The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Customers should not use transaction links sent by SMS or email or disclose passwords or one-time passwords, and affected individuals should contact their bank and the police.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority directed the compulsory motor insurance pool to expedite compensation after a Matrouh collision killed nine people and injured others. Compensation is EGP 100,000 per death, while injury payments depend on the medically assessed disability percentage.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has reinforced customer identity checks and one-time password requirements for nonbank finance providers, warning that breaches will trigger strict legal action. Firms not already applying the OTP controls must comply by January 2027, following sanctions against a consumer finance company over misuse of parents’ data by an international school.
The South African Reserve Bank reported a 1.4% decline in the composite leading business cycle indicator in June 2026, its third consecutive monthly fall. Lower export commodity prices and slower real M1 growth were the main negative contributors, while the coincident indicator fell 0.2% and the lagging indicator rose 0.9% in May.
The Riksbank unanimously held its policy rate at 1.75% and retained the possibility of an increase in 2026. Stronger domestic activity and higher-than-forecast inflation have increased upside risks, although Middle East-related supply disruptions have so far had less economic impact than feared. Governor Erik Thedéen said the next rate change should be an increase, but its timing remains uncertain.
The Bank of Korea reported that its Composite Consumer Sentiment Index fell 2.3 points to 104.5 in August, led by weaker views of domestic economic conditions. One-year expected inflation remained at 2.7%, while three-year and five-year expectations held at 2.6%.
Bank of Korea data show newly issued household loans fell to an average KRW 34.14 million per borrower in the second quarter of 2026, with mortgage issuance declining to KRW 208.29 million. Average outstanding household debt nevertheless rose to KRW 97.90 million per borrower, including a KRW 161.93 million mortgage balance.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has issued a KGS 10 silver collector coin marking the sixth World Nomad Games in 2026. The legal-tender coin has a 1,000-unit mintage and is available for KGS 8,900.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic trained local government employees on financial planning, money mule schemes and the use of voluntary credit bans through the Tunduk mobile application.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic held its policy rate at 12 percent as annual inflation reached 11.7 percent and external price pressures persisted. Tight monetary conditions remain in place to curb second-round inflation effects, with the next rate meeting scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator plans risk-based entry rules for foreign insurer branches, including a review of the current USD 5 billion asset threshold and removal of the 10-year experience requirement. Insurers rated at least A- could use simplified licensing, while the regulator would retain powers to impose conditions or refuse entry. Licensed branches would be subject to the same local requirements as Kazakh insurers.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator plans to establish an independent Central Actuary for the insurance and pension sectors under a draft development program through 2030. The institution would standardize actuarial assessments, support compulsory insurance tariff reviews and use a unified industry database to produce annual analysis of tariffs, reserves and long-term sustainability.
The Kazakh financial regulator has proposed mandatory insurance for registered homes against earthquakes, floods and naturally occurring forest fires, starting with three pilot regions before expansion to 16. Risk-based annual premiums would be about KZT 2,000 to KZT 20,000, with a new fund administering payouts and catastrophe reinsurance. Homeowner contributions would begin after a three-year fund accumulation period.
Philippine life insurance premiums rose 17.91% year over year to PHP 229.98 billion in the first half of 2026, with growth in both variable and traditional life products. Total assets increased 8.77% to PHP 2.17 trillion, while net income reached PHP 21.42 billion and benefit payments rose to PHP 69.21 billion.
Reserve Bank of Australia minutes show the Board unanimously held the cash rate target at 4.35% after considering a 25-basis-point increase. Members judged policy was somewhat restrictive but remained alert to upside inflation risks, with several seeing further tightening as possible.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will end its open repo facility in early 2027 as full-allotment open market operations can meet banks’ reserve needs. The RBA has not yet reached its demand-driven ample-reserves regime, with banks now estimating demand at AUD 70 billion to AUD 100 billion. Firms should prepare for more variable money market rates and more active liquidity management as reserves decline.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has completed its sustainability reporting education package by releasing eight on-demand videos covering core disclosure concepts. ASIC recommends that Group 2 and Group 3 entities begin building capability and preparing early for the phased reporting requirements.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is increasing practical support for small business directors facing financial difficulty through roadmaps, online learning modules and targeted guidance. It urged directors to monitor solvency, seek qualified advice early and avoid incurring debts the company cannot realistically repay.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has withdrawn financial reporting relief for entities unable to contact members before its Oct. 1, 2026 expiry. Similar relief is now available under the Corporations Act, while entities outside those provisions may seek individual relief from ASIC.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has made time deposits eligible for Personal Equity and Retirement Accounts, allowing them to qualify for applicable tax incentives. Banks must meet prudential requirements, secure tax authority accreditation and arrange with an accredited PERA administrator before offering the deposits.
New Zealand Financial Markets Authority research identifies affordability, accessibility, low trust and unsuitable product design as key insurance barriers for Māori. Affordability was cited by 82% of survey participants, while collective land and marae faced valuation and coverage problems. Iwi-provided insurance and claims navigators were the most-supported solutions, each backed by 71%.
The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority appointed Geron Burnett as Deputy Head of the Securities Supervision Division, effective June 1, 2026. He will help oversee regulated entities, supervisory practices and regulatory compliance in the securities sector.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has launched instant transfers between participating banks through the Solomon Islands Automated Transfer System. Transactions are capped at SBD 5,000, while banks remain subject to system rules and anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism obligations.
The Central Bank of Cuba published a historical review of women in Cuban numismatics. It highlights the circulation of CUP 2,000 and CUP 5,000 banknotes featuring Mariana Grajales and Celia Sánchez after women had long been largely absent from circulating currency.
The Central Bank of Barbados and the Barbados Association of Retired Persons trained more than 70 seniors to use BiMPay safely. The program covered onboarding, account linking, transactions and online protection, with further support and training planned.
The Financial Superintendency of Colombia and Banca de las Oportunidades reported a recovery in formal credit access, while deposit ownership remained at 96.5% in 2025. Transactions rose 11.3% to 22.39 billion, with digital channels accounting for nearly seven in 10 monetary transactions. Wide regional, gender and rural access gaps persisted.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury launched a sustained Iran sanctions campaign and expanded potential secondary sanctions to the digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping sectors. OFAC also targeted nearly 60 entities, individuals and vessels tied to procurement, cyber and oil networks, while suspending several general licenses and signaling faster enforcement.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury launched a public-private task force to accelerate the financial sector’s transition to post-quantum cryptography. Its work will focus on sector alignment, third-party readiness, digital asset risks and the operational resilience of critical financial infrastructure.
The US White House launched a Treasury-led campaign to restrict Iran’s global financial connections, with new sectoral sanctions covering digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The measures broaden secondary sanctions risk, and entities facilitating Iranian money laundering face removal from the US dollar system.
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority suspended real estate licensee Jason Leslie for six months and imposed a CAD 200,000 penalty for improperly purchasing and renting out a unit under an affordable homeownership program. He must also pay CAD 5,000 in enforcement expenses, complete remedial education and undergo enhanced supervision for one year after the suspension.
From Oct. 15, 2026, insurers must disregard cancer-related medical history for eligible mortgage protection applications covering a principal private residence up to EUR 650,000. Applicants must have completed active treatment and been in complete remission for five years, with normal underwriting applying above the threshold.
Tanami Capital Investment Company has completed the requirements to begin its licensed managing investments activity in Saudi Arabia’s securities business.
Alawa Alnomu Capital has completed the requirements to begin securities advisory activity under its Saudi Capital Market Authority license.
The Brazil Securities Commission will hear five administrative enforcement cases on Aug. 25. The alleged violations include unlicensed portfolio management, artificial market conditions, an unregistered securities offering, financial reporting failures and investment fund rule breaches.
The Argentina Securities Commission board held working meetings with A3 and the Argentine Securities Market in Rosario. The talks coincided with the Rosario Board of Trade’s 142nd anniversary ceremony.
Applications for Insurance Assessment and Licensing Committee review on Sept. 11, 2026, must reach the Bermuda Monetary Authority by 10 a.m. on Sept. 8 because of the Labour Day holiday.
The National Bank of Moldova notified Alexandra Gontarenco that its decision on the inspection of ELSE ASSISTANCE SRL is available at its premises.
The National Bank of Poland published the results of its August 24, 2026, NBP bills sale auction, its main open market operation.
The Central Bank of Poland reported that M3 increased by PLN 9.7 billion in July 2026 to PLN 2,900.5 billion. Growth in non-financial corporate and household deposits was partly offset by a sharp decline in repurchase agreements.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren called for Nvidia’s CEO to testify over reports that its AI computers may be powering Russian drones. She also urged Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to prevent adversaries from obtaining advanced U.S. technologies.
Ghana's Ministry of Finance called for stronger economic cooperation with China focused on local processing, manufacturing and jobs. Ghana is seeking more value-added exports and Chinese investment in factories, technology transfer, local businesses and worker training.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission and the Angolan Insurance Regulation and Supervision Agency held a joint workshop on insurance and pension funds as investment alternatives. The training covered sector operations, product use and investor protection against fraud.
John Crews has been sworn in as the 14th chairman of the National Credit Union Administration for a term ending Aug. 2, 2031. His priorities include enabling innovation, right-sizing regulation, safeguarding credit union members and maintaining a healthy share insurance fund.
Jing Yang has taken up her role as the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ deputy superintendent for risk, strategy and policy. She will lead regulatory modernization and oversee policy development, approvals, risk surveillance, strategic planning and key corporate functions.
Ceres found that data centers in seven US states depend on about 3.4 trillion gallons of freshwater annually for electricity, with much of that power generated in water-stressed areas. It recommends standardized disclosure of direct and electricity-related water use and greater consideration of water risk in procurement, siting and infrastructure planning.
The Central Bank of Brazil has opened three research internships for master’s and doctoral students, covering climate-related financial risks and a range of financial policy and consumer research topics. The six-month placements may be renewed for up to two years and offer a monthly stipend of BRL 2,231.39. Applications close Sept. 18, 2026.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users handled 12,493 complaints in Jalisco from January through July 2026, up 11.4% year over year. Concluded cases recovered MXN 54.9 million for users, while multiple banking institutions accounted for 69.2% of complaints and possible fraud for 34.2%.
A Bank for International Settlements working paper finds that liquidity regulation and market frictions mainly reshape rather than uniformly increase central bank reserve demand. Monetization frictions raise the reserve satiation point, while interbank fragmentation weakens the link between reserve supply and market rates. None of the factors examined precludes a return to scarce-reserve operating frameworks.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission cancelled Financial Tuneups Pty Ltd’s registered agent status for breaches of its registration terms and conditions.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency provided guidance on pension fund accumulation, member benefits and saving for a first home at a financial education fair. It highlighted complementary pension plans as tools for disciplined, long-term saving.
The Canadian Bankers Association has opened nominations for its 2026 award recognizing exceptional law enforcement work involving Canadian banks. Nominations are due by Oct. 23, 2026, with awards to be presented in 2027.
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland research found that minimum wage violations affected a record 5% of non-exempt workers across the 10 most populous U.S. states in 2025. Average underpayment remained elevated at about USD 95 per week, with the trend concentrated in states whose minimum wages substantially exceed the federal level.
Compulsory motor liability insurance applies continuously, 24 hours a day, the Congo Insurance Regulation and Control Authority clarified.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has updated its AML/CFT Handbook with a new sanctions compliance chapter and expanded risk guidance. Regulated entities and designated businesses should review the changes and take appropriate mitigating action.
Central Bank of Libya Governor Naji Issa and a senior U.S. State Department official reviewed economic developments, implementation of the Unified Development Agreement, financial and economic reforms, and the central bank’s independence.
The Central Bank of Libya and the Ministry of Finance reviewed fiscal and monetary policy coordination, including implementation of the Unified Development Agreement and measures to address related obstacles.
Argentina's National Securities Commission signed a cooperation agreement with the Buenos Aires City Association of Notaries. Joint work will cover document digitalization, electronic records, technical training and financial education.
The Bank of Japan found that more than 90% of surveyed financial institutions are using or trialing generative AI, with use expanding into core operations involving customer information. Risk controls have improved, but governance, third-party oversight, safety, cybersecurity and data readiness require further work. The central bank will continue engaging institutions through examinations, monitoring and seminars.
The Czech National Bank’s August analyst survey shows most respondents expect the two-week repo rate to remain at 3.75% at the next meeting and in one year. The three-year inflation forecast eased to 2.1%, while the one-year estimate stayed at 2.6%. Analysts lowered their 2026 growth forecast to 2.0% and raised their nominal wage growth forecast to 7.0%.
The Algeria Market Authority published its information bulletin for the first half of 2026.
The National Bank of Ukraine has issued a 20-hryvnia silver coin commemorating the 35th anniversary of the country’s Declaration of Independence. The coin has a maximum mintage of 5,000 and will be sold through the central bank’s numismatic store and distributing banks.
Estonia's Ministry of Finance will present its summer economic forecast on Aug. 27. Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi and senior ministry officials will lead the presentation.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway reported a slight quarterly increase in residential mortgage loans that deviated from lending requirements in the second quarter of 2026, mainly involving the maximum debt-to-income limit. Deviations declined slightly for consumer loans and loans secured by assets other than residential property.
Norges Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache said a policy rate increase may still be needed because inflation remains clearly above the 2% target despite a weaker-than-expected summer reading. New forecasts are due in about one month, while the bank expects only limited rate reductions once inflation moves toward target.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India will require market infrastructure institutions to calculate a system-driven IT Resilience Index every six months. Institutions must implement the index, early warnings and real-time service monitoring by February 28, 2027. The first submission will cover the half-year ending March 31, 2027.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has aligned its Cyber Incident Reporting Portal with the Financial Stability Board’s FIRE framework. Regulated entities must provide standardized, staged reports from initial notification through updates and final closure, alongside existing six-hour email and 24-hour portal reporting requirements.
The Maldives Ministry of Finance highlighted digital technology as a means to overcome distance and scale constraints in Small Island Developing States. Finance Minister Hassan Zareer emphasized the need for sound policies, strong institutions and clear regulations to support adoption and economic growth.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission revoked former Keptain responsible officer Ernest Chan Tsz Kin’s licence and imposed a 10-year industry ban for window dressing the firm’s liquid capital. Fifteen financial returns included dishonored cheques that concealed breaches of the HKD 3 million minimum capital requirement, while deficits of up to HKD 3.473 million went unreported.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published a warning about fraudulent websites impersonating Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited and offering purported buyer protection for Faster Payment System transactions. The sites seek personal and bank account information and direct users to fake customer service personnel.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspended the licenses of two exchange bureaus in Osh for breaches of Kyrgyz law and central bank regulations, with Aiyl Finance suspended through Aug. 30, 2026, and Capital Nur through Sept. 4, 2026.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator plans to introduce risk-based pricing for compulsory motor insurance, with safeguards requiring validated scoring models, pricing disclosures and appeal rights. Scoring would initially affect tariffs by no more than 20% in either direction before a unified tariff corridor is introduced. A common reference database would also standardize vehicle damage assessments and claim calculations.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator has proposed a unified compulsory insurance model with risk-based pricing within regulatory tariff corridors. The draft reforms also envisage compulsory home cover for specified natural disasters and possible medical insurance for foreign tourists. Each new insurance class would require a prior actuarial assessment.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator has proposed allowing the Insurance Payment Guarantee Fund to intervene before an unstable insurer loses its license and to finance verified shortfalls when portfolios are transferred. The model would introduce risk-based contributions, enhanced monitoring and additional liquidation powers. Guarantee reserves currently total KZT 39.4 billion.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator has proposed unit-linked and hybrid pension annuities under its draft insurance market program through 2030, alongside more flexible guaranteed products. It also plans a digital service for comparing pension options and estimating payments. Active annuity contracts reached 164,294 with KZT 1.168 trillion in premiums at the beginning of 2026.
The People's Bank of China reported lower interbank lending and bond repo turnover in July, while government and corporate bond financing increased. The 10-year government bond yield ended the month at 1.71%, and renminbi derivatives turnover rose 5% year over year. The renminbi appreciated against the U.S. dollar, while major mainland equity indexes declined.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission is advancing reforms to accelerate business entry, tailor public offering rules for debt and equity securities, and improve trading liquidity. Proposals include a One Business Start Date, market-making rules, a margin trading review and refinements to the Personal Equity and Retirement Account framework. A capital market master plan will consolidate the measures into a strategy through 2030.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has issued professional year guidance for candidates, supervisors and Australian financial services licensees. It addresses documentation and record-keeping deficiencies identified in a 2024 review and provides practical guidance on plans, tasks, logbooks and key milestones.
Companies must provide director identification numbers to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission through existing reporting processes from July 1, 2027. Companies and directors should check that their details are accurate and consistent across ASIC and Australian Business Registry Services records.
The New South Wales Supreme Court appointed provisional liquidators to 12 companies linked to Christopher Malcolm Edwards following an ASIC application. The liquidators must report within 10 weeks on solvency, creditor returns, suspected contraventions and the appropriate future course for the companies. ASIC’s winding-up proceeding returns to court on Nov. 2, 2026.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that random forests outperform logistic regression in predicting and stress testing European corporate defaults. The framework links firm-level stress to banks through loan exposures and captures nonlinear scenario effects and tail-bank risks, with aggregate default probability reaching about 7% in the first year of the adverse scenario.
A European Central Bank working paper introduces an AI-based daily indicator derived from more than eight million Reddit posts to track sentiment among speculative retail investors. The measure broadly follows markets and established benchmarks, with changes providing statistically significant information for next-day S&P 500 and Bitcoin prices. Its relationship with S&P 500 returns was stronger during market downturns.
The European Central Bank has published the questionnaire for its September 2026 Survey of Monetary Analysts. It seeks expectations for policy and market rates, the Eurosystem balance sheet, refinancing operations, growth and inflation, but does not report survey results.
The Astana Financial Services Authority has introduced fast-track authorisation for firms already licensed and supervised in recognised regulatory regimes. Eligible applicants may provide reduced documentation, although the authority may require further assessment or return an application to the standard process based on risk. The framework covers a range of regulated activities and entry through subsidiaries, branches or representative offices.
Qatar Financial Centre onboarded 1,135 firms in the first half of 2026, a 37% year-over-year increase that lifted total registrations above 4,700. It also registered Qatar’s first real estate investment trust collective investment fund and secured reciprocal data protection adequacy recognition with the Abu Dhabi and Dubai financial centres.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission trained staff on state secrets protection under the relevant law, implementing decrees and Ministry of Finance rules. The program covered classified-information categories, safeguards during digital transformation and practical implementation issues.
The Central Bank of Taiwan reported that annual M1B and M2 growth slowed to 7.34% and 7.42% in July, mainly due to net foreign capital outflows. Annual growth in monetary financial institutions’ outstanding loans and investments accelerated to 9.07%, driven by increased bank claims on government enterprises and the government.
The Central Bank of Taiwan reported net Taipei foreign exchange market turnover of USD 1.046 trillion in July 2026, averaging USD 47.5 billion a day. Interbank trades accounted for 73% of activity, while foreign exchange swaps represented 53.3% of total turnover.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank discussed stronger cooperation on technology-based infrastructure projects and personnel exchanges. South Korea also sought more project opportunities for Korean companies and increased recruitment of Korean nationals at the bank.
The North Macedonia Insurance Supervision Authority announced training and a professional examination for insurance representation and provided standard and bilingual application forms.
The North Macedonia Insurance Supervision Authority announced training and a professional exam for insurance brokerage activities, with standard and bilingual application forms available.
The South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reported a 6.4% year-over-year decline in domestic banks’ preliminary first-half net income to KRW 13.8 trillion. Higher interest income was outweighed by weaker non-interest income, securities valuation losses and increased expenses. The regulator will monitor financial stability and guide banks to strengthen loss-absorbing capacity.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission is consulting on a domestic crypto ETF framework and revised qualifications for foreign digital asset custodians. Crypto ETFs would initially cover Bitcoin and Ethereum, maintain at least 80% average net exposure to one crypto asset and trade only on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Licensed onshore custody would remain the primary model, with qualified foreign custodians permitted when necessary and appropriate.
The Central Bank of Russia reported that corporate claims grew 1.5% in July, while mortgage growth slowed to 0.4% and consumer loans rose 1.1%. Banking sector profit increased 18% from June to RUB 443 billion, supported by lower corporate loan loss provisions.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission reported THB 1.3 million in insurer payouts to the heirs of six people killed in a Nonthaburi school shooting. The payments were made alongside THB 1.8 million in government relief.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets licensed International Stock Exchange of Moldova to operate a regulated market and a multilateral trading facility under indefinite authorizations. It also approved the venues' rules, qualified holdings totaling 78.34% of the operator's capital and two executive appointments.
The National Financial Regulatory Administration gathered officials’ views on stronger supervision, central-local coordination and regulatory effectiveness during meetings in Jilin on Aug. 19-20.
National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine Chairman Oleksii Semeniuk emphasized the capital market’s role in economic resilience. He linked the commission’s work to business development, household saving and investment, and financing Ukraine’s recovery.
The Central Bank of Türkiye will raise FAST transaction limits to TRY 300,000 on August 26, 2026, covering money transfers, Request-to-Pay transactions and dynamically verified FAST-TR QR Code merchant payments.
The Central Bank of the Philippines recognized 10 South Luzon institutional partners for supporting currency management, digital payments and financial literacy. It also credited them with providing local insights for policy development.
The Central Bank of the Philippines highlighted macroeconomic stability, financial soundness and technological innovation as foundations for developing new industries in Mindanao. It identified inflation returning to target, bank lending capacity and faster, more secure digital payments as factors that would support investment and job creation.