The Chairman and key executives of Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) have resigned, citing moral responsibility to support recovery steps. OJK assured that these changes will not impact its regulatory and supervisory functions, with interim arrangements in place to ensure continuity.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand, has initiated a public consultation on revising the definition of "major shareholders" for derivatives business operators to enhance oversight, aligning it with securities and digital asset businesses. The proposal includes criteria for control over director appointments, aggregation of shareholdings among spouses and minor children, and acting-in-concert situations, with the consultation open until 13 February 2026.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has mandated Samchai Steel Industries Public Company Limited to submit rectified Q3 2025 financial statements by 6 February 2026, following an auditor's qualified conclusion and special audit findings on inventory-related accounting issues. The SEC denied SAM's request for a deadline extension, emphasizing the issues were known since July 2025.
The Bank of Japan released its Payment and Settlement Statistics for December 2025, detailing BOJ-NET funds transfers, Japanese government bond settlement, and activity in major private clearing systems, with city banks handling 35.1% of transaction volume and 21.4% of value.
Japan's Ministry of Finance held a meeting with the Development Bank of Japan, industry groups, and the Financial Services Agency to evaluate DBJ’s Specified Investment Operations, focusing on risk capital needs and performance following a legal extension. Key discussions included improving evidence-based analysis of risk money's priming effect, addressing concentrated co-investment distribution, and balancing disclosure with confidentiality.
Japan's Ministry of Finance released the FY Reiwa 6 National Financial Documents, showing total assets at JPY 783.4 trillion and liabilities at JPY 1,483.3 trillion, resulting in a negative asset-liability difference of JPY 699.9 trillion. Operating expenses totaled JPY 174.1 trillion against financial resources of JPY 158.2 trillion, narrowing the deficit by JPY 3.1 trillion from the previous year.
The Central Bank of Mexico has initiated a prior public consultation to gather feedback on the exchange of financial transaction messages between card payment clearinghouses, in preparation for Annex 5 of its draft rules. This annex will standardize information fields using ISO 8583:2023 to enhance interoperability, security, and efficiency, with submissions accepted online until 27 February 2026.
The European Central Bank's December Consumer Expectations Survey revealed a slight increase in inflation perceptions and expectations over three and five years, with one-year expectations unchanged. The survey also noted lower expected nominal income growth, improved near-term economic growth outlook, and slightly higher expectations for unemployment, home prices, and mortgage rates.
The Federal Court ordered Australian Unity Funds Management Limited to pay an AUD 7.125 million penalty for breaching design and distribution obligations by failing to ensure the Australian Unity Select Income Fund was distributed only to retail investors within its Target Market Determinations. Australian Unity admitted to issuing interests without proper suitability checks and was also ordered to publish an adverse publicity notice and cover ASIC’s costs.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority warned Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance for failing to apply advertised discounts, overcharging 5,055 motor vehicle insurance customers nearly 700,000 NZD over nine years, breaching fair dealing provisions. AIOI self-reported, notified affected policyholders, made remediation payments, and implemented measures to prevent recurrence, with the FMA attributing the issue to poor controls or ineffective systems rather than deliberate misconduct.
AUSTRAC has released AML/CTF program starter kits to help small businesses in newly regulated sectors, like legal and real estate services, meet obligations under the AML/CTF Act from 1 July 2026. Developed with industry bodies, these kits offer practical tools for scalable AML/CTF programs and highlight higher-risk scenarios, with updates planned as regulatory requirements evolve.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority released its Monthly Authorised Deposit-taking Institution Statistics for December 2025, accessible on APRA’s website.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) is consulting on proposals to remake three legislative instruments related to financial reporting relief, set to sunset on 1 April 2026, while allowing a fourth instrument on offer information statements to lapse. ASIC plans to withdraw Regulatory Guide 28 as redundant, with submissions on Consultation Paper CS 45 due by 27 February 2026.
The International Monetary Fund's Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with the Republic of Palau, noting economic recovery with improving fiscal balances and declining debt, though risks remain. Policy priorities include fiscal and debt strategy implementation, enhanced financial supervision, and cautious advancement of a tokenized dollar initiative.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with Bangladesh, projecting GDP growth to rebound to 4.7% in FY26 and FY27, while highlighting risks from delayed reforms. The IMF emphasized the need for ambitious tax reforms, banking sector restructuring, and a tight policy mix to address macro-financial challenges, inflation, and reserve rebuilding.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission will start its 2026 strategic collaboration programme with Meet the Regulator forums and roundtable meetings in various locations from mid-February 2026, focusing on regulatory priorities and stakeholder feedback. The agenda includes updates on the economic substance database integration, Beneficial Ownership registration, and addressing recommendations from the 2024 Mutual Evaluation Report.
The Central Bank of Cyprus released its Quarterly Financial Accounts for September 2025, detailing aggregated financial assets and liabilities across various sectors, including residents of Cyprus and abroad, with versions available in Greek and English.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has appointed four new members, including a new Chairman, to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, emphasizing a refocus on its core mission of investor protection and audit report accuracy. The SEC highlighted efficient auditor oversight and cost minimization for public companies and broker-dealers, with the transition to the new board expected in the coming weeks.
The Federal Reserve Board approved Cornerstone Capital Bancorp, Inc. to acquire Peoples Bancorp, Inc. and indirectly Peoples Bank, both based in Texas.
Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher J. Waller dissented at the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting, advocating for a 25 basis point policy rate cut due to a weak labor market and inflation near the 2 percent target, excluding tariff effects. He highlighted rising unemployment, minimal payroll growth in 2025, and anticipated layoffs in 2026, arguing that the current policy rate exceeds the neutral rate by 50 to 75 basis points.
The Securities & Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe is recruiting a Human Resources Graduate Trainee for its Human Resources department. Candidates need a relevant degree and at least one year of human resources or similar experience. Applications close on 06 February 2026.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe is recruiting a Corporate Finance and Policy Manager for its Policy and Market Development Department. The role spans issuer regulation, disclosure review, policy formulation, enterprise risk management, fintech and sandbox work, and market development. Applications close on Feb. 13, 2026.
Leonardo Ayala, a former TD Bank employee, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and facilitating the laundering of over USD 5.5 million to Colombia, involving fraudulent accounts and debit cards used for ATM withdrawals. He faces up to 50 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for June 11.
The Superintendence of the Financial System of El Salvador will accept applications for its Registry of Valuation Experts from 9 to 19 February 2026. Applicants must comply with the Technical Standards for the Registry of Valuation Experts, NRP-27. Further details are available on the supervisor’s website.
The Bank of Italy, Italian Securities Commission and Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority issued IAS and IFRS guidance on customer receivables arising from insurers’ prepayment of stamp duty on life policies. Insurers may recover the tax only when benefits are paid and should disclose material effects from discounting the receivables.
The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned senior Iranian officials and two UK-registered digital asset exchanges for operating in Iran's financial sector and supporting the IRGC through digital assets. This action blocks property within U.S. jurisdiction of those designated, prohibits U.S. persons from transactions involving blocked property, and highlights the general license for internet access in Iran.
Premier David Burt of Bermuda is leading a delegation to the Annual Satoshi Roundtable and World Government Summit in Dubai, with plans to visit Bahrain for bilateral engagement. The delegation, including officials from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, will participate in discussions on digital finance and fiscal policy, with travel expenses covered by the United Arab Emirates.
The National Bank of Moldova, led by Governor Anca Dragu, is participating in the World Money Fair in Berlin to enhance dialogue with peer institutions and explore trends in currency production and security. The delegation, including Deputy Governor Constantin Șchendra, aims to deepen technical discussions on currency issuance and cash management during the bank's 35th anniversary year.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) warns against Ufunded LLC for providing investment services in the Netherlands without a licence. Ufunded's invite-only platform targets Dutch consumers, offering leveraged trading in CFDs with significant risks, including high leverage and restrictive profit withdrawal conditions. The AFM notes that 1,279 Dutch investors have transferred over EUR 20 million to Ufunded, which cannot claim any licensing exemptions.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market and the National Bank of Ukraine held a joint meeting to coordinate regulatory efforts, focusing on virtual asset supervision and the creation of an Exchange Infrastructure Holding, while agreeing on specific steps for joint activities and cooperation plans for 2026.
The Bank of France reported 1,034 eligible cases for its 2025 Credit Mediation scheme, achieving a 64% success rate and preserving 5,113 jobs. The scheme saw a decline in requests since 2022, with most cases involving very small enterprises facing financing difficulties. Requests for amicable restructurings of French state-guaranteed loans fell by 45% in 2025, with a 58% success rate, and 80.5% of outstanding amounts repaid by September 2025.
The Czech National Bank will reorganize its Monetary Department, effective 1 February 2026, to better align with its macroeconomic analysis and forecasting mission. The External Economic Relations Division will be abolished, with its functions redistributed between the Monetary Policy and Fiscal Analyses Division and the Macroeconomic Forecasting Division. An independent International Organisations Unit will be established to enhance coordination with international partners.
Bank of Indonesia reported late-January movements in key financial indicators, including the rupiah exchange rate, bond yields, and foreign capital flows, noting the rupiah closed at IDR 16,745 per USD on 29 January 2026. The central bank emphasized ongoing coordination with the government to optimize policy for external resilience.
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau announced the appointment of five new members and the reappointment of four members to the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform for a two-year term starting 1 February 2026. The committee advises on amendments to key ordinances related to corporate governance and shareholder protection.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority has revoked the accreditation of Mr. Mauro Mazzacco as the representative of ALTUM Ltd concerning his Securities Dealer Representative Licence (SDR268), effective 29 January 2026.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority has terminated the accreditation of Mr. Nikos Antoniades as the Securities Dealer Representative for EF Worldwide Ltd, effective 14 January 2026, under section 4(1)(m) of the Financial Services Authority Act 2013.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi clarified conditions for Diaspora Foreign Currency Denominated Accounts (FCDAs), detailing eligibility, funding sources, and operating rules. These accounts, for Malawians abroad over 12 months, allow cross-border payments without Exchange Control requirements and permit monthly hard currency withdrawals up to 50% of the balance, with Reserve Bank approval needed for larger amounts.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has issued a final notice to 25 exporters, warning of legal action for failing to repatriate and reconcile export proceeds totaling USD 16,560,817 by 31 January 2026, as required under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2025 and related directives. Non-compliance will result in penalties of 150% of the value of the unrepatriated goods or services.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi reminded Tourism Enterprises of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2025 requirements for handling foreign currency payments, extending the authorisation deadline to 28 February 2026. Enterprises must adhere to specific payment, record-keeping, and reporting protocols, with non-compliance subject to penalties.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized President Trump's nomination of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh as Chair, arguing it threatens Fed independence and urging Republicans to oppose it. Warren also accused the Trump Administration of using the Department of Justice to investigate Fed officials and called for Republican resistance until these investigations cease.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, led by Chairman Tim Scott, supports President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board and plans a timely confirmation process to assess Warsh's vision for the Federal Reserve's core mission. The statement emphasizes the Federal Reserve's influence on household finances and the importance of its independence, highlighting Warsh's experience as a Federal Reserve Governor.
House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill expressed support for President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, highlighting Warsh's previous Federal Reserve experience and commitment to inflation control.
The Bulgarian National Bank reported that the exchange of lev banknotes and coins into euro is progressing according to the regulatory framework, with the euro becoming the sole legal tender from 1 February 2026. Currently, BGN 7.7 billion in lev cash has been withdrawn, and over EUR 6.1 billion has been circulated. Banks will offer free lev-to-euro exchanges for the first six months of 2026, with the BNB providing unlimited exchanges indefinitely.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published its Economic Survey of Croatia, forecasting GDP growth of 2.7% in 2026 and 2.4% in 2027, with inflation easing to 3.3% and 2.5% respectively. The Survey emphasizes the need for fiscal reforms, pension and healthcare adjustments, housing market improvements, and measures to support a net-zero emissions transition to sustain growth and address demographic challenges.
The World Bank Group and the Government of India have launched a five-year Country Partnership Framework to support India's growth and Viksit Bharat ambition, focusing on private sector-led job creation and investment mobilization with USD 8–10 billion annual financing. The framework targets rural prosperity, urban transformation, investment in health and education, and energy security, with immediate implementation through ongoing projects like a USD 830 million loan for Industrial Training Institutes and a USD 490 million Maharashtra agriculture project.
The International Monetary Fund published a Selected Issues paper for the Republic of Palau, analyzing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and various domestic financial sector topics, including commercial banks, financial institutions, credit, loans, and payment systems.
The International Monetary Fund's 2025 Article IV consultation for the Republic of Palau indicates an ongoing recovery with an improving fiscal balance, declining debt, and controlled inflation, though output remains below pre-pandemic levels. The report highlights the 2023 Compact Review Agreement and successful tax reform as key factors providing fiscal space to address long-term challenges such as demographic shifts and climate vulnerability.
The IMF staff concluded the 2026 Article IV consultation with the Federated States of Micronesia, noting growth rebounded to 2.3% in FY2024 but is expected to moderate to around 1% by FY2026. Recommendations include expediting climate-resilient investments, leveraging grants and loans, addressing fiscal risks, and improving economic statistics, with the renewal of the Compact of Free Association with the United States seen as a pivotal opportunity for economic reform.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins for appointing "industry players and Trump loyalists" to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, expressing concerns about the board's commitment to investor protections and indicating Congress will monitor its adherence to its mandate.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced a jury verdict in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, finding R. Brian Watson and Northstar Commercial Partners liable for intentional securities fraud related to misleading investor solicitations in 11 real estate offerings. Watson falsely claimed personal co-investment in these projects, facilitating a fraudulent scheme over 36 months.
Canada's Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) outlined its supervisory priorities, focusing on credit and liquidity risks and senior leadership accountability. OSFI launched consultations on consolidating credit risk management guidance, revising capital adequacy requirements, and introduced a pilot fast-track framework for federal continuance, with further details to be discussed on 12 February.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation released a list of December 2025 enforcement actions, including two orders terminating consent orders and three terminating deposit insurance, with no administrative hearings scheduled for February 2026.
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority's January 2026 Insurance Risk Dashboard indicates that risks in the European insurance sector remain stable at a medium level, despite geopolitical tensions affecting the macroeconomic and market risk outlook. The sector is supported by solid capital positions, stable profitability, and strong premium growth, with vigilance required for geopolitical, trade disruption, and cyber risks.
The Central Bank of Barbados forecasts real GDP growth of 2.5–3.0% in 2026, rising to 3.5% annually over the medium term, driven by tourism, construction, and trade, supported by investment and reforms under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programme. Inflation is expected to remain stable between 1% and 2.5%, with strong tourism receipts and capital inflows maintaining international reserves above benchmarks, while fiscal discipline targets a 4.1% primary surplus of GDP in FY2025/26.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has issued for consultation a draft unified periodic reporting disclosure standard for publicly offered securities investment funds, combining the current annual, semiannual and quarterly reporting rules into one framework. The draft adds tailored requirements for different report types, simplifies some disclosures and allows the Asset Management Association of China to develop XBRL templates. The final rule will be revised after feedback and then issued through the remaining procedures.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission held a symposium with domestic and overseas listed companies to gather input for the capital market’s 15th Five-Year plan. Wu Qing used the meeting to highlight priorities including further ChiNext reform, continued STAR Market reform, more flexible refinancing rules, and stronger development of the Beijing Stock Exchange and National Equities Exchange and Quotations. The regulator said it will use this work to prepare and implement the plan.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has opened a special one-year window from February 5, 2026, to February 4, 2027, for the transfer and dematerialisation of physical securities sold or purchased before April 1, 2019. Securities transferred through this window must be credited in demat form and are subject to a one-year lock-in, with specific documentation and verification requirements for transferees and listed companies.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India issued an updated master circular consolidating compliance directions for listed entities under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, incorporating circulars up to 30 December 2025. It introduces changes to compliance mechanics, including new filing regimes and shareholding pattern disclosures, and requires recognised stock exchanges and depositories to ensure implementation.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular to streamline investor service requests by eliminating the need for a Letter of Confirmation and allowing direct credit of securities into investors' dematerialisation accounts, effective April 2, 2026. This applies to listed companies, Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents, and depositories, with specific procedural requirements and amendments to SEBI’s Master Circular for RTAs.
The Central Bank of Colombia raised the benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 10.25%, citing inflation developments and increased inflation expectations amid strong domestic demand. The decision followed a majority vote, with four directors supporting the hike, while two preferred a 50 basis point cut and one advocated for no change.
The Central Bank of Eswatini has maintained the discount rate at 6.75% and expects banks to keep the prime lending rate at 10.25% until the next monetary policy meeting, with the 2026 inflation forecast remaining at 3.97%. This decision considers global, regional, and domestic economic conditions, with expectations of moderate cost increases in 2026 and IMF projections of global growth at 3.3% and easing inflation.
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance highlighted Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis’ speech at the Economist Impact event, addressing climate, energy, and demography as interconnected challenges. The speech emphasized European cooperation, energy security, competitiveness, and fiscal credibility, with Greece leveraging its geography and regional cooperation, while advocating for removing internal barriers, expanding cross-border markets, and deploying technology with clear regulation.
The National Bank of Serbia detailed its Central Registry of Electronic Bills of Exchange (CReM), which facilitates the digital creation, signing, registration, transfer, and collection of e-bills of exchange, operational since 1 December 2025. Legal entities and entrepreneurs can currently use CReM, with banks joining by 1 June 2026, and citizens gaining access by end-November 2026, while banks must not charge fees for enabling the service.
The United Arab Emirates National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and Spanish authorities agreed to launch a strategic financial crime dialogue and strengthen operational coordination. Priority areas include intelligence sharing, joint investigations, targeted financial sanctions, extradition and asset recovery.
The National Bank of Moldova's "Sense of Money" podcast episode 7 discussed enhancing youth financial literacy, highlighting an optional economic education course for 11,000 pupils and a new curriculum by 2027. Governor Anca Dragu emphasized outreach efforts, including collaborations with the National Bank of Romania and the MIA instant payments platform, while the Ministry of Education aims to finalize the revised curriculum by the end of 2026.
Compass Insurance Company Limited has surrendered its authorization as an authorized insurer under section 8 of the Insurance Act 2008, effective 30 January 2026, as announced by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.
The Bank of Greece's Economic Bulletin Issue 62 highlights three research articles: a microsimulation study on personal income tax elasticity and fiscal drag, a Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium analysis of a temporary tax on banks’ profits, and an examination of travel-related services prices affecting Greece’s Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices.
The Central Bank of Russia has mandated exchanges to label shares and bonds of issuers that limit disclosures, with the ordinance registered by the Russian Ministry of Justice. Alternatively, issuers can obtain ratings from at least two credit rating agencies to provide investors with insights into their financial positions.
The Central Bank of Russia has issued updated requirements for hardware and software in socially important card payment systems, focusing on information security for infrastructure components like hardware security modules, payment devices, ATMs, and payment cards. These new parameters replace the 2020 approaches and aim to enhance data protection and support import substitution.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has updated its warning list to include BRAVIA TRADE and IronMarkets, now totaling 460 projects that may pose risks to investors due to signs of fraud or legal breaches. The list, available on the regulator's website, aims to alert investors to projects lacking permits, transparency, regulatory oversight, and featuring manipulative advertising or unrealistic profit claims.
The Superintendency of the Securities Market of the Dominican Republic (SIMV) held a session to explain its new investment crowdfunding regulation for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. National and international experts, including the Central Bank and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, discussed global trends, risks, and regulatory approaches. SIMV plans ongoing dialogue and training to facilitate the framework's implementation.
The Central Bank of the Philippines updated its list of cancelled and replaced Bangko Sentral Registration Documents (BSRDs) for Authorized Agent Banks and their foreign exchange subsidiaries. These documents, used for registering non-resident investments, must not be accepted for foreign exchange purchases related to capital repatriation or earnings remittance. The update, based on Section 38 of the FX Manual, reflects changes in investments.
The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) issued a memorandum requiring financial institutions to implement strict risk management and anti-money laundering controls with virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Transactions are limited to BSP-authorised, SEC-authorised, and licensed offshore providers, prohibiting dealings with unlicensed entities. The memorandum details counterparty risk assessments, enhanced due diligence, and ongoing monitoring, replacing BSP Memorandum M-2019-021.
The Bank of Spain's November 2025 balance of payments update shows Spain's net lending declined to 4% of GDP (EUR 67.4bn) from 4.4% a year earlier. The current account surplus decreased to 2.9% of GDP (EUR 48.7bn), while the capital account balance remained at 1.1% of GDP (EUR 18.6bn), with Next Generation EU flows as a key driver. The financial account excluding the Bank of Spain fell significantly to 1% of GDP (EUR 15.9bn) from 9.9%, mainly due to a shift in other investment.
The Bank of Spain's Deputy Governor Soledad Núñez highlighted climate change's impact on economic activity and tourism, affecting macroeconomic and financial stability. Using the Balearic Islands as a case study, she noted the region's reliance on tourism and resulting pressures on resources and infrastructure. Núñez emphasized the need for improved risk assessment, identification of emerging risks, and enhanced prudential supervision with public authorities and financial institutions.
The Bank of Spain reported an 8.5% increase in non-cash payment transactions to 9.401 billion in the first half of 2025, with a total value rise of 6.3% to EUR 6.4 trillion. Card payments led by volume, while credit transfers dominated by value, comprising 88.5% of the total. The number of payment cards increased by 11.6% to approximately 119 million, with point-of-sale terminals rising 7.4% to around 4.62 million.
Mozambique's Ministry of Finance announced the establishment of the Insurance and Pension Funds Supervision Authority of Mozambique, a new autonomous supervisor with powers to license, oversee, and conduct prudential supervision of insurance and pension fund entities, including sanctioning and corrective measures.
Bank of Indonesia and the Indonesian Government will enhance policy coordination to maintain Consumer Price Index inflation within the 2.5±1% target in 2026, focusing on headline and volatile food inflation, improved supply and logistics, and calibrated price policies. Measures include infrastructure strengthening, transport discounts during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, and food assistance, with ongoing programmes aligned with the 2025–2027 Inflation Control Roadmap.
Bank Negara Malaysia appointed Dato’ Zabariah Mohd Yusof to its Shariah Advisory Council for a two-year term starting 1 February 2026, expanding the council to nine members with expertise in Shariah, Islamic finance, and related fields. Chaired by Dato’ Prof. Dr. Ashraf Md Hashim, the SAC is the highest authority on Islamic law for financial business in Malaysia, advising the central bank and serving as a reference for financial institutions and legal entities.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong has reappointed Ms Cynthia Hui Wai-yee as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority for a three-year term starting February 3, 2026. Her reappointment is credited to her role in implementing the eMPF Platform and enhancing governance standards for MPF trustees and intermediaries.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a circular highlighting serious deficiencies in IPO listing documents and sponsor misconduct during a surge in 2025 applications, mandating internal remediation and new reporting measures. Sponsors must address resource issues, complete comprehensive reviews, and adhere to tightened examination requirements, with potential suspension of vetting for incomplete responses or unsatisfactory work.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails targeting banks including The Bank of East Asia and OCBC Bank (Hong Kong). The HKMA emphasized that banks do not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions and advised individuals who have shared personal information to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced a memorandum of understanding between the Hong Kong Academy of Finance and Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance to collaborate on research, knowledge exchange, and financial leadership development, including joint activities and support for initiatives to reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre.
The South African Reserve Bank released its Template on International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity for December 2025, showing official reserve assets at USD 75,892 million. Convertible currency reserves totaled USD 51,306 million, with significant holdings in securities and deposits. Predetermined net drains within one year included USD 2,118 million in principal and USD 1,883 million in interest, with net long positions of USD 1,157 million in the forward and futures book.
The European Commission's 2026 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report highlights a mixed performance across 29 key performance indicators, with plans to intensify barrier-removal efforts focusing on late payments and green transition services. The report notes improvements in skills recognition, AI uptake, and renewable energy, while identifying declines in intra-EU trade and labour shortages in green-transition occupations.
The European Commission has referred Spain and Malta to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not transposing Delegated Directive (EU) 2023/2775, which updates size criteria for enterprises under the Accounting Directive, by the 24 December 2024 deadline. This directive adjusts thresholds for inflation since 2013 to prevent smaller enterprises from facing reporting requirements meant for larger companies and to ensure consistent size categories across the EU.
The European Commission announced a seminar on 4 February 2026, led by President Ursula von der Leyen and attended by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, to discuss Europe's competitiveness agenda. This seminar will inform an EU leaders' retreat on 12 February 2026, focusing on strengthening the EU single market, with initiatives including the Clean Industrial Deal, a startup strategy, and a competitiveness fund, alongside plans for a Savings and Investment Union and a "28th regime" to reduce market barriers.
The Philippines Insurance Commission reported a steady expansion in the life insurance industry for 2025, with insurance penetration rising to 1.78% and density reaching PHP 4,384.56. Life insurance premiums grew 14.54% to PHP 403.21 billion, accounting for 80.77% of total industry premiums. Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado attributed the growth to financial literacy initiatives and enhanced regulatory supervision.
The Bank of Thailand reported economic expansion in Q4, driven by stronger external and domestic demand, with headline inflation remaining negative but improving. Key issues for monitoring include baht appreciation, business liquidity, and recovery in manufacturing and tourism.
The Albania Financial Services Authority released its 2025 insurance market bulletin, reporting a 10.54% increase in gross written premiums to ALL 27,090 million and a 5.07% rise in insurance contracts. Non-life insurance dominated with 90.99% of premium volume, while compulsory motor insurance premiums grew by 12.22% to ALL 16,900 million. Life insurance premiums saw a significant increase of 17.62%, reaching approximately ALL 2,435 million.
The Albania Financial Services Authority’s board adopted organizational and supervisory decisions, appointing an external auditor for the 2025 financial statements and approving the 2026 Compensation Fund. Key appointments were made at supervised firms, including Sigal Life Insurance Group sh.a., Posta Shqiptare sh.a., WVP Fund Management Tirana sh.a., and A-Eja Insurance Broker sh.a. The board also authorized insurance agent activity.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has signed a memorandum of understanding with China's UnionPay to enhance cooperation in payment card issuance and interoperability, including QR code technologies. The agreement aims to establish a legal framework for collaboration, improve cross-border money transfers, and support the transition to a cashless economy.
The Astana Financial Services Authority has initiated its first Call for Evidence to gather stakeholder feedback on enhancing the Astana International Financial Centre Asset Management Framework, focusing on Specialist Funds, emerging fund structures, and investor protection. The initiative, linked to significant growth in the sector, is open for public comment until 28 February 2026, with feedback informing a future public consultation.
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) has opened two new inquiries and escalated a completed investigation into a sanctioning proceeding concerning Americanas S.A.'s accounting irregularities. The inquiries will assess banks, intermediaries, and board members' compliance with fiduciary duties. CVM's task force is handling multiple proceedings, including insider trading and disclosure-related cases, with ongoing cooperation from other authorities.
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) will begin publishing advance summaries of topics and administrative proceeding numbers for its weekly Collegiate Board meetings to enhance transparency. These summaries will be available on the CVM website, with confidentiality maintained for sensitive cases.
The Central Bank of Russia set its 2026 Q2 macroprudential limits for most retail lending on an inclusion basis, keeping overall tightness broadly unchanged for mortgages, unsecured consumer credit, car loans and vehicle-secured loans while tightening limits for individual housing construction mortgages and home equity loans. It also raised the risk-weight add-on for increases in credit claims on large highly leveraged companies to 100% from 1 March 2026. Other macroprudential add-ons and the 0.5 percentage point national countercyclical capital buffer were left unchanged.
The Financial Conduct Authority's Consultation Paper CP26/5 updates UK Listing Rules, requiring listed companies to report sustainability-related financial information per draft UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, replacing the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Affecting around 515 companies, proposals include mandatory climate reporting, 'comply or explain' for Scope 3 emissions and non-climate disclosures, and new transparency requirements. Responses are due by 20 March 2026, with rules effective from 1 January 2027.
The Financial Conduct Authority has extended the transitional provision for compliance with changes to the Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook concentration rule on UK UCITS investment limits, now expiring on 31 January 2027. This extension, effective from 29 January 2026, follows consultation feedback and aims to address practical issues with the previous changes.
The Malta Financial Services Authority and the Malta Stock Exchange will host the 2026 Governance, Risk Compliance and ESG Conference on 6–7 March 2026, focusing on compliance, anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, risk management, RegTech, and ESG. The event aims to foster international dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities in the financial and regulatory environment.
The Austria Financial Market Authority released a new edition of its consumer information series "Reden wir über Geld," detailing the impact of EU financial sanctions on consumers and its new role in supervising and enforcing these sanctions from 1 January 2026. The publication addresses potential consumer impacts, such as holdings in sanctioned securities and transaction delays, and explains key aspects of financial sanctions and asset freezes.