The Japan Financial Services Agency co-hosted the Asset Owner/Gatekeeper Venture Capital Meetup with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Venture Capital Association to foster networking and dialogue on enhancing startup investment by asset owners, featuring lectures and panels with key industry representatives.
The People's Bank of China has authorized the London Branch of Bank of China Co., Ltd. to serve as the UK Renminbi (RMB) clearing bank under its Memorandum of Cooperation with the Bank of England.
ASEAN announced the Philippines will host the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting – Working Group (AFCDM-WG) in Panglao, Bohol from 9 to 13 February 2026, focusing on financial services integration, regulatory cooperation, and capital market development. The meetings will address sustainable ASEAN capital markets, financial health, and cross-border payments, with discussions on Timor-Leste’s accession under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services.
The Central Bank of Honduras and the Honduran Customs Authority announced administrative simplifications for the export sector, including a single Export Declaration for multiple Central American Single Declarations (DUCA) and a streamlined cancellation process. Exporters can adjust Export Declarations without a Customs-issued Non-Use Certificate, using the OC-7 form. The central bank is visiting exporting companies in the south, with plans to expand these visits to other sectors.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority accepted an enforceable undertaking from FMG Insurance Limited and Farmers’ Mutual Group after FMG admitted to breaching the Financial Markets Conduct Act by making false or misleading representations about insurance products. FMG agreed to pay NZD 2.1 million in lieu of a penalty and remediate affected customers, with commitments to enhance systems and revise policy wording to prevent future issues.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority and the National Reserve Bank of Tonga warn of a high-risk Ponzi-style scam, BG Wealth/DSJ EX, targeting investors in Tonga and New Zealand via social media. The scam involves fraudulent cryptocurrency trading, promising 100 percent returns, linked to 813 websites and 30 entities; authorities advise against downloading the app, investing, or engaging with the scheme.
The Australian Department of the Treasury has initiated a consultation to gather feedback on enhancing the oversight and governance of managed investment schemes, with a focus on improving scheme operations and superannuation switching oversight. The consultation runs from 9 February to 27 February 2026.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Minority Staff reported that actions by the Trump Administration to limit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have cost American consumers USD 19 billion over the past year. The report highlights the dismissal of enforcement actions, rescinded rules, and reduced consumer complaint programs as key contributors to this financial impact.
Senator Elizabeth Warren of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs emphasized the necessity for consumer protections in the crypto sector, citing risks of loss shifting to smaller traders without adequate enforcement.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance and the IMF hosted the AlUla Conference on Emerging Market Economies. Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan stressed international coordination for debt sustainability. Discussions covered rising public debt, borrowing costs, and reduced concessional finance, urging better debt restructuring and referencing G20 initiatives. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted policy advancements, private sector growth, and regional integration.
The Central Bank of Algeria and the International Monetary Fund hosted a high-level conference on North Africa's regional economic integration, emphasizing Algeria's potential leadership in expanding beyond energy into cross-border trade and investment. Acting Governor Mouatassem Boudiaf highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and infrastructure investment, focusing on renewable energy and strategic projects to enhance regional economic linkages.
The Bank of Israel’s Banking Supervision Department has released a draft directive for public comment, proposing a supervisory framework for small and new banks aligned with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s proportionality approach. The framework introduces supervisory tiers based on asset size, preparatory phases for new banks, and adjustments to banking directives, aiming to tailor regulatory requirements to a bank’s size, complexity, and systemic importance.
The Qatar Central Bank has introduced an AI-powered Virtual Assistant on its website to enhance user interaction and access to data, aligning with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
Lesha Capital has fulfilled the commencement-of-business requirements for its securities business licence to manage investments and operate funds, as per the Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority's resolution from May 5, 2025.
The Qatar Financial Centre's participation in Web Summit Qatar 2026 led to about 2,300 business licensing applications, up from 1,600 in 2025, with over 300 companies completing registration. This rise is due to an incentives package introduced at the Summit, including waived fees and tax incentives. Additionally, QFC signed several memoranda of understanding to expand its ecosystem, partnering with entities like the Global Blockchain Business Council and Aspire Zone Foundation.
Oman's Finance Ministry, led by Minister Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, attended the second AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. The conference discussed economic policy amid global trade and financial shifts, focusing on trade, monetary policy, fiscal responses to shocks, and private sector growth in emerging economies. Participants included finance ministers, central bank governors, and international experts.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has raised the maximum insurance coverage under the Government Insurance Fund for School Students to EGP 30,000 from EGP 20,000, effective 2025–2026. The decision also increases payments for natural deaths and non-school-related accidents, and introduces benefits for partial permanent disabilities, surgeries, and medical treatments. Additional provisions include medical assistance for chronic diseases and contributions for prosthetic devices.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority revised rules for insurance and reinsurance companies' earmarked fund investments, reducing the time to address fund insufficiencies from six to three months. Under FRA Decision No. 3 of 2026, companies must first use free funds to cover shortfalls, with the new timeframe starting from the financial position date of the deficit. Earmarked funds are for policyholder obligations, while free funds include equity and reserves.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority allows securities brokerage firms to market services via approved digital platforms, with strict controls for client order transmission. This framework enhances access to capital markets through mobile devices while protecting investor data and minimizing undue influence on client decisions. Digital platforms must meet specific technology standards, and brokerage firms need FRA approval to contract with platform managers, who must be FRA-registered Egyptian joint-stock companies.
At the 15th CFA Society Egypt conference, Mohamed Farid, Chair of the Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority, outlined a roadmap for a "proactive regulator" focusing on integrated supervision and a technology-led model for non-banking financial activities. The strategy includes digitalisation initiatives like electronic know-your-customer (E-KYC) to reduce customer acquisition costs and broaden access. Farid highlighted significant growth in stock exchange and gold investment fund participation as indicators of market engagement.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has increased the insured amount under the Government Insurance Fund for the Care of Egypt’s School Students to EGP 30,000 from EGP 20,000, effective from the 2025–2026 school year. The decision, the first application of Article 60 of the Unified Insurance Law, includes changes to benefits and student contributions, with enhanced support for students with disabilities.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has amended the insurance terms for the Government Insurance Fund for Al-Azhar education students, raising the coverage ceiling to EGP 30,000 from EGP 20,000. The per-student contribution is EGP 19.23 for pre-university and EGP 23.78 for university students, included in tuition fees. This is the first application of Article 60 of the Unified Insurance Law, with Al-Azhar covering contributions for exempt cases and any fund deficits.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority, with e-Finance, launched a digital system for factoring via its online portal to modernize operations and support digitalization of non-banking financial services. The system enables electronic invoice checks and reservations to prevent duplicate financing, linking to the Ministry of Finance and the Egyptian Tax Authority for real-time data verification. Factoring activity grew significantly in 2025, with factored receivables rising 77.8% to EGP 132.2bn.
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, led by Li Yunze, visited Liaoning to enhance central-local supervision, financial risk management, and support high-quality development. Discussions with local leaders emphasized risk prevention, reform of small and medium-sized financial institutions, and increased financing for major projects. Visits to local financial supervision bureaus highlighted the need for stronger grassroots party building and improved supervision.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a 9.2% year-on-year increase in loans from universal and commercial banks in December, down from 10.3% in November, with a 2.0% month-on-month decline on a seasonally adjusted basis. The bank emphasized its commitment to monitoring lending as a key monetary policy tool to maintain liquidity and stability.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission, with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit and the Financial Supervisory Service, reviewed Bithumb's erroneous bitcoin payouts and agreed on measures to enhance internal controls for virtual asset exchanges. An emergency response unit was established for user protection, with inspections extending beyond Bithumb to all exchange providers, and the FSC plans to pursue stricter internal control standards through pending legislation.
The Nepal Insurance Regulatory Authority has instructed all licensed insurers and intermediaries to stop using postal stamps as revenue stamps on official documents. This directive applies to life, non-life, reinsurance, and microinsurance companies, as well as brokers and surveyors, aligning with a recent decision by the Government of Nepal Council of Ministers.
Algeria's Prime Minister and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva discussed ongoing cooperation and joint activities in finance, statistics, digitalisation, and public expenditure rationalisation, highlighting a high-level conference as a regional cooperation example. Both parties emphasized continued collaboration to address economic challenges and promote stability and sustainable development.
The Central Bank of Algeria announced that Acting Governor Mouatassem Boudiaf participated in a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, alongside Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred and presidential advisers.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, at the 2026 AlUla Conference, emphasized that emerging markets can handle global trade changes but should focus on reforms for private sector growth and regional integration. She highlighted stronger policy frameworks, including independent central banks and fiscal rules, while noting growth challenges from depleted fiscal buffers and rising debt, stressing the importance of cutting red tape, deepening financial markets, and enhancing regional cooperation.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) imposed sanctions on PT Repower Asia Indonesia Tbk and PT Multi Makmur Lemindo Tbk for violations related to material transactions and financial statement presentations. Sanctions included fines, business licence freezes, and bans from capital markets activities, with specific penalties for directors and audit partners for failing to adhere to professional standards and due diligence requirements.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) issued Regulation Number 30 of 2025 and Circular Letter Number 34/SEOJK.07/2025 to enhance governance and risk management for Financial Sector Technology Innovation providers and standardize business planning for Digital Financial Asset Trading Operators. The regulation mandates governance structures, risk management frameworks, and reporting requirements effective from 1 July 2026, while the circular outlines business plan and reporting obligations with deadlines in late 2026 and early 2027.
Mexico's National Insurance and Surety Commission (CNSF) reported an information security incident involving intermediary certificates, mostly public in nature, on 30 January. The CNSF has activated security protocols and will extend the validity of existing certificates until 28 February. Legal action will be pursued for conduct potentially constituting offences.
Mexico's National Insurance and Surety Commission (CNSF) reported an information security incident involving intermediary credentials and activated its response protocols. The validity of existing credentials is extended until 28 February while new ones are processed. CNSF will pursue legal actions regarding potential offences related to the incident.
S&P Global Ratings affirmed Georgia’s sovereign rating at BB with a Stable outlook, citing strengthened fiscal and monetary policy, increased foreign exchange reserves, and banking-sector resilience. S&P highlighted a 38% year-on-year rise in reserves to USD 6.2 billion, driven by net foreign currency purchases, higher gold asset values, tourism revenue growth, and strong remittance inflows, with the banking system showing profitability, high capitalisation, and stable credit growth.
The State Bank of Vietnam has directed its units and financial institutions to ensure safe and stable banking operations during the Lunar New Year 2026, emphasizing proactive monetary policy, inflation control, and macroeconomic stability. Measures include enhancing cybersecurity, managing credit growth, strengthening fraud prevention, and ensuring efficient cash and foreign exchange services, with specific requirements for pre-holiday reviews and staffing during Tet.
The Egmont Group's Chair's statement from its annual meetings in Arusha, Tanzania, emphasized expanding secure financial intelligence cooperation among member FIUs through seven new memoranda of understanding and ongoing modernization of the Egmont Secure Web. Key outcomes included a new project on Joint Analyses between FIUs, recommendations for membership applications, and progress on guidance for FIU autonomy and operational independence, with further developments planned for the ECOFEL Certification Program and the plenary in Baku.
The Bank of Italy has warned about an unauthorised Threads profile misusing Governor Fabio Panetta's identity, advising the public to avoid interaction and rely on official channels for information.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft amendments to its Non-Banking Financial Companies Branch Authorisation Directions, proposing to eliminate the need for NBFCs to obtain prior approval or give prior intimation to open branches in India. Public comments are invited by February 27, 2026, with consequential amendments to related directions anticipated.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft revised directions for credit derivatives, seeking public comments by February 27, 2026, to support derivatives on credit indices and total return swaps on corporate bonds. The draft consolidates existing rules and aligns with the Union Budget for FY 2026-27 and the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies.
The Reserve Bank of India revised the Voluntary Retention Route framework for foreign portfolio investor investments in debt instruments, aligning VRR investment limits with General Route limits and easing exit conditions for longer retention commitments. Effective April 1, 2026, these changes require existing VRR investments to transfer to General Route limits, with updates reflected in the Master Direction on non-resident investment in debt instruments.
The Central Bank of Cyprus released the Governor's introductory remarks for the "Presenting the Digital Euro in Cyprus" event held in Nicosia, with the text provided in English.
The Central Bank of Cyprus released its January 2026 Statistical Bulletin, providing comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual economic statistics for Cyprus.
The Central Bank of Cyprus has issued an open tender for services related to Oracle software to enhance its database availability, with an estimated contract value of EUR 260,000 plus VAT. Bids must be submitted by 20 March 2026, based on the most economically advantageous offer.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined an exchange bureau in Jalal-Abad KGS 55,000 for breaching national legislation and the bank's regulations.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has granted a license to Closed Joint Stock Company Asman Bank for conducting banking operations in national and/or foreign currency, effective from a board decision on 4 February 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has released a draft Board resolution for public discussion, proposing amendments to regulatory legal acts concerning the licensing of exchange bureaus and microfinance organizations, with feedback due by February 20, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting public feedback on a draft Board resolution to establish a minimum working capital requirement for exchange bureaus, with comments due by February 20, 2026.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has opened a public consultation on a draft Cabinet Office Ordinance to amend the Enforcement Regulations of the Insurance Business Act, aiming to ease large credit regulations by excluding insurance subsidiaries' asset management from exposure calculations. Comments are due by 17:00 on 9 March 2026, with the ordinance set to be promulgated post-consultation.
The Bank of Italy released Working Papers Nos. 1514 to 1519 and its latest economic research Newsletter No. 81, covering topics such as climate information in banking, worker selection exams, oil-market shocks, statutory auditors' impact, risky firms and fragile banks, and high-speed rail effects on student mobility.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Yangi O‘zbekiston University to collaborate on education and research, including joint projects, academic publications, and conferences, as well as aligning academic research with the Central Bank's focus and providing internships and specialized training for staff.
Governor Ahmet Ismaili of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo highlighted the resilience of Kosovo's banking system at the “French Business Day” conference, emphasizing high capital, liquidity levels, and low non-performing loans. He outlined priorities including regulatory strengthening, financial innovation, and digitalisation, with initiatives like the TIPS Clone instant payments project and SEPA membership progress, alongside enhanced oversight and cybersecurity measures.
The Japan Financial Services Agency revised the Financial and Asset Management Special Zone Realization Package to update the name of the special zone covering Hokkaido and Sapporo City, following a request from Sapporo City. An updated package and comparison table were published, with references to Hokkaido Prefecture and Sapporo City materials for further details.
The Financial Services Superintendency of the Central Bank of Uruguay issued a warning about unregistered loan offers on social media by "Mi Crédito," highlighting fraudulent practices such as advance payment scams and the use of fake documentation. The public is advised to verify the authenticity of credit offers and avoid sharing personal information without proper verification.
The Central Bank of Montenegro and the UN Resident Coordinator’s office discussed enhancing financial stability, regulatory improvements, and payment system modernization, focusing on digital transformation and the green economy. Governor Irena Radovic noted full implementation of pre-accession obligations and alignment with EU standards, with the UN affirming support for Montenegro's development priorities and EU integration efforts.
The Dominican Republic’s Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) awarded its “Here We Know About Pensions” seal to General de Seguros for training over 100 employees on the pension system, marking the 17th company to receive this certification. The program aims to address information gaps about the pension system, with General de Seguros committing to further staff development through ongoing training.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission advises holders of Chaoprayamahanakorn Public Company Limited’s CMC257A bonds to review information and exercise their rights before the bondholders’ meeting on 11 February 2026, where changes to bond terms will be voted on. The meeting will address amending the bond maturity date and a waiver regarding notification requirements, with Globlex Securities Co., Ltd. as the bondholders’ representative.
Preliminary data from the National Bank of Ukraine indicate that international reserves reached a record USD 57,660.3 million as of 1 February 2026, driven by external financing despite net foreign exchange sales and debt repayments. Reserves now cover six months of future imports, with significant contributions from World Bank accounts and valuation effects.
The European Central Bank released key insights from its latest interactions with non-financial companies.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority fined Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited USD 504,000 for inadequate systems to detect market abuse and failing to notify a proposed change in control, with the firm receiving an early settlement discount. Despite having tools to identify market abuse, the firm failed to assess alerts adequately, resulting in unreported trading instances, and did not notify the DFSA of a potential change in control, even though it didn't proceed.
The Bank of England announced updates to its International Banking Statistics, implementing new country grouping conventions effective from 2025 Q4 data, with changes reflecting updated classifications by the Bank for International Settlements and the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, Bulgaria will be reclassified as an Advanced Economy following its euro area accession on 1 January 2026, impacting data from 2026 Q1.
The Japan Financial Services Agency will hold an online meeting on 6 March 2026 to discuss the annual update of the EDINET Taxonomy, including planned changes for the 2027 edition and sustainability disclosures. Public comments on the 2027 edition are expected in August 2026, with an announcement in early November 2026.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone discussed the digital euro's policy rationale, highlighting its role as a digital cash complement and reducing reliance on non-European payment infrastructures. He detailed Eurosystem initiatives for distributed ledger technology, cross-border payment improvements, and legislative progress for the digital euro Regulation, with a pilot exercise call for payment service providers forthcoming.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced that Moody's Investors Service has maintained Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating at Baa2, revising the outlook to negative from stable, citing solid economic fundamentals and resilience in the financial services sector. OJK emphasized its commitment to its 2026 Priority Programme, focusing on financial system stability, policy coordination, and supporting government financing priorities.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission cancelled the financial services and credit licences of Centre Capital Securities Pty Ltd effective 29 January 2026, due to unpaid industry funding levies outstanding for over 12 months. The firm can appeal ASIC's decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
State Bank of Vietnam Governor Nguyen Thi Hong reviewed 2025 sector results, outlining key changes: organisational restructuring, completion of a mandatory transfer programme for weak banks, and legislative advancements. The bank aims for sustained double-digit economic growth, prioritizing inflation control and system safety, with over 90% of transactions now digital and cross-border payment integration underway with regional partners.
At the Banking Times’ annual review conference, the State Bank of Vietnam outlined its 2026 priorities, emphasizing a stronger role for the publication as the SBV's spokesperson and policy-communication channel, alongside a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap. Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha highlighted the need for enhanced digital platform distribution, improved information quality, and strengthened internal management and human resource development.
The IMF Executive Board's 2025 Article IV consultation with Malta noted robust growth despite global uncertainty, with GDP growth slowing to 3.9% and inflation slightly above 2%. The Board emphasized fiscal consolidation, enhanced revenue mobilization, and vigilance in the banking sector, while highlighting structural priorities such as addressing labor shortages, investing in infrastructure and technology, and advancing digitalization and climate resilience.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third review of Equatorial Guinea’s non-financing Staff Monitored Program, noting solid implementation amid a reform agenda to adjust to lower hydrocarbon output. Economic activity contracted by 6.4% in 2025, with fiscal policy targeting a non-hydrocarbon primary balance of -17.8% of GDP, while public debt rose to 39.2% of GDP; further fiscal adjustments are planned to keep debt below 50% of GDP as hydrocarbon revenues decline.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Finance announced landlord registration with the Board of Inland Revenue for the new Landlord Business Surcharge will begin with downloadable forms available from March 1, 2026, and the registration deadline extended to May 30. Introduced in the 2025/2026 National Budget, the surcharge ranges from 2.5% to 3.5% of rental income and is creditable against the final annual tax liability, with penalties for late registration set at TTD 1,000 for individuals and TTD 2,500 for corporations every six months.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Monetary Council will hold its 112th meeting on 13 February at ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, where Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine will present the Report on Monetary and Credit Conditions in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. The agenda includes discussions on The Big Push Initiative and reports from various committees, with a press conference by Council Chairman Gaston Browne scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation presented its 2025-2026 Corporate Plan in Parliament, outlining strategic goals to enhance depositor confidence, resolution preparedness, and internal capabilities through public awareness, workforce development, and infrastructure investment.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation extended the comment period for its proposed rulemaking on approval requirements for issuing payment stablecoins through subsidiaries by FDIC-supervised insured depository institutions from 17 February 2026 to 18 May 2026. The proposal outlines application procedures under the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, detailing evaluation, processing, and appeal processes for insured State nonmember banks and State savings associations.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Market Participants Division has revised CFTC Staff Letter 25-40 to include national trust banks as permitted issuers of "payment stablecoins" for the no-action position, which affects futures commission merchants accepting non-securities digital assets as customer margin collateral.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond announced director appointments and board leadership selections for 2026, including the reappointment of Lisa Lawson as chair and Halsey Cook as deputy chair of the Richmond Fed’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Frank Holding was selected to serve on the Federal Advisory Council, and several new directors were appointed across its Baltimore and Charlotte branch boards.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York appointed Daniel Cunha, Mario Harik, and Diego Suárez, Jr. to its Second District Advisory Council, which advises on business and economic conditions. Council members serve three-year terms, with the next meeting set for February 23, 2026.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas projects Texas employment will grow by 1.1% in 2026, adding 154,600 jobs, following near-flat growth in 2025. The forecast, based on models incorporating national GDP and oil futures, highlights weak 2025 hiring due to higher productivity, slower immigration, and policy uncertainty, with sectoral job losses and gains.
The Central Bank of West African States announced disciplinary actions by the Banking Commission of the West African Monetary Union against three banks in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo for regulatory breaches. The banks received reprimands and fines totaling XOF 151 million, XOF 300 million, and XOF 300 million, respectively, for governance, risk management, and compliance failures. These sanctions were issued under Instruction No. 006-05-2018.
Senate Banking Committee members, led by Elizabeth Warren, urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to withdraw a proposed "safety and soundness" rule, arguing it would weaken bank oversight by limiting enforcement tools. They highlighted concerns over the rule's definition of "unsafe or unsound practice" and its potential inconsistency with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, citing past bank failures and the 2008 financial crisis as reasons for their opposition.
House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman Mike Flood support the Housing for the 21st Century Act, set for House floor consideration on 9 February 2026. The bill aims to expand housing supply by streamlining development approvals, updating HUD programs, and easing construction finance constraints. It addresses a national housing shortfall by proposing faster permitting, simplified processes, modernization of HUD standards, and reduced regulatory burdens to enhance banks' access to stable funding for housing-related lending.
The U.S. Financial Services Committee leaders endorsed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, aimed at addressing a national housing shortfall by expediting permitting, modernizing HUD programs, and reducing regulatory barriers for banks financing construction. The bill, which includes measures for faster approvals and updates to housing standards, is expected to be voted on in the House the week of 9 February 2026.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission noted that emerging technologies like tokenization and artificial intelligence are transforming the municipal securities market while maintaining existing legal obligations. The speech stressed the need for municipal advisors and underwriters to understand blockchain and digital assets, manage compliance risks, and ensure transparency and accuracy in disclosures under Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-17 and Rule 15c2-12.
De Nederlandsche Bank has imposed a penalty order on IDSG Group B.V. for failing to fully comply with its information request.
The Bank of the Lao marked the 22nd anniversary of International Anti-Corruption Day with an event attended by over 200 participants, including internal departments and commercial banks. Co-chaired by the Bank's Inspection Department and the State Inspection Authority, the program featured presentations on anti-corruption efforts, laws, and international cooperation, followed by a Q&A session.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will permit retail consumers to access crypto exchange traded notes (cETNs) on FCA-approved UK-based Recognised Investment Exchanges, reversing its previous restriction. Financial promotion rules and the Consumer Duty will apply, but investments will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FCA maintains its ban on retail access to cryptoasset derivatives and will monitor high-risk investments.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced 2026 growth measures focusing on UK-issued stablecoins, digitalisation of financial services, and SME lending. Key initiatives include a regulatory sandbox for stablecoin testing, the launch of PISCES for private share trading, and collaboration with the Bank of England on stablecoin regulation. The FCA also highlighted reforms like the Supercharged Sandbox with Nvidia for AI testing and simplifications to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Poland's official reserve assets reached EUR 246.8 billion at January 2026's end, up EUR 15.7 billion from December 2025, with the US dollar value rising by USD 22.7 billion to USD 293.9 billion. The central bank prioritizes safety and liquidity in managing foreign exchange reserves, mainly investing in Treasury securities, non-government debt securities, and investment fund units, with a minor portion in short-term bank deposits.
The National Bank of Serbia has extended a measure to support cash foreign currency availability, requiring exchange offices to return cash to banks within 15 days instead of 30, effective from 11 February to 15 March 2026. During this period, the bank will monitor the exchange market and conduct targeted inspections for compliance with foreign exchange rules.
The National Bank of Moldova reported a decline in official reserve assets to EUR 5,080.70 million as of 30 January 2026, primarily due to exchange rate depreciation and external public debt service payments, with partial offsets from reserve management income and net inflows from banks' foreign-currency reserves.
The National Bank of Moldova reported on a meeting between Governor Anca Dragu and the France–Moldova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting discussions on economic and investment cooperation amid Moldova’s European integration. The meeting emphasized the central bank's role in maintaining macrofinancial stability and modernizing financial infrastructure, noted a 22% investment increase in 2025 as a growth driver, and reaffirmed France's support for Moldova's EU aspirations and financial reforms.
The National Bank of Moldova conducted meetings with licensed savings and loan associations to discuss supervision processes, regulatory changes, and consumer protection rules. The bank outlined plans for sector consolidation and reform, emphasizing transparency and public consultation in future legislative initiatives.
The Central Bank of Russia reported nearly 392,000 complaints from financial consumers and investors in 2025, with a decrease in complaints about tied selling in lending and a rise against banks due to stricter anti-fraud measures. Complaints against insurance companies and professional securities market participants declined significantly, while complaints against microfinance organizations increased by 13.2% due to issues like loan repayment holidays.
The Central Bank of Russia's Financial Market Risks Review highlights a significant increase in retail investor activity in the bond market in 2025, with record purchases of federal government bonds (OFZ) and corporate bonds totaling RUB 490 billion and RUB 1.26 trillion, respectively. Retail investors also led net share purchases in the secondary market, while household foreign-currency purchases remained stable at RUB 1.12 trillion.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a 36% increase in businesses accepting Faster Payments System (SBP) payments in 2025, reaching three million, with total SBP transactions amounting to 18.3 billion worth RUB 103 trillion. Transfers between individuals were the most common, while company-related transfers also saw significant growth.
Cyprus’s Ministry of Finance, at the “Presenting the Digital Euro in Cyprus” event, emphasized the digital euro as a tool to enhance European competitiveness and digital transition, stressing it should complement, not replace, the euro. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted its role in European market integration and the necessity for safeguards to maintain banking stability.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, through the National Banking and Securities Commission, issued best-practice documents for money transmitters and general deposit warehouses to enhance Reports of Unusual Operations and Reports of Concerning Internal Operations. The guidance aims to improve information quality and timeliness, aligning with international standards and Financial Action Task Force recommendations.
The World Federation of Exchanges published two papers on sustainable finance taxonomies, emphasizing their role in supporting credible capital allocation and economic transition. The papers highlight the need for science-based, regularly updated taxonomies with clear guidance, interoperability, and integration with national strategies, while recommending transition taxonomies be anchored in national plans with sunset clauses and regular reviews.
The International Monetary Fund's Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura highlighted Burkina Faso's economic resilience amid challenges, crediting sound policies and export growth for sustainable public debt and controlled inflation. Priorities include fiscal discipline, resource mobilization, private sector revival, and reforms in fiscal governance, infrastructure, and diversification, with the IMF committed to ongoing support.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has denied the renewal of Sergiy Shchavyelyev's mortgage brokerage licence due to violations of the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, including false statements and failure to maintain required coverage. Shchavyelyev did not challenge the decision or request a hearing.
The European Association of CCP Clearing Houses (EACH) responded to the CPMI-IOSCO consultation on guidance for financial market infrastructures, advocating consistency with Principle 15 while cautioning against new standards conflicting with European regulations. EACH highlights existing EU frameworks for managing non-default losses and raises concerns about potential conflicts with EU rules on capital requirements and risk management practices.