The Reserve Bank of India has released draft 2026 directions for public comment to revise prudential norms on dividend declarations and profit remittances for various banks, introducing a new methodology for calculating maximum eligible dividend payouts. Comments are accepted until 5 February 2026 through the RBI's Connect2Regulate channel.
The Malaysia Securities Commission has appointed Dato’ Seri Ahmad Johan Mohammad Raslan as the non-executive Chairman of its Audit Oversight Board, effective 5 January 2026, succeeding Tan Sri Abu Samah Nordin. Dato’ Seri Johan, previously a non-executive board member since December 2020, has an extensive background in corporate governance and financial oversight.
France's Autorité des marchés financiers and the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority issued a public warning and updated their blacklists, adding 58 unauthorised websites to the Forex category and 29 to the crypto-asset derivatives category. Investors are advised to verify intermediary authorisation through official registers, as the blacklists are frequently updated but not exhaustive.
The Central Bank of Chile released the Survey of Price Determinants and Expectations, indicating stable selling prices and unchanged median inflation expectations. Firms reported neutral selling prices, similar cost pressures, slightly weaker sales volumes, and modest profit margin improvements. Sales conditions exerted downward pressure on prices, while costs and a weaker USD exchange rate contributed upward pressure.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission reprimanded and fined Saxo Capital Markets HK Limited HKD 4 million for regulatory breaches related to distributing unauthorised virtual asset funds and products to retail clients. The firm failed to assess clients' knowledge, provide adequate information, and implement proper due diligence and controls, breaching SFC guidelines and the Code of Conduct.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority updated out-of-court debt collection costs after the Government raised the debt collection rate from NOK 700 to NOK 750. Under section 1-2 of the Debt Collection Regulations, fees for reminders and warnings are adjusted from NOK 35 to NOK 38, and fees for payment requests from NOK 105 to NOK 113. Maximum rates for a debtor's liability for out-of-court collection costs remain unchanged.
Democrats on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs announced a January 7, 2026 roundtable with housing organizations as part of the 2026 Costs Initiative to lower housing costs. The event will explore policy options, including the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, with participation from key advocacy groups.
The European Central Bank reported that euro area bank interest rates for new loans and deposits remained largely stable in November 2025, with borrowing costs at 3.50% for non-financial corporations and 3.30% for household loans for house purchase. Notable changes included a 4 basis point decrease for corporate loans over EUR 1 million with floating rates and up to three months' fixation, and an 8 basis point increase for smaller loans up to EUR 250,000.
The European Central Bank published a blog post discussing the increasing use of visual communication and plain language by central banks to enhance public understanding of monetary policy, highlighting examples from various global institutions. The ECB noted its own efforts following the 2021 strategy review, including multilingual visual summaries and social media distribution, significantly boosting engagement.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper introduces a semi-parametric framework for modeling extreme tail risk, integrating Extreme Value Theory with a conditional Generalized Pareto Distribution to capture time-varying tail risk in financial returns. Applied to Bitcoin and Ether returns, the model highlights significant tail risk increases during 2022's Terra/Luna, FTX, and Celsius collapses, with performance comparable to complex EVT models and better than standard GARCH in extreme scenarios.
The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued an alert about a suspected fraudulent scheme by SGV Advisory FZ LLC or Strategic Global Ventures, falsely claiming FSRA authorization. The entity isn't licensed for regulated activities in ADGM. FSRA advises investors to verify firm permissions via the FSRA Public Register. The website falsely promotes investment opportunities and unauthorized use of an individual's name and image.
The Central Bank of Taiwan will release the Bing Wu Year of the Horse coin set, the tenth in the Chinese Zodiac Commemorative Coin series, with sales managed by the Bank of Taiwan online from January 6-12, 2026, and in branches starting January 29, 2026. A total of 90,000 sets, priced at NT$2,450 each, will be available, with online orders subject to a lottery if demand exceeds supply.
The Central Bank of Taiwan reported foreign exchange reserves of USD 602.55 billion at the end of December 2025, an increase of USD 2.76 billion from the previous month, driven by returns from reserves management and currency exchange rate movements. The market value of securities investment and New Taiwan Dollar deposits held by foreign investors was USD 1,149.9 billion, equating to 191% of the reserves.
Iceland's Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is drafting legislation to extend the public's ability to use supplementary pension savings for housing loans for ten years, moving away from annual renewals. The bill, expected to be submitted to the Icelandic Parliament after consultation, will apply retroactively from early 2026, while existing tax-free provisions for first home purchases remain unchanged.
Peru's Superintendence of the Securities Market has updated the minimum share capital requirement for Financial Crowdfunding Platform Administrator Companies to PEN 338,653.24 for 2026, as per Article 22 of the Regulation on Financial Crowdfunding. Firms must maintain net worth at or above this amount, adhering to Article 23's guidelines.
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service reported an improvement in insurers' capital adequacy under the Korean-Insurance Capital Standard (K-ICS) by end-September 2025, with the sector's K-ICS ratio at 210.8% with transitional measures and 196.8% without. Available capital rose to KRW 274.7 trillion, driven by net earnings and increased comprehensive income, while required capital increased due to higher equity risk amid a stock market rally.
The Central Bank of Seychelles has issued a warning about fraudulent TikTok and Facebook accounts impersonating Governor Caroline Abel, emphasizing that she has no social media presence and advising the public to avoid engaging with these impostors. Official communications are only released through the bank's website and verified channels, and the fraudulent profiles have been reported to the platforms.
The Central Bank of Estonia’s Supervisory Board approved Kaupo Kangro's design for a EUR 15 silver collector coin commemorating the Forest Brothers, to be issued in 2026 with a mintage of 2,500.
The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten announced that the passing of Mr. Hushang Ansary has led to a stay in liability proceedings related to Ennia losses, but efforts to recover from other former directors and shareholders will continue. The Joint Court of Justice awaits notification on who will assume Mr. Ansary's position, after which proceedings can resume.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has granted Al-Tijari Financial Brokerage Company a three-year renewable licence to operate as an investment portfolio manager, effective from 5 January 2026, following compliance with Law No. (7) of 2010 and related regulations.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has licensed Middle East Financial Brokerage Company as a qualified securities broker at the Stock Exchange, effective 4 January 2026, replacing its previous securities broker license. This follows Resolution No. (121) of 2025, requiring compliance with the Authority's prerequisites under Law No. (7) of 2010 and the Executive Bylaws.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved a new regulatory framework effective 1 February 2026, allowing non-resident foreign investors direct access to the Main Market by eliminating the Qualified Foreign Investor concept. This move, following a draft consultation in October 2025, also removes swap agreement regulations and updates investment rules, with international investors' ownership reaching SAR 519 billion by Q3 2025.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved BAAN Holding Co.'s capital increase from SAR 315 million to SAR 619.97 million through issuing up to 304.97 million ordinary shares to fund real estate acquisitions. The approval confirms compliance with legal requirements, and a shareholder circular will be published before the Extraordinary General Assembly meeting for voting.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved the public offer of the SEDCO Capital Lombard Global ESG Equities Feeder Fund by Saudi Economic and Development Securities Company, emphasizing that this approval is not a subscription recommendation but confirms compliance with legal requirements.
The Qatar Financial Centre has relocated to a new 6,200 square metre headquarters on Lusail Boulevard, enhancing operational efficiency and client service delivery while positioning itself closer to key financial institutions.
The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority issued an alert regarding a suspected fraudulent scheme by SGV Advisory FZ LLC or Strategic Global Ventures, falsely claiming FSRA licensing and regulatory cover. The FSRA confirmed that Strategic Global Ventures is not licensed or incorporated in ADGM and advised investors to verify firm authenticity and permissions through the FSRA and ADGM Registration Authority's Public Registers.
The OECD's Economic Survey of Portugal forecasts GDP growth of 2.2% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, driven by strong domestic demand and moderated inflation. It emphasizes the need for structural reforms to enhance living standards, reduce public debt, support older workers, address housing affordability, and strengthen climate policies.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission appointed Marlon S. Johnson as Chief Operating Officer, effective 15 December 2025, to oversee operations and support strategic and regulatory objectives. Johnson, with over 30 years of leadership experience, previously served as COO of Paradise Games Ltd. and held roles in The Bahamas Ministry of Finance and Central Bank.
The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission announced the Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2025, establishing a regulatory framework for virtual asset activities. A transitional prohibition on conducting such activities as a business is in place until 31 December 2026, unless authorized by the TTSEC under the Act’s Regulatory Sandbox, with specific compliance deadlines and conditions for existing providers.
The Reserve Bank of India has amended its directions on Local Area Banks' financial statement presentation and disclosures, introducing a new Notes to Accounts requirement for related party exposure disclosures effective from 1 April 2026, with an option for earlier implementation.
The National Bank of Denmark reported a December 2025 foreign exchange reserve decline by DKK 8.5bn to DKK 651.1bn, due to a net sale of foreign exchange and government debt repayment, with no market intervention. Liquidity data showed an increase in banks' net position by DKK 19.6bn, and several liquidity figures were corrected on 16 January 2026, while key policy rates remained unchanged since June 2025.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo reported a current account deficit of EUR 734.04 million by end-October 2025, a 36.8% increase from the previous year, with a goods trade deficit of EUR 4.64 billion and surpluses in services, primary, and secondary income. Direct investment in Kosovo rose 27.85% to EUR 846.75 million, while reserve assets increased by EUR 356.76 million, and gross external debt reached EUR 4.61 billion, driven by rising private sector debt.
The European Securities and Markets Authority has initiated the selection process for a Consolidated Tape Provider for over-the-counter derivatives, with entities invited to register and submit participation requests by 11 February 2026. The provider will consolidate post-trade data into a single electronic stream, with ESMA expecting to appoint the successful applicant by early July 2026 for a five-year term.
The Central Bank of Brazil and the National Monetary Council have introduced rules under Joint Resolution 15 and National Monetary Council Resolution 5,265/2025 to facilitate credit operation transfers via Open Finance, allowing customers to use digital data sharing for credit portability within three business days. Implementation begins with unsecured personal credit in February 2026, with plans to extend to payroll-deducted loans for federal public servants by November 2026.
The Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission has revised mutual fund fee requirements to enhance transparency and align fees with services, effective 1 February 2026. Key changes include annual fee structure reviews, performance fees separate from management fees, and fiduciary duties for trailer fees, with the revised regulations published following a supportive consultation.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has amended mutual fund share class classification rules to align with international standards and Thai market practices, effective 16 January 2026. The revised framework allows asset management companies more flexibility, introduces criteria for distinguishing share classes, and mandates additional risk management for currency-hedged classes.
The Bank of Lithuania has released financial accounts data detailing the financial assets and liabilities of Lithuania's institutional sectors, with both quarterly and long-term annual series available online.
El Salvador’s Superintendence of the Financial System announced the statutory payment deadlines for pension contributions for 2026 under Article 21 of the Comprehensive Pensions System Law. The deadlines are specified by accrual month, with a note clarifying the reference as the month of affected income or medical leave authorization.
During the Zanzibar International Trade Fair, the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabiti Kombo, emphasized the need for comprehensive supervision of insurance for foreign visitors entering Tanzania. He directed collaboration between insurance stakeholders and government bodies to ensure visitor insurance products are accessible and meet international standards.
Bank of Indonesia has ceased publication of the Jakarta Interbank Offered Rate (JIBOR) as of 1 January 2026, promoting the Indonesia Overnight Index Average (IndONIA) as the new rupiah benchmark rate. IndONIA, based on actual interbank transactions, replaces JIBOR in the benchmark reform programme. The transition follows a significant shift in contract references and increased interbank market activity.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission held a symposium with key authorities to review and coordinate efforts on the financial fraud prevention system in China's capital markets, as outlined in the State Council's Comprehensive Punishment Opinions. Since 2024, the Commission has addressed 159 fraud cases, issued CNY 8.1 billion in fines, and transferred 112 criminal leads, while focusing on investor recovery and strengthening accountability and enforcement mechanisms.
The Governing Board of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has appointed Tomislav Ivankovic as Vice Governor for the Administration and Finance Sector for a four-year term starting 1 January 2026. Ivankovic previously served as the Central Bank’s Deputy Chief Audit Executive and holds qualifications as a bankruptcy administrator, permanent court expert, and certified internal auditor for the public sector.
The Republic of Serbia Securities Commission announced that amendments to the Capital Markets Law and the Alternative Investment Funds Law took effect on 12 December 2025, aiming to strengthen the regulatory framework and align with EU standards. The changes include technical corrections to the Capital Markets Law and updates to the Alternative Investment Funds Law to incorporate Directive 2011/61/EU and prepare for the European Long-Term Investment Funds Regulation.
The National Bank of Serbia reported December 2025 statistics for its IPS NBS instant payments system, noting 11,119,294 transactions with an average daily turnover of RSD 4,930.0 million and a 1.0-second execution time.
The National Bank of Serbia reported December 2025 statistics for its RTGS and Clearing systems, noting 21.1 million payments and RSD 18,778.0 billion turnover in RTGS, with zero downtime and full system availability. The Interbank and International Foreign Exchange Clearing Systems processed EUR 188,821,732.80 with 100% availability.
The National Bank of Romania reported December 2025 international reserves at EUR 77.017 billion, with foreign exchange reserves at EUR 64.8 billion and unchanged gold holdings valued at EUR 12.217 billion. Foreign exchange reserves decreased from November but increased year-on-year, with inflows of EUR 3.268 billion and outflows of EUR 3.876 billion.
Peru's Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Pension Funds Administrators (SBS) launched the 27th edition of its Extension Program to train recent graduates in finance, regulation, and risk management. The program includes 27 graduates and seven SBS staff, with a curriculum updated annually to include real case studies and new technologies. Since 1998, the program has produced 993 graduates, with 444 currently employed at SBS.
The Central Bank of Afghanistan met with the Afghanistan Banks Association and commercial bank heads to discuss implementation of newly approved guidelines to shift transactions from cash to electronic payment channels. The meeting focused on coordinated execution of the electronic payments strategy, expanding financial inclusion through digital solutions, strengthening banking systems and services, and encouraging banks to reduce foreign investments in favour of domestic projects and simpler customer procedures.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission held a cross-agency meeting to deepen implementation of the capital market framework for preventing and punishing financial fraud. It reported 159 investigated cases, 111 administrative penalties and CNY 8.1 billion in fines and confiscations since 2024, alongside stronger action against controlling shareholders, third-party accomplices and intermediaries. The next phase will focus on stronger laws, closer administrative, criminal and civil coordination, and a new round of corporate governance measures.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency released Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluations for 33 national banks, federal savings associations, and insured federal branches of foreign banks, covering ratings from December 1 to December 31, 2025. The evaluations assess institutions' credit provision to their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, with ratings of outstanding and satisfactory.
The Central Bank of Bolivia reaffirmed the use of its US dollar reference value as an informational indicator for transparency and statistical purposes, without altering the official exchange rate. From 2026, the reference selling value for external transactions will include central bank commissions, and daily transaction amounts by banks will be published with the reference buying value.
The Alberta Securities Commission has issued a Notice of Hearing alleging that Jason David Neale, Randal Stewart Thompson, and William Allan Green committed fraud involving nine Old Kent Road investment funds, misusing approximately CAD 17.4 million of investors' capital. A hearing date will be set on February 17, 2026, in Calgary.
The Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority announced that Analytic Management AG's asset management company licence expired on 31 December 2025 due to a written waiver by the firm. Consequently, the firm is no longer authorised to provide or broker services under Article 3 of the Liechtenstein Insurance Contract Act (VVG).
The Ministry of Finance of North Macedonia has launched the process of creating a regulatory framework for crowdfunding, based on European practices and adapted to the domestic market. Following completion of a study reviewing European approaches, the ministry plans to draft legislation to provide a clear and reliable framework for crowdfunding as an additional source of finance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and innovative business ideas.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has amended the Real Estate Investment Trust Regulations, 2022 to simplify procedures, enhance governance, and increase transparency in REIT operations. Key changes include clearer timelines for asset transfers, strengthened roles for management companies and trustees, alignment with Shariah governance, and new income and asset test requirements.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority's CEO highlighted the 2026 MONEYVAL onsite evaluation as a key focus, with preparations including meeting submission deadlines and conducting training sessions. The Authority is also finalizing risk assessments for the National Risk Assessment and exploring data and technology initiatives to modernize frameworks and support economic sustainability.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) and Sociedade Ibgeana de Assistência e Seguridade (SIAS) signed a Term of Adjustment of Conduct to align SIAS with pension fund licensing and solvency requirements. The agreement mandates closing the Regime Jurídico Único (RJU) plan and establishing a new defined contribution plan within 25 months. This action addresses technical shortcomings in the RJU plan, including a non-contributory sponsor and insufficient capacity to pay benefits long-term.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) instructed Closed Supplementary Pension Entities to pay the Complementary Pension Supervision and Control Fee for the first four-month period of 2026 by 12 January. The fee is based on the "recursos garantidores" value from the September 2025 accounting statement, with late payments incurring interest and penalties per PREVIC Resolution 23/2023. Payment guides must be generated through PREVIC’s SIA online system, requiring a Gov.br account.
The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye is accepting electronic applications for education seminars for university students, scheduled from 26 to 30 January 2026 online and in person in Ankara, with applications open until 16 January 2026 via Türkiye’s e-Government portal. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
The Central Bank of Afghanistan called on commercial banks to implement the electronic payments strategy, strengthen digital services and expand financial inclusion. It also urged banks to reduce overseas investments, fund more public-benefit projects within Afghanistan and simplify customer procedures.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission announced that the Ministry of Finance issued Circular 135/2025/TT-BTC, updating the regulatory framework for securities practitioners. This new circular, effective 9 February 2026, repeals Circular 197/2015/TT-BTC.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission updated the Ministry of Finance’s circular amending the roadmap for reorganising Vietnam’s securities trading markets. The revised roadmap extends the deadline for transferring listed companies’ shares from the Hanoi Stock Exchange to the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange to 31 December 2026. This aims to support synchronisation and stability, with the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange required to complete the receipt of transferred shares accordingly.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission overviewed Ministry of Finance Circular 136/2025/TT-BTC, amending Circular 98/2020/TT-BTC, effective 12 February 2026. The amendments introduce new fund product types, expand permissible investments and limits, enhance liquidity management for open-ended funds, and strengthen online fund certificate distribution oversight. Key changes include rules for infrastructure bond and money market instrument funds, expanded asset classes for open-ended funds, and operational adjustments for fund meetings and transaction processes.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has issued a notice requiring individuals on a specified list to pay a VND 1,000,000 fee for securities practising certificates, as per the Ministry of Finance’s Circular 25/2022/TT-BTC. Payment can be made via bank transfer or directly at the Commission. Failure to collect the certificate within one year of the fee-payment notice will result in cancellation.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission announced the payment procedure for the licensing fee of VND 1,000,000 for securities practice certificates, as per Ministry of Finance Circular 25/2022/TT-BTC. Payments can be made via bank transfer to Vietinbank or Vietcombank, or directly at the Commission. Failure to collect the certificate within one year of the fee payment notice will result in cancellation.
The National Bank of Ukraine reported its special account, established on 24 February 2022 to support Ukraine's defense forces, allocated over UAH 88 billion for defense needs in 2025, with nearly UAH 97 billion received that year and a balance of over UAH 24.7 billion as of 1 January 2026. Since the invasion began, the account credited nearly UAH 146.8 billion, with significant allocations to various defense and security agencies, and some unused funds were returned in late December 2025.
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority released the November 2025 declarations on share buyback programmes and liquidity contracts, detailing transactions by listed companies. The report includes programme parameters, such as start and end dates, repurchase ceilings, and price limits, with specific examples from Maroc Telecom and BCP. It also provides data on traded volumes and weighted average execution prices.
The Moroccan Capital Market Authority announced that HAKAM ABDELLATIF FINANCE S.A has exceeded the 5% participation threshold in Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès (LEMO) after acquiring 12,000 shares at MAD 1,250 each. The firm now holds 5.05% of LEMO's share capital and plans to continue purchasing shares within the next six months.
Bank of Indonesia reported that Consumer Price Index inflation in 2025 remained within the 2.5%±1% target corridor, with December CPI inflation at 0.64% month on month and headline inflation at 2.92% year on year. The bank expects inflation to stay within this target range in 2026 and 2027, supported by consistent monetary policy and coordination with government initiatives.
The Malaysia Securities Commission charged Dato’ Sri Liew Yew Chung, former CEO and Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Khee San Berhad, with 11 offences under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 for allegedly causing a wrongful loss of MYR 7.12 million to a subsidiary. Liew, who pleaded not guilty, faces potential imprisonment and fines, with bail set at MYR 160,000 and a bimonthly reporting requirement; his passport remains surrendered due to a separate case involving alleged financial misconduct at London Biscuits Berhad.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore announced that Mr Heng Swee Keat has stepped down from the MAS Board of Directors as of 1 January 2026, after 20 years of service, including his leadership during the 2008 financial crisis and contributions to Singapore's financial sector development.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a public scam alert following a report from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited about fraudulent websites and mobile applications. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information, advising affected individuals to contact the bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has created a register for companies offering technology-based risk assessment in non-banking finance, prohibiting unregistered third parties. Firms must meet capital, operational, and documentation requirements and are subject to inspection and reporting. Non-banking finance providers must notify the Authority before engaging registered firms, with penalties for non-compliance including warnings, suspension, and delisting.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has launched the first digital payments network in the non-banking financial sector, offering an integrated electronic platform for payments to the FRA. Developed with eFinance, the platform supports electronic registration, transaction monitoring, and enhanced governance, with a focus on cybersecurity and data protection. A one-month pilot phase began on 1 January 2026.
The Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) reported a rise in investment fraud techniques in 2025, including deepfake celebrity videos, WhatsApp groups, and AI chatbots, with 843 fraud reports and EUR 19.6 million in losses. The FMA issued 97 warnings about unauthorised providers, highlighted challenges in investigating fraud via private social media channels, and plans to continue consumer education initiatives in 2026.
The Chile Financial Market Commission has opened a consultation on amendments to its open finance technical standards, focusing on payment initiation activities. The proposal updates Annex 3 of General Rule No. 514, incorporating feedback from over 400 comments by various financial entities. Key changes include new Developer Portal elements, expanded security profiles, and detailed specifications for payment-related APIs.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) reported inadequacies in SpareBank 1 SMN's use of the internal ratings-based (IRB) method for retail lending. It calls for better integration of IRB information, including loss given default (LGD) and probability of default (PD), into credit decisions and board reporting. Finanstilsynet will monitor the bank's maturity parameter practices and validation of default data, stressing accurate collateral valuation and regulatory alignment.
The Central Bank of Egypt reported a 42.5% increase in remittances from Egyptians abroad, reaching approximately USD 37.5 billion from January to November 2025, compared to USD 26.3 billion in the same period the previous year. November 2025 saw a 39.9% rise in monthly remittances to about USD 3.6 billion, up from USD 2.6 billion in November 2024.
The India International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) issued a circular updating the 2022 Anti Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Know Your Customer Guidelines, consolidating all modifications as of 2 January 2026, and released FAQs to clarify Video-based Customer Identification Process provisions. Changes follow stakeholder input and government directives.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a rise in year-on-year headline inflation to 1.8% in December, driven by higher food prices, while average inflation for 2025 was 1.7%, below the government's target. The bank expects inflation to return to the target range in 2026 and 2027 and will maintain a data-dependent monetary policy approach.
The Nepal Insurance Regulatory Authority mandates that all licensed insurers, reinsurers, micro-insurers, and insurance intermediaries make payments electronically to the bank accounts of relevant persons or institutions. This requirement applies to all payment types and becomes mandatory from Magh 1, 2082.
The Argentina Superintendency of Insurance has launched a mobile-optimized version of "Tu Tablero Asegurador" to enhance digital access to statistical information. This upgrade enables users to view operational and financial indicators for insurance entities via mobile devices, supporting analysis and decision-making for all market participants.
Argentina's Superintendency of Insurance issued Resolution No. 705/2025, amending the General Regulation of Insurance Activity to update criteria for calculating insurance reserves and liabilities. Key changes include simplified calculations for Collective Incidence Environmental Surety, refined valuation for pending mediations, and precise methodologies for reinsurers' participation in IBNR claims. These provisions apply to financial statements closed on 31 December 2025 onward.
The Joint Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities confirmed EIOPA must reimburse NOVIS for appeal costs, specifying only objectively necessary and reasonable costs are eligible, following a contested breakdown by EIOPA.
The European Supervisory Authorities’ Joint Board of Appeal confirmed its authority to decide on the reimbursement of costs for NOVIS Insurance Company's appeal against the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, ruling that only objectively necessary and reasonable costs will be reimbursed. The Board determined the total reimbursement amount in its decision on 3 December 2025.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has extended the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited from operating as a Primary Dealer for six months from 5 January 2026 to facilitate ongoing investigations. This action is based on regulations under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance and the Local Treasury Bills Ordinance.
The Central Bank of Peru has initiated its 2026 Summer Courses in Advanced Economics and Advanced Finance to enhance economic and financial knowledge and technical capacity, welcoming 69 university students from across the country.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) warned of alleged unauthorised activity by Bitstorage LTD under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2024, linked to bitstorage.finance. Bitstorage LTD, previously incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, dissolved on 1 January 2023. The FSA advises consumers to verify virtual asset service providers' licensing and report suspected unlicensed activity.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has granted EFG Hermes Eva Financial Brokerage Company a licence to operate as a qualified securities broker registered with the Securities Exchange, replacing its previous brokerage activity, effective 30 December 2025, under Resolution No. 120 of 2025.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved Saudi Networkers Services Company's capital increase from SAR 60,000,000 to SAR 75,000,000 via a bonus share issue, with eligibility based on shareholders registered at the Security Depository Center as of the second trading day post-due date. The extraordinary general assembly must occur within six months, and the company must comply with all regulatory requirements.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved Al Mawarid Manpower Company's capital increase from SAR 150 million to SAR 200 million through bonus shares, funded by capitalizing SAR 50 million in retained earnings. The company must hold an extraordinary general assembly within six months and comply with all regulatory requirements.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved AlAwwal Capital Company's public offer of the ALAWWAL Promising Growth Fund, emphasizing that CMA approval signifies compliance with legal requirements but is not a subscription recommendation. Investors are advised to thoroughly review the fund's terms, strategy, and risks.
The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee reduced the interest rate to 4 percent, attributing the decision to a moderating inflation environment, with November's Consumer Price Index down 0.5 percent and annual inflation at 2.4 percent. The shekel has strengthened against major currencies, and while the labor market remains tight, it shows signs of easing supply restrictions.
The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) and the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission discussed coordinated oversight and cooperation, focusing on the newly approved Virtual Assets Law and related money laundering risks. The JSC plans to implement the law one month after publication, restrict dealings with virtual currencies, enhance media awareness, and pursue a memorandum of understanding for training and cooperation on money laundering.
The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee reduced the policy interest rate to 4 percent due to moderating inflation and economic expansion, while noting potential inflation risks from geopolitical and fiscal factors. November's Consumer Price Index decreased by 0.5 percent, with annual inflation at 2.4 percent, and the shekel appreciated against major currencies.
The Bank of Israel Research Department's January 2026 macroeconomic forecast projects GDP growth of 5.2% in 2026 and 4.3% in 2027, with inflation at 1.7% and 2.0% respectively, and an interest rate averaging 3.5% in late 2026. The forecast assumes a stable ceasefire, gradual easing of labour constraints, and highlights risks such as potential conflict escalation and early elections.
The Bank of Israel lowered the policy interest rate to 4 percent, citing moderated inflation, shekel appreciation, and easing labor-market constraints. The Governor emphasized that future rate decisions will consider inflation, economic activity, geopolitical uncertainty, and fiscal developments, with a projected policy rate of 3.5 percent by end-2026.
The Central Bank of Kuwait has launched the Kuwait Automated Clearing House (KACH) System as part of the second version of the Kuwait National Payments System to enhance low-value transaction efficiency among local banks. KACH offers 24/7 transaction processing, automated settlements, and robust security features, with future plans including systems for dispute management, wage protection, and electronic bill payment.
The IMF's Monetary and Capital Markets Department released a paper on "good practices" for cyber risk regulation in financial institutions, emphasizing integrating ICT and cyber-risk management. It recommends balancing principles-based and prescriptive elements, applying proportionality by firm size and systemic importance, and highlights tools like governance requirements, cybersecurity testing, and third-party risk management.
The International Actuarial Association announced the approval of its 2026 officers, with Mike Lombardi as President, Maximillian Happacher as President-Elect, and Bozenna Hinton as Immediate Past President, effective 1 January 2026. Lombardi emphasized priorities for enhancing the IAA's effectiveness and efficiency during his presidential address.