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2025-03-19•United Kingdom•Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has launched a market study to assess the distribution of pure protection insurance products to retail consumers, focusing on commission structures and sales practices. The study will examine term assurance, critical illness cover, income protection insurance, and whole of life insurance, excluding private medical insurance and funeral plans. The FCA aims to determine if commissions impact product value and customer outcomes, with initial findings expected by the end of 2025.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsSales and distribution
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2025-03-19•United Kingdom•Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority fined the London Metal Exchange (LME) GBP 9.2 million for inadequate systems during severe market stress in March 2022, leading to disorderly trading. LME's failure to manage automatic volatility controls caused an eight-day suspension of nickel trading and trade cancellations on 8 March 2022. LME accepted the findings and received a 30% early settlement discount, marking the FCA's first enforcement case against a UK recognised investment exchange.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsMarket risk and volatility
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2025-03-19•Colombia•Central Bank of Colombia
The Central Bank of Colombia issued Operational and Services External Circular GT-474, detailing contingency arrangements for the weekly calculation of the DTF rate, the 180-day and 360-day Certificate of Term Deposit (CDT) rates, and the Term Certificate of Deposit (TCC).
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOther
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2025-03-19•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted UK Ambassador Julian Reilly to discuss the banking sector's state and cooperation opportunities. The agency emphasized its stable and resilient banking system and expressed readiness to enhance collaboration for economic and financial market development.
Policy & regulationCooperationDomestic cooperation
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2025-03-19•Peru•Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP del Peru
Peru's Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Pension Funds (SBS) launched the “Arequipa Ahorra” short story contest during World Savings Week to boost financial awareness among secondary school students and teachers in Arequipa. The contest includes categories for students and teachers, with submissions accepted in Spanish or indigenous languages. Winners will be chosen by a jury of experts in literature, communication, and financial education.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
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2025-03-19•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has banned Steven Wong Yung, former CEO of Kylin International (HK) Co., Limited, from the industry for 14 months due to failures in managing private funds. The misconduct occurred between August 2018 and July 2021, with Wong failing to uphold standards and manage risks. The SFC acknowledged Wong's cooperation and clean record, and noted ongoing related disciplinary actions.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsCorporate governance
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2025-03-19•France•Bank of France
The Bank of France reported a EUR 7.7bn net loss for 2024, primarily due to the cost of remunerating bank deposits exceeding returns on long-dated assets. Despite the loss, the Bank's net position remains positive at EUR 202.7bn, and it does not anticipate needing recapitalisation from the state. The Bank expects monetary losses to decrease significantly in 2025 as interest costs decline and low-yield assets mature.
Institutional developmentOtherFinancial and market indicatorsMonetary data
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2025-03-19•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has updated superannuation reporting standards SRS 101.0, SRS 553.0, and SRS 606.0 to align with the APRA Connect taxonomy and clarify reporting requirements. The revised standards are available on its website under Phase 2 Depth.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
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2025-03-19•Global•International Association of Insurance Supervisors
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors has launched a public consultation on a draft Issues Paper examining structural shifts in the life insurance sector, focusing on alternative assets and cross-border asset-intensive reinsurance. The paper addresses macroprudential and financial stability implications, hidden leverage, liquidity and credit risks, and regulatory capital considerations. It also highlights potential enhancements to IAIS supervisory material to mitigate risks.
Policy & regulationInternational standards & recommendationsMarket developmentPrudential risks
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2025-03-19•Belgium•National Bank of Belgium
The National Bank of Belgium clarified its role in managing gold reserves, emphasizing its legal responsibility and the Board's autonomy under central bank independence. Gold reserves support public interest tasks and are managed with a focus on liquidity, safety, return, and sustainability, in coordination with the European Central Bank. Gains from reserve management are allocated to a special reserve account and cannot be used for other purposes.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOther
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2025-03-19•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a public alert regarding fraudulent websites and social media pages impersonating DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive personal information. Individuals who interacted with these fraudulent sites are advised to contact DBS Bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has issued a warning about phishing instant messages linked to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send messages with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) alerted about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens linked to China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited. The HKMA stressed that banks will not send SMS or emails with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens impersonating Chong Hing Bank Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send messages with embedded links for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact Chong Hing Bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Isle of Man•Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority's 2025-2027 priorities focus on anti-money laundering, countering terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. Led by the AML/CFT Supervision Division, it will target high-risk firms, while lower-risk entities receive thematic work and outreach. Activities include inspections, data requests, and compliance meetings, with updates via the Authority’s At-A-Glance calendar.
SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitAML and CFT
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2025-03-19•United Kingdom•UK Parliament
The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee report on the Whole of Government Accounts 2022–23 highlights insufficient oversight of local authority finances and inadequate focus on long-term financial risks. Only 10% of English local authorities submitted reliable data, causing significant overstatements in net income and debt. The committee urges the Government to address data gaps and clarify deadlines and capacity issues related to the planned Local Audit Office.
Policy & regulationOtherAccounting and financial reporting
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2025-03-19•Global•Bank for International Settlements
The Bank for International Settlements released a paper on non-horizontal mergers with extensive consumer data, highlighting potential market power and competitive harm not fully addressed by traditional antitrust analysis. It proposes new metrics for valuing merged datasets and suggests tools for competition authorities to mitigate anti-competitive effects while maintaining data-driven benefits. The paper uses payments-sector deals and merger cases from the U.S. and EU to illustrate impacts and mitigation strategies.
ResearchBigtechCompetition and market structure
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2025-03-19•United States•Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta appointed Davis Ozier to the Birmingham Branch board of directors for a term from February 20, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Ozier, president of Coosa Composites, will contribute economic insights for monetary policy discussions and discount rate recommendations.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
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2025-03-19•Thailand•Thailand Office of Insurance Commission
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission briefed insurers on enhancing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) to align with international standards. The review identified areas for improvement in report quality, emphasizing clearer articulation of risk appetite and stronger links to organizational strategy. Plans include changing the reporting format to facilitate systematic analysis and improve supervisory efficiency.
SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitRisk managementSupervision process and methodologies
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2025-03-19•Mexico•CONDUSEF
Mexico's CONDUSEF awarded Kueski the Commitment Badge for Serving Older Adults, marking it as the first non-regulated, fully digital financial firm to receive this recognition. The badge acknowledges Kueski's efforts in providing accessible services and priority attention to older adults, including nearly 800,000 loans. CONDUSEF aims to promote secure and accessible services for older adults through strategic collaborations with financial institutions.
OtherConsumer and investor protection
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2025-03-19•Europe•European Central Bank
In a keynote speech, ECB Executive Board member Frank Elderson emphasized that enhancing bank competitiveness should not compromise regulation and supervision. He noted the robust position of euro area significant institutions with strong capital and liquidity ratios but flagged concerns over rising corporate insolvencies and asset quality. Elderson advocated for EU-level harmonisation, operational resilience, and supervisory process simplification, stressing the importance of credit risk management and cyber resilience.
SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitCapital adequacyAsset qualityLiquidity risk
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2025-03-19•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of San Marino has appointed Davide Vagnetti and Pietro Calvaruso to its Board of Directors, following the Great and General Council's decision under Article 10 of its Statute.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
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2025-03-19•Brazil•Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP)
The Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP) announced its involvement in Brazil's financial education initiatives, including a strategic role in the new Ministry of Education programme and participation in the Treasury Direct Financial Education Olympiad awards. SUSEP will also chair the Brazilian Financial Education Forum's 12th National Financial Education Week in May 2025, focusing on financial education for children and youth.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
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2025-03-19•Brazil•Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP)
The Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP) discussed Complementary Law No. 213/2025 at an OCB System seminar, focusing on expanding insurance cooperatives' market participation. SUSEP emphasized technical rigour and dialogue in developing the regulatory framework, linking discussions to Brazil's protection gap highlighted by the 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods. Director Carlos Queiroz outlined the implementation process, including stakeholder engagement and public consultation, and noted SUSEP's 2025 presidency of the Brazilian Financial Education Forum.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
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2025-03-19•South Africa•South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank's Market Practitioners Group recommends fallback credit adjustment spreads for transitioning from Jibar to ZARONIA, aligning with ISDA. The spread is based on the historical median difference over five years. A formal Jibar cessation announcement is expected in December 2025, with ISDA ready to incorporate Jibar fallbacks into its 2021 Interest Rate Derivative Definitions.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretation
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2025-03-19•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina transferred two special vehicles to the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies to enhance cash transportation safety and efficiency. This is part of an agreement to supply the Directorate with necessary resources. The Directorate also outlined plans to improve coordination with domestic and international partners, aligning with the central bank's goal to bolster security-sector capacities.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsCapacity building
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2025-03-19•Brazil•Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC)
Brazil’s Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) has issued rules for assessing new closed pension entities and benefit plans. Criteria involve indicators based on current and projected data, classifying results into green, yellow, or red bands, with refusal recommended for certain red or yellow outcomes. These rules, now in force, guide authorization analyses and are supported by new instructions and data-submission tools on the PREVIC portal.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsLicensing framework and process
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2025-03-19•Philippines•Central Bank of the Philippines
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a USD 3.1 billion balance of payments surplus for February 2025, reversing a USD 196 million deficit from February 2024. Despite this, the cumulative BOP position showed a USD 992 million deficit as of February 2025, slightly wider than the previous year's USD 936 million deficit. The February surplus was driven by net foreign currency deposits and income from foreign investments, while the year-to-date deficit was mainly due to a wider trade in goods deficit and net outflows from foreign portfolio investments.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
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2025-03-19•Romania•Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority
The Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority warned about investment firms promoting zero-commission services, advising investors to scrutinize offers for fee transparency. The alert highlights a trend of attracting clients with low-risk instruments before directing them to high-risk products like CFDs. The authority reminded investors of Law No. 126/2018, which restricts marketing and sale of complex derivatives like binary options and CFDs to retail investors due to high risk.
SupervisionAlertsConsumer and investor protection
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2025-03-19•Brazil•Brazil Securities Commission (CVM)
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) Board rejected a proposed Term of Commitment settlement by Felipe Lopes Boff, vice-president director of Banco Mercantil do Brasil S.A., related to an administrative case on alleged insider trading. Despite the Term of Commitment Committee's acceptance of a BRL 300,000 payment and no legal impediment from the CVM’s Federal Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, the Board declined the settlement. The case involves an investigation into a potentially irregular share purchase under CVM Resolution 44.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsMarket abuse
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2025-03-19•Malaysia•Malaysia Securities Commission
The Malaysia Securities Commission has charged Lau Min Thung, former Head of Dealing at CIMB Investment Bank, with securities fraud and money laundering in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court. The charges involve defrauding investors of MYR 808,000 through fictitious bond investments and laundering the funds for share purchases between February 2013 and April 2014. Lau claimed trial to all charges and was granted bail of MYR 200,000 with conditions.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsFraud and scamsAML and CFT
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2025-03-19•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission announced the removal of Farkhad Akhmedov from the UK Russia financial sanctions regime, lifting his asset freeze, travel ban, and trust services sanctions. The consolidated list has been updated accordingly. UK sanctions regulations are implemented in Guernsey under the 2020 Brexit Regulations.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission issued a Russia sanctions notice amending details for three designated persons and entities under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. These entities remain on the UK consolidated list and are enforced in Guernsey under local sanctions laws. Businesses must freeze relevant assets, report to the States of Guernsey Policy & Resources Committee, and notify the Commission of affected ties.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission issued a Global Human Rights sanctions notice confirming the UK listing for Andrey Konstantinovich Lugovoy remains sanctioned in the Bailiwick of Guernsey. Businesses must verify relationships with designated persons, freeze assets, and report findings to the Policy and Resources Committee, complying with the Sanctions (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2018. Affected firms should also report to the Commission under Rule 12.37 of the Handbook.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has amended the designation details for Alexander Vasilevich Shakutin under the UK's Republic of Belarus sanctions regime. Businesses must freeze assets linked to designated persons and report findings to the States of Guernsey Policy & Resources Committee, adhering to the Sanctions (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2018. Firms must also notify the Commission and submit a report under Handbook Rule 12.37 if an affected relationship is identified.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsNew sanctions designations
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2025-03-19•United Kingdom•Prudential Regulation Authority
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has issued a consultation on new Rulebook conditions for an investment exchange to qualify as a "recognised exchange" under the UK Capital Requirements Regulation. The proposal enables firms to use assets traded on non-UK exchanges for credit risk mitigation and includes criteria for exchange and market structure requirements. Consequential changes involve revoking supervisory statement 20/13 and amending the Basel 3.1 definition of "higher risk equity exposures."
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsMarket infrastructure
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2025-03-19•Croatia•Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency
At the Financing Growth and Innovation for Competitiveness conference, Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency President Ante Žigman outlined priorities for expanding alternative financing for Croatian companies. Key initiatives include integrating Croatia’s capital market into the European framework, developing a Strategic Framework for Capital Markets, and enhancing market infrastructure and digitalisation. Hanfa aims to optimise regulation, support sustainable investments, and increase transparency.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
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2025-03-19•Seychelles•Seychelles Financial Services Authority
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority warns about unauthorised activity under the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, 2024, highlighting www.blockdag.network and the 'BLOCKDAG' coin by DAG SYSTEMS LTD. The company lacks authorisation due to not submitting a registration application. The authority advises investors and the public to research entities and service providers before transactions.
SupervisionAlertsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-03-19•Europe•European Commission
The European Commission has launched a "savings and investments union" strategy to channel EU household savings into productive investments by enhancing capital market participation and financial literacy. The strategy aims to provide easier access to diverse investment options and bolster capital-market funding for EU companies. It also seeks to strengthen the integration and competitiveness of the EU banking sector, involving EU institutions, Member States, and stakeholders.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
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2025-03-19•Global•ISDA
At ISDA's Athens Derivatives Forum, CEO Scott O’Malia highlighted derivatives' role in investment and risk management, announced the June launch of the ISDA Notices Hub for critical termination notices, and linked Greece's economic growth to increased demand for risk management tools. The forum also covered Greek corporate derivatives use, power trading market developments, and voluntary carbon trading, with educational sessions on ISDA documentation.
Other
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2025-03-19•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
Sweden’s Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen, FI) has issued a warning about loan fee fraud involving four entities: Nordic Finanx, Agri Financial Company, Jarifarl, and Trulann. These firms are not authorised to provide financial services in Sweden and are not under FI supervision. FI advises consumers to verify providers through its company register and IOSCO’s global database of regulatory warnings.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Vietnam•State Bank of Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam launched Regional Branch 5, consolidating six branches to streamline operations and enhance IT, asset management, and supervision. Priorities include aligning processes, strengthening credit controls, and prioritizing key sector lending. As of February 2025, the region's total credit outstanding was VND 511 trillion, focusing on agriculture and rural lending.
Institutional developmentMandate & organizational structureOther
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2025-03-19•Vietnam•State Bank of Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) detailed its digital transformation program, focusing on data infrastructure, electronic lending, and cashless payments. Progress includes biometric matching of 103 million customer records and chip-ID verification integration across credit institutions and payment intermediaries. SBV also reported leading administrative reform efforts, achieving a 34.38% simplification rate for internal procedures.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
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2025-03-19•Luxembourg•Central Bank of Luxembourg
The Central Bank of Luxembourg has signed a framework collaboration agreement with the École de commerce et de gestion to enhance cooperation in economic and financial education. The agreement includes organizing visits, conferences, and seminars, and developing joint educational initiatives.
Financial literacy & educationCapacity building
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2025-03-19•Finland•Finanssivalvonta
The Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA) reported strong solvency across banking, pensions, and insurance in 2024, despite increased economic and market uncertainty. Key risks include geopolitical tensions, a weak Finnish economy, and real estate market stress. FIN-FSA prioritizes capital and liquidity buffers, risk management, and preparedness for 2025.
SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsCapital adequacyFinancial stability and systemic risk
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2025-03-19•Iceland•Central Bank of Iceland
The Central Bank of Iceland's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously reduced the key policy rate on seven-day term deposits to 7.75%, amid a broad-based decline in inflation to 4.2% in February. Despite easing capacity pressures and a cooling housing market, persistent inflation pressures and global economic uncertainty warrant a continued tight monetary stance.
Monetary policyPolicy rate decisionsMonetary policy decisions and developments
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2025-03-19•Iceland•Central Bank of Iceland
The Central Bank of Iceland's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously reduced the key interest rate on seven-day term deposits by 0.25 percentage points to 7.75%, amid broad-based disinflation and easing capacity pressures, while maintaining caution due to rising wage costs and above-target inflation expectations. The interest rate corridor is now set at 9.50% for overnight loans, 8.50% for seven-day collateralised loans, 7.75% for seven-day term deposits, and 7.50% for current accounts.
Monetary policyPolicy rate decisionsMonetary policy decisions and developments
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2025-03-19•United States•Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Customer Education and Outreach issued an advisory warning about generative artificial intelligence scams targeting retail market participants. It details AI-generated fake images, voices, videos, and fraudulent documents, referencing an FBI warning on AI-driven fraud. It recommends enhancing social media privacy settings and safeguarding personal information.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scamsArtificial intelligence
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2025-03-19•Canada•British Columbia Financial Services Authority
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) penalized Vasant Pragjibhai Patel and Chattar Singh Flora for unlicensed real estate services related to the Murrayville House development. Patel faces a CAD 10,000 penalty and CAD 10,000 in investigation costs, while Flora must pay CAD 70,000. BCFSA also announced a forthcoming hearing against developer Mark John Chandler, who allegedly marketed units for resale already purchased by others.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-03-19•Canada•British Columbia Financial Services Authority
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) issued a consent order against Shahriar Abedi, imposing a CAD 45,000 penalty and CAD 2,500 in investigation costs for submitting false information in mortgage applications. Abedi misrepresented a borrower's income and professional designation to justify a salary increase. The maximum penalty under the Mortgage Brokers Act is CAD 50,000.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actions
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2025-03-19•Argentina•Argentina Securities Commission (CNV)
Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) chair Roberto E. Silva announced the adoption of a new framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (PSAVs) at the Regulation Day event. Developed over a year with private sector input, the framework outlines principles, conduct rules, and operational conditions for PSAVs, with non-compliant firms barred from operating in Argentina.
Policy & regulationRules & requirements
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2025-03-19•Argentina•Argentina Securities Commission (CNV)
Argentina Securities Commission (CNV) President Roberto E. Silva announced a new framework for registering, regulating, and supervising Virtual Asset Service Providers (PSAVs) at a Fireblocks event. This follows Law No. 27.739, expanding CNV's mandate to include PSAV oversight and enhancing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures. Key elements include a PSAV register established by General Resolution 994 and compliance deadlines set by General Resolution 1058.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsFintech and insurtechRegtech and suptech
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2025-03-19•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has updated reporting standards SRS 101.0, SRS 553.0, and SRS 606.0 to align with the APRA Connect taxonomy and clarify reporting requirements, with details available on APRA’s website under Phase 2 Depth.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
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2025-03-19•Luxembourg•Ministry of Finance (Luxembourg)
Luxembourg’s Ministry of Finance and Botswana’s Vice-President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, discussed strengthening bilateral relations, focusing on financial services cooperation and economic exchanges. Meetings with Luxembourg officials highlighted engagement in Africa, sustainable finance, and innovation in the financial sector. Gaolathe also met with the European Investment Bank and other financial entities in Luxembourg.
OtherCross-border cooperation
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2025-03-19•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova hosted a Romanian delegation led by Presidential Adviser Cristian Diaconescu, reaffirming bilateral cooperation in finance and banking, focusing on Moldova's EU accession. Discussions emphasized enhancing payments infrastructure interoperability with European systems and reviewed progress on joint educational and research initiatives. Cooperation with the National Bank of Romania was highlighted, including Twinning projects to strengthen banking supervision and explore new technical assistance for European integration.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperation
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2025-03-19•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova launched "FinanciarELE – the female leadership community" during Global Money Week to enhance financial literacy and leadership among women in Moldova. The initiative offers mentoring, training workshops, and networking opportunities, targeting students, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Financial literacy & educationDiversity and inclusionFinancial literacy and education
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2025-03-19•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu received an Excellence Award at the Women’s Excellence Gala in Bucharest for her contributions to Moldova's financial sector. Dragu emphasized the award as recognition of the bank's reforms to enhance financial stability and integrate Moldova into the European financial space, notably through accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). She also advocated for gender diversity in finance, linking it to improved outcomes.
OtherDiversity and inclusion
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2025-03-19•Switzerland•Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA)
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) issued Circular 2025/4, detailing its supervisory practice for consolidated supervision of financial groups under the Banking Act and Financial Institutions Act. The circular clarifies inclusion criteria for group companies in regulatory consolidation, focusing on financial sector activity and obligations under Article 3c(1) of the Banking Act. It also outlines quantitative and qualitative requirements for corporate governance at the group level.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationSupervision process and methodologies
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2025-03-19•India•Securities & Exchange Board of India
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular to integrate DigiLocker into the Indian securities market to reduce unclaimed financial assets. This initiative allows investors to store and access demat and mutual fund holdings digitally and appoint "Data Access Nominees" for posthumous account access. Notifications are triggered by KYC Registration Agencies to facilitate the transmission process.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsConsumer and investor protection
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2025-03-19•South Korea•Bank of Korea
The Bank of Korea, in collaboration with the government, has completed the Services Trade Statistics Enhancement Project initiated in June 2023. This project led to the development of new Intellectual Services Trade Statistics as a satellite account within the balance of payments framework.
Data & statisticsOther
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2025-03-19•Denmark•National Bank of Denmark
The National Bank of Denmark's analysis shows a few large Danish companies increasingly impact economic activity, with their GDP share rising from 7.6% in 2009 to 12.8% in 2023. Their reliance on intangible assets and international production means GDP fluctuations don't align with domestic labour demand, suggesting fiscal policy should focus on stabilizing domestic production and labour over GDP growth. The report emphasizes considering gross value added excluding foreign production to better assess economic conditions.
ResearchMarket development
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2025-03-19•Isle of Man•The Treasury (Isle of Man)
The Isle of Man Treasury announced an amendment to the Republic of Belarus sanctions regime, aligning with the UK sanctions list updated on 19 March 2025. The amendment concerns Alexander Vasilevich Shakutin, linked to the Belarusian regime, and maintains an asset freeze. Compliance requires freezing relevant assets, avoiding unauthorized transactions, and reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•Isle of Man•The Treasury (Isle of Man)
The Treasury (Isle of Man) updated the UK sanctions list under the Russia sanctions regime, removing Farkhad Akhmedov and amending entries for MCR GLOBAL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI VE TICARET LTD SIRKETI and POLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Akhmedov is no longer subject to asset freeze or trust services sanctions, while the amended entities remain under these sanctions. The notice emphasizes the need for immediate asset freezing and reporting suspected breaches to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•Isle of Man•The Treasury (Isle of Man)
The Treasury of the Isle of Man updated the Global Human Rights sanctions regime, amending a single entry on the UK Sanctions List and Consolidated List, which remains subject to an asset freeze. The update pertains to Andrey Konstantinovich Lugovoy, with revised identifying details. Compliance expectations include immediate asset freezing, avoiding false positives, and reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSanctions list update
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2025-03-19•United Arab Emirates•ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority
The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority has issued an alert about a fraudulent loan scam by individuals claiming to represent Instant Loan Inc. via https://instantloaninc.com/. The scam solicits upfront payments for services falsely linked to ADGM, including company incorporation. The FSRA advises verifying identities through official channels and checking the ADGM and FSRA Public Registers to confirm an entity's legitimacy.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•United Arab Emirates•ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority
The Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) issued an alert about Global Investors FX, trading as Global FX, falsely claiming a branch in ADGM and offering trading services. The FSRA clarified that Global Investors FX is not licensed or authorised for any Regulated Activity in ADGM. The FSRA advises verifying firm status through the FSRA and ADGM Registration Authority Public Registers.
SupervisionAlertsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-03-19•United Arab Emirates•ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority
The ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) alerted about a fraudulent online loan scam by individuals claiming to represent "Instant Loan Inc" via https://instantloaninc.com. The scam involves false loan offers and demands for upfront payments in ADGM. The FSRA emphasized that ADGM does not process loans or request upfront payments and advised verifying firms through the ADGM Registration Authority’s Public Register and the FSRA’s Public Register to ensure they have Financial Services Permission.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
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2025-03-19•Caribbean•Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will host the 9th Growth and Resilience Dialogue on 10-11 April, focusing on Indigenous Tourism, Data Infrastructure, Sports Tourism, and Electronic Vehicles. The event aligns with Governor Antoine’s “Big Push Challenge” to double the region’s GDP over ten years.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
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2025-03-18•Dominican Republic•Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic concluded an IMF staff visit, which gathered preliminary findings on economic performance ahead of the Article IV consultation in late 2025. The IMF projects real GDP growth of 4.5% in 2025 and 5.1% in 2026, while inflation remains within the target band. Governor Héctor Valdez Albizu noted 5.0% economic growth in 2024, and the IMF highlighted strong cooperation and a robust banking sector.
Policy & regulationCooperationEconomic data and developments
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2025-03-18•Peru•Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores de Peru
Peru's Superintendence of the Securities Market announced the results of the selection process for the liquidator of the Fondo de Fondos de Participación y Crecimiento Internacional FMIV, detailing the consolidated scores and the winning candidate.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsOther
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2025-03-18•Kosovo•Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and the Kosovo Banking Association issued a consumer advisory for International Money Week 2025, emphasizing fraud prevention. The message encourages verifying sources, using strong passwords, and being cautious with urgent payment requests and suspicious offers.
Financial literacy & educationFraud and scams
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2025-03-18•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has obtained Federal Court orders to freeze the assets of Rashid Alshakshir amid investigations into the Shield Master Fund and the First Guardian Master Fund. ASIC is probing Mr. Alshakshir and related entities for marketing services and payments linked to these funds. Mr. Alshakshir, a director of several companies in liquidation, consented to the asset-freezing orders, which remain effective until further notice. Previously, ASIC's attempt to impose travel restrictions on Mr. Alshakshir was dismissed.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-03-18•Angola•Angola Insurance Authority (ARSEG)
The Angola Insurance Authority (ARSEG) released a report detailing authorisations and registrations, highlighting key semiannual indicators for the latter half of 2024.
Data & statisticsLicence approval
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2025-03-18•Angola•Angola Capital Markets Commission
The Angola Capital Markets Commission marked its 20th anniversary, emphasizing its regulatory role and milestones such as the adoption of the Securities Code and the start of equities trading. The Commission also highlighted its contributions to the establishment of the Angola Debt and Securities Exchange. Planned anniversary activities include charitable donations, a futsal tournament, a family walk, and a capital markets conference.
Other
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2025-03-18•Global•Financial Markets Standards Board
The Financial Markets Standards Board has added regulatory technology firm Droit as an Associate Member to enhance its standards work in wholesale financial markets. Droit will join the Conduct & Ethics Committee, which has formed a working group to address unauthorised trading and explore technology's role in improving trading controls.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
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2025-03-18•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) announced that the Federal Court fined Active Super AUD 10.5 million for greenwashing, after falsely claiming adherence to ESG investment screens. Despite marketing exclusions, Active Super held stakes in companies like Gazprom and Shell. The Court cited serious violations due to poor management oversight and misleading representations. This is ASIC's third greenwashing court outcome, underscoring the importance of accurate sustainability claims.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsGreenwashing
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2025-03-18•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market met with the European Commission in Brussels to discuss aligning Ukrainian corporate law with EU legislation for EU accession. Key topics included mergers, divisions, shareholder rights, corporate governance, and anti-corruption measures. Participants included NSSMC Member Maksym Libanov and representatives from various Ukrainian ministries and government offices.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperation
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2025-03-18•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market Chairman Ruslan Magomedov supports an accumulative pension system to fund the real economy, reducing reliance on the solidarity pension system. He stresses the need for diverse investment instruments beyond government bonds, suggesting dividend-paying shares in state-owned companies like Ukrposhta. Magomedov links pension reform to capital market development, emphasizing international settlement infrastructure to attract foreign investment.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMarket development
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2025-03-18•Türkiye•Central Bank of Türkiye
The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye has suspended the operating licenses of Pay Fix Elektronik Para ve Ödeme Hizmetleri A.S., Aypara Ödeme Kurulusu A.S., and Ininal Ödeme ve Elektronik Para Hizmetleri A.S. under Law No. 6493, following a judicial investigation. Previously, administrative and financial measures were imposed on Pay Fix, including suspending certain payment service licenses and fines. The Central Bank has shared inspection reports with relevant public institutions.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-03-18•Peru•Central Bank of Peru
The Central Bank of Peru is evaluating its first innovation pilot using central bank digital money with Bitel’s BiPay wallet in areas with low electronic payments penetration. By February 2025, Bitel enrolled 67,000 active users, facilitating an average of 91,000 transactions daily, with PEN 4.2 million in digital money circulating. The pilot aims to assess the potential of a central bank digital currency to complement cash and enhance payment ecosystems in regions with low financial inclusion.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsCBDC
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2025-03-18•El Salvador•Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador launched Global Money Week 2025, an OECD-backed initiative aimed at educating young people on practical money management. The program, centered in San Miguel, features interactive stations and over 40 personal finance talks, targeting 1,900 upper-secondary students. Activities include savings, budgeting, investment, and digital finance education.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
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2025-03-18•Ecuador•Superintendencia de Bancos de Ecuador
The Superintendency of Banks of Ecuador is leading the 2025 Global Money Week from 17 to 23 March, focusing on financial education in a digital age. The campaign, themed “That like won’t pay you. Protect your money”, aims to enhance financial literacy through talks and workshops on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable finance. Superintendent Roberto Romero von Buchwald highlighted the initiative's role in addressing financial skill gaps, with less than 40% of Ecuadorians possessing adequate money management skills.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
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2025-03-18•China•Central Bank of the Republic of China
People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng met with Temasek Chairman Lin Wenxing and board members to discuss China's macroeconomic situation and monetary policy.
Monetary policyOtherMonetary policy decisions and developments
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2025-03-18•United States•National Credit Union Administration
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) released its 2024 Annual Report, confirming the Share Insurance Fund and credit union system's strong capitalization and liquidity. The report includes clean audit opinions for the agency’s four funds and outlines Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman’s priorities to streamline the budget, enhance examination efficiency, and simplify regulatory frameworks. Efforts to reduce outdated regulations are also highlighted.
Institutional developmentOtherAccounting and financial reporting
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2025-03-18•Italy•Bank of Italy
Bank of Italy Deputy Director General Chiara Scotti emphasized the necessity of a digital euro to safeguard monetary sovereignty in an interview with Il Sole 24 Ore.
Monetary policyMonetary policy framework & strategyCBDC
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2025-03-18•Italy•Bank of Italy
The Bank of Italy featured an interview with Deputy Governor Chiara Scotti in Il Sole 24 Ore, emphasizing the role of the digital euro in defending monetary sovereignty. The interview is available in Italian as a PDF.
Monetary policyOtherCBDC
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2025-03-18•United States•Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia appointed Kelly Botti, Gregory T. Hayes, and Tarrie Miller to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC) for three-year terms starting March 2025. CDIAC, comprising 12 members from banks and credit unions, meets biannually with Philadelphia Fed officials to discuss trends impacting community depository institutions.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
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2025-03-18•Luxembourg•Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier
The Luxembourg CSSF issued guidance on EMIR Article 9 derivative reporting, emphasizing controls to address common Trade Repository report rejections under EMIR REFIT. The CSSF highlights the importance of valid report acceptance and monitors rejected reports, expecting resubmissions within deadlines. EMIR 3, effective 24 December 2024, empowers authorities to impose penalties for systematic reporting errors.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationRegulatory reporting
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2025-03-18•Portugal•Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF)
Portugal's Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority (ASF) revised the monthly "Cyber incidents" report instructions, enhancing data quality for insurers, reinsurers, and pension fund managers. Key changes include new fields for incident severity, operational impact, and economic expenses, while removing the "systemic impact" field. Effective April 2025, the updates aim to improve cyber risk monitoring and reporting consistency.
SupervisionRegulatory reportingCyber resilience
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2025-03-18•Portugal•Bank of Portugal
The Bank of Portugal released a socio-demographic analysis of individuals who took out new credit in 2024, revealing 2.2 million contracts totaling EUR 29 billion, a 26% increase from 2023. New credit for owner-occupied primary residences rose by 32% to 90,000 contracts, with 43% of borrowers aged 18 to 35. The data highlighted that 61% of all borrowers were employees, and the share of foreign debtors increased to 14%, with Brazilians comprising half of this group.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsSupervisory data
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2025-03-18•Australia•Australian Financial Complaints Authority
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has initiated a stakeholder consultation on updated Approach documents for handling complaints related to family violence and financial elder abuse, aiming to clarify assessment and resolution processes. The consultation period is from 17 March to 4 April 2025, after which AFCA will review submissions and respond to feedback.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationComplaints and dispute resolution
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2025-03-18•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina released a supervisory stress testing methodology for 2025-2027, including forms and instructions for banks. The results will inform preliminary capital recommendations and be used in the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) for capital adequacy. Macroeconomic assumptions for scenarios were developed with the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Banking Agency of Republika Srpska.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsStress testing
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2025-03-18•New Zealand•Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs warned NZForex Limited for not complying with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 due to a transaction reporting issue. This led to 3,182 unreported transactions from November 2017 to February 2024. NZForex disclosed the issue, fixed the system, reported all transactions, and is auditing independently. The Department noted the voluntary disclosure in choosing a warning, with no allegations against NZForex. The company must submit its final audit report and compliance updates.
SupervisionInterventionsAML and CFT
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2025-03-18•Slovenia•Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency and the Slovenian Insurance Association released guidance on travel insurance, emphasizing its role in managing medical and financial risks abroad. The guidance advises selecting higher coverage for destinations with high healthcare costs, such as the United States and Japan, and notes that Slovenian insurers provide 24-hour assistance in Slovenian.
Financial literacy & educationOther
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2025-03-18•Slovenia•Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency and the Slovenian Insurance Association released guidance on rising e-scooter risks and potential insurance roles in liability management. The document highlights increasing accidents due to speed, lack of protective gear, and traffic violations, with average injury claims between EUR 3,000 and EUR 4,000. It suggests micromobility insurance for third-party liability and rider protection, alongside safety measures like helmets and reflective clothing.
SupervisionAlertsOther
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2025-03-18•Slovenia•Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency and the Slovenian Insurance Association published an article on insurance fraud, highlighting common patterns and detection methods, including the AI-based FRODO system. The article estimates Slovenia's insurance sector loses EUR 100m–200m annually, with motor insurance most affected. It outlines potential penalties for fraud, including imprisonment and insurer actions such as refusing payment and increasing premiums.
Financial literacy & educationFraud and scams
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2025-03-18•Slovenia•Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency and the Slovenian Insurance Association released a consumer explainer on household fire insurance, using recent fire events to illustrate coverage scenarios. The guidance details coverage for damage from fire, lightning, explosion, and other events, and notes potential reimbursements for related expenses and optional add-ons.
Financial literacy & educationOther
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2025-03-18•Peru•Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP del Peru
Peru's Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Private Pension Funds (SBS) amended rules to simplify customer identification for migrants and refugees, allowing various legally recognized documents for opening basic accounts or electronic money accounts. Financial entities can verify information through national registries and other authorities, with basic accounts subject to transaction limits to prevent illicit use.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsKYC
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2025-03-18•Kazakhstan•Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued guidance for microcredit borrowers, emphasizing the importance of verifying lender registration and licensing. The guidance outlines interest rate caps for short-term microcredits and other loans, and advises on contract terms and dispute resolution through a microfinance ombudsman.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationLicence approval
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2025-03-18•Kazakhstan•Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan has rejected the appointment of Andrey Alexandrovich Usov as head of a management body in the securities market, as per protocol No. 229/RCB/T.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval