the impact of financial influencers, AI in finance, and the accessibility and cost of financial products for consumers and SMMEs.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency released an explainer on Slovenia's first pension pillar, detailing the mandatory pay-as-you-go pension and disability insurance scheme managed by the Institute for Pension and Disability Insurance of Slovenia (ZPIZ). It highlights structural pressures from population ageing and reform directions like increasing retirement age and changing benefit calculations, with a follow-up article on the second pension pillar forthcoming.
The Central Bank of Slovenia's annual report on breach reporting for 2025 identified potential breaches in 14 out of 32 cases, with 10 addressed internally and four referred to the European Central Bank. Additionally, 14 reports were consumer-related and outside the system's scope, and four were deficient.
The National Bank of Moldova issued a warning about unauthorized use of identity elements from Moldovan financial entities in online investment promotions, urging consumers to verify information through official channels. It recommended financial institutions enhance client communications and internal mechanisms to mitigate operational and reputational risks.
The National Bank of Georgia's First Vice Governor, Ekaterine Mikabadze, highlighted the initial adaptation phase and subsequent proactive implementation of the Corporate Governance Code for public securities issuers, noting improvements in governance reports and alignment with best practices. The BARTA 2025 panel and awards ceremony emphasized transparency and high-quality reporting among Georgian companies.
The Bank of Spain's Deputy Governor Soledad Núñez emphasized digitalisation and AI's transformative impact on banking, stressing safe, ethical AI use and robust governance. She addressed challenges like dependencies on external tech providers, geopolitical risks, and sustainability, urging banks to integrate these into their strategies. The speech noted potential new business opportunities and resilience through sustainable transitions, despite data quality challenges.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake banking login screens, and phishing emails targeting customers of banks like The Bank of East Asia and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The HKMA stressed that banks will not request sensitive information via SMS, email, or phone and advised affected individuals to contact their bank and report incidents to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Council of Europe's MONEYVAL report notes progress in regulating virtual assets and VASPs but identifies gaps in enforcement against unlicensed operators and incomplete implementation of the Financial Action Task Force travel rule. It calls for better integration of financial sanctions, improved suspicious activity reporting, and strengthened investigatory capabilities to address emerging risks like sanctions evasion and proliferation financing.
The Philippine SEC fined Global Dominion Financing, Inc. PHP 50,000 for unfair debt collection, violating SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019, and the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act. Third-party agents used coercive tactics, like intercepting borrowers and sending intimidating communications. The order stressed companies' liability for their agents' actions and warned of harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic released its 2025 report on the virtual asset market, noting a total VASP turnover of KGS 2,735,062.5 million across 2,122,177 transactions, with exchange operators contributing over 94%. The report highlights increased enforcement actions, including 45 protocols and fines amounting to KGS 1,215,000, alongside 26 licence revocations and other supervisory measures.
The UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative released a brief on China's green finance evolution, highlighting nearly 50 policy instruments. It discusses sustainable finance taxonomies, new reporting guidelines, and measures like the Carbon Emissions Reduction Facility, noting a twelvefold increase in green and social bond issuance since 2016. It emphasizes the need for effective implementation of tools and development of finance standards to meet China's 2060 carbon goals.
The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) has outlined priorities for changes to the US Basel III endgame proposal to prevent disproportionate capital increases for trading book activities. Key areas for calibration include internal models under the Fundamental Review of the Trading Book, the standardized approach for counterparty credit risk, and the impact of the proposal combined with the global systemically important bank surcharge.
The Central Bank of Cyprus published the Governor's address to the Thematic Conference of the Independent Fiscal Institutions, with the text accessible in English.
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported a decline in the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio to 4.0% as of November 2025, with the MEX index stable at 2.1% and a slight decrease in the coverage ratio of non-performing exposures to 70.4%. Total restructured loans amounted to EUR 1.1 billion, with EUR 0.5 billion still classified as non-performing exposures.
De Nederlandsche Bank imposed a EUR 2,850,000 fine on a crypto service provider for operating without the required registration under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act, which was later reduced to EUR 2,277,500 by the Court of Rotterdam. The provider's appeal led to a further appeal by DNB to the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal.
The Central Bank of Estonia reported a more than 25% increase in third pillar pension fund assets over the year in its latest statistical release, with detailed fund statistics separate from economic policy updates. The next fund statistics will be published on 12 May 2025.
Saudi Arabia's Insurance Authority identified more than 2,000 violations during 2025 and imposed about SAR 25 million in financial penalties. Additional measures included product and business suspensions, action against board members, external adviser appointments and license revocations.
Austria's Financial Market Authority announced Andreas Schirk, head of its anti-money laundering department, has been elected co-chair of the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority's Internal Committee on Private Sector Standards. Schirk will co-lead with Rikke Louise Ørum Petersen for a two-year term, reflecting Austria's active engagement in AMLA's supervisory architecture development.
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority appointed Malin Alpen as Deputy Director General, while she continues as head of the Payments business area.
The Central Bank of Ireland outlined its 2026 regulatory and supervisory priorities, emphasizing economic resilience amid geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and technological disruption. Key focuses include infrastructure delivery, fiscal prudence, consumer protection, technology adaptation, and climate risk assessment, with a full Regulatory and Supervisory Outlook to be published soon.
The Moroccan Capital Market Authority announced that Sanlam Maroc sold 81,350 Label Vie shares, dropping its stake below the 5% threshold to 2.21%. The shares were sold at MAD 4,300 each on both the central and block markets. Sanlam Maroc plans to cease selling the security within six months.
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga and the New Zealand Financial Markets Authority have warned investors about a Ponzi-style scam named BG Wealth/DSJ EX, linked to the TXEX scheme. They urge against app downloads and investments due to significant losses. The scam involves multi-level marketing recruitment via social media, promising high returns, and directing victims to transfer cryptocurrency to fraudulent accounts. Authorities have listed 813 websites and 30 entities as duplicates and request public reports of suspicious activity.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has revised sanctions for deposit money banks and accredited cheque printers violating the Nigerian Cheque Standards and the Nigeria Cheque Printers’ Accreditation Scheme 2.0. This update replaces the 2019 framework to better align with current banking conditions and enhance the Nigeria Clearing System's efficiency and safety. An attached schedule details the revised sanctions for breaches.
The Central Bank of Eswatini's December 2025 and January 2026 Monthly Statistical Release shows private sector credit growth to SZL22.4 billion, despite a contraction in broad money supply and a decline in gross official reserves to SZL11.2 billion. Household and NPISH credit rose to SZL9.4 billion, driven by unsecured personal, motor vehicle, and housing loans, while business credit increased to SZL11.9 billion, with gains in transport, communications, and manufacturing. The discount rate and commercial banks’ prime lending rate remained at 6.75% and 10.25%, respectively.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission secured court orders against former Arta TechFin Corporation Limited directors, requiring Andrew Liu and Quincy Hui Kwong Hei to compensate the company HKD 57.5 million and disqualifying them from directorship for eight and six years, respectively, due to misconduct in a 2011 transaction. Seven other directors were disqualified for one to two years, and all respondents must cover the SFC's legal costs, with the case resolved through a Carecraft procedure based on agreed facts.
The Central Bank of Nigeria now allows licensed Bureau de Change operators to access foreign exchange from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market through any authorised dealer bank at the prevailing rate. Dealers must conduct know-your-customer checks and may sell up to USD 150,000 per week per BDC, with strict conditions on settlement and reporting. BDCs must return unutilised balances within 24 hours and adhere to a 25% cash settlement cap per transaction.
UK HM Treasury hosted U.S. Treasury and regulatory representatives in London for the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, focusing on strengthening UK-U.S. capital market links and digital asset collaboration. Established in September 2025, the Taskforce aims to align industry priorities across the Atlantic. Further engagements are planned in the U.S., with recommendations expected by summer 2026.
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong reported a 25% increase in single-family offices over two years, contributing HKD 12.6 billion annually to the economy and managing assets of approximately HKD 35 trillion as of end-2024. The government plans legislative proposals in 2026 to broaden qualifying investments for preferential tax regimes and aims to support over 220 family offices to establish or expand operations from 2026 to 2028.
The Central Bank of Bahrain is consulting on reducing minimum paid-up capital requirements for new retail and wholesale banks and financing companies, proposing a decrease to BHD 2 million for banks and BHD 250,000 for financing companies, while maintaining prudential safeguards. Existing licensees require approval for capital structure changes, and responses are due by 10 March 2026.