Bank Indonesia facilitated eight financing agreements between financial institutions and MSMEs, divided equally between inclusive and sustainable financing. Its MSME business-matching program reached IDR 285 billion as of July 2026, including IDR 150 billion in inclusive financing and IDR 135 billion in sustainable financing.
Bank Indonesia reported that the balance of payments deficit narrowed to USD 0.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026 from USD 9.1 billion in the first quarter. A USD 12.0 billion capital and financial account surplus largely offset a wider USD 12.5 billion current account deficit. Reserve assets remained at USD 145.6 billion at the end of June.
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and other financial authorities reviewed the domestic risks from rising long-term interest rates overseas and will prepare support for small businesses and vulnerable borrowers. They will maintain close monitoring of bond and foreign exchange markets while continuing to manage household debt and implement safeguards for single-stock leveraged products.
The Bank of Korea reported that producer prices fell 0.4% month on month in July 2026, while annual growth slowed to 7.7%. The Domestic Supply Price Index declined 1.8% on the month and the Total Output Price Index fell 0.2%, although both remained sharply higher year on year.
The South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reported that domestic banks’ won-denominated loan delinquency rate fell to 0.56% at the end of June 2026 from 0.67% in May, although it was higher than a year earlier. Delinquency rates declined across business and household loans as newly delinquent lending decreased and resolved loans increased.
Foreign investors sold a net KRW 31.664 trillion of South Korean listed stocks in July, their seventh consecutive month of net selling. They bought a net KRW 2.388 trillion of listed bonds, extending net purchases to four months, with inflows concentrated in Korean Treasury bonds.
Bank Indonesia and Women's World Banking have launched a study to support gender-responsive business models and strengthen assistance for women-led MSMEs. The work will inform enhancements to a financial inclusion program now being replicated across all Bank Indonesia domestic representative offices.
Bank Indonesia outlined a three-pronged MSME digitalization strategy covering digital farming, e-commerce onboarding and digital financial record-keeping. It is also developing an innovation center with the Financial Services Authority and other partners, while QRIS acceptance reached 44.86 million merchants as of June 2026, of which 96.68% were MSMEs.
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren urged FINRA to require customer notifications for brokerage transfer requests and phishing-resistant multifactor authentication. Their analysis found inconsistent safeguards against fraudulent Automated Customer Account Transfer Service transactions, although several brokerages have agreed to develop self-service transfer locks.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank will launch its Office of Financial Conduct at the end of September 2026, with consumer complaints accepted from October 15. The office will supervise financial institutions’ market conduct and address complaints involving unfair treatment, fees, products, accounts and access to services. Five of eight member countries have enacted the required legislation.
U.S. Senate Banking Committee leaders discussed the path forward for the Clarity Act, with Chairman Tim Scott indicating it could reach the finish line in September. Scott argued that legislation is needed to provide durable digital asset rules and prevent policy swings between administrations.
The Central Bank of Peru reported that formal employment grew 4.2% year over year in June 2026, adding 251,000 jobs. Private sector employment rose 5.6%, led by job gains in services, agriculture and commerce.
Central Reserve Bank of Peru President Julio Velarde credited the bank’s autonomy, legal framework and price stability mandate for the country’s monetary stability. He said Peru is experiencing its lowest-inflation period in 150 years and noted the absence of political pressure on the institution in recent years.
De Nederlandsche Bank highlighted its funding for the restoration, museum and education program at the Elisabeth Samson House in Suriname. The support is part of projects addressing the continuing effects of slavery following the central bank’s 2022 apology for the involvement of former directors.
The National Bank of Ukraine required the government to remove Sense Bank Supervisory Board Chair Mykola Hladyshenko after finding that he failed independence requirements. It also launched a collective suitability review of the board and unscheduled inspections covering potential interference with automated systems and financial monitoring compliance. Management Board Chair Oleksii Stupak faces a suitability interview on August 26.
The US Federal Reserve Board approved National Westminster Bank Plc’s application for a representative office in Stamford, Connecticut.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority outlined expanded Russia sanctions that prohibit the use of Russian crypto platforms and support for certain Russian crypto-assets, including the digital ruble. Financial intermediaries must enforce the bans, freeze sanctioned assets and report affected relationships while continuing to meet separate anti-money laundering duties.
The Central Bank of Egypt held its overnight deposit, lending and main operation rates at 19.00%, 20.00% and 19.50%, respectively. Annual headline inflation rose to 14.9% in July, but monthly headline and core inflation were unchanged and below expectations. Inflation is projected to decline from the first quarter of 2027 and approach the 7% target, plus or minus 2 percentage points, in the second half of that year.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission chairman outlined a roadmap for crypto assets, compute markets and prediction markets. Staff will explore a crypto market framework under existing authority, engage with onchain developers and use consultation feedback to develop compute market rules. Further prediction market proposals are expected to address exchange requirements, product listings and retail consumer protections.
The Brazil Securities Commission outlined plans to explore AI-based supervision and establish a Tokenization Working Group. The group will develop an experimental framework for the full securities trading lifecycle using distributed ledger technology.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority reported that claims payments rose by 57% in 2025 compared with 2023 as the insurance market continued to grow. Parliament’s Public Investments Committee called for stronger enforcement to ensure insurers maintain sufficient capital and pay claims promptly.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority highlighted insurance agents’ contribution to market growth, wider access and employment. The industry association reported membership growth from 200 to 1,178 and cooperation with LATRA and the National Health Insurance Fund on universal health insurance.
The National Bank of Moldova reported a MDL 713 million net cash outflow from banks in July 2026. Cash disbursements totaled MDL 18.002 billion, while receipts reached MDL 17.289 billion.
Moldova’s monetary base declined 1.1% to MDL 84.641 billion in July 2026, while M3 rose 0.9% to MDL 202.213 billion. Bank deposits increased 0.8%, and claims on the economy grew 1.2%.
Moldovan banks extended MDL 7.395 billion in new loans in July 2026. Businesses accounted for 62.4% of lending, while individuals accounted for 37.6% and borrowed predominantly in Moldovan lei.
Moldovan banks attracted MDL 30.678 billion in new deposits in July 2026, with businesses accounting for 71.6% and individuals for 28.4%. MDL-denominated term deposits represented 76.4% of all term deposits.
Angola's Ministry of Finance is advancing implementation of financial supervision for mutual associations under ARSEG oversight. The framework covers 26 registered associations with more than 233,000 members and is intended to strengthen financial sustainability, governance and protection of members while preserving associations’ autonomy.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has proposed removing the requirement for swap execution facilities to offer an order book for permitted transactions. The change reflects limited market use and would give SEFs more flexibility over resources and execution methods, while retaining the requirement for required transactions.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency terminated its formal agreement with First National Bank of Pasco in Dade City, Florida.
The Central Bank of Egypt held its overnight deposit, overnight lending and main operation rates at 19.00%, 20.00% and 19.50%, respectively, maintaining a tight stance as growth moderates. Annual headline inflation rose to 14.9% in July, while inflation is expected to converge toward the 7% ±2 percentage-point target in the second half of 2027.
The Central Bank of Egypt reported record remittances of USD 47.3 billion in fiscal 2025/26, up 29.6% from a year earlier, with June 2026 inflows rising 15.6% to USD 4.2 billion.
The Federal Reserve Board issued consent prohibitions against two former bank employees. Both actions involved misappropriation of customer funds.
The Federal Reserve Board executed a written agreement with SouthPoint Bancshares. It also terminated a 2017 cease-and-desist order against Deutsche Bank AG and two U.S. entities.
The Argentina Superintendency of Insurance outlined a governance-led approach to artificial intelligence oversight that supports innovation rather than prohibiting the technology. It emphasized testing, controls and decision traceability, alongside the protection of trust, ethics, transparency and solvency.
Central Bank of Mexico minutes show that the board unanimously held the policy rate at 6.50% and considers it appropriate to maintain that level. Inflation is expected to converge to the 3% target in the fourth quarter of 2027, more gradually than previously forecast. Risks remain tilted upward, particularly from persistent services inflation and geopolitical, trade and supply shocks.
The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has extended parts of the Digital Operational Resilience Act framework to finance undertakings, real estate brokerage firms, debt collection firms and the Norwegian Natural Perils Pool.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority and Central Registry have issued practice notes on identifying and reporting registrable beneficial owners and senior managing officials. Firms must assess both ownership or voting rights at the 25% threshold and control through other means, for which no threshold applies. Nominated officers must adopt the new practices by September 15, 2026.
Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani held a meeting focused on collaboration within the financial and banking sectors.
The General Pension and Social Security Authority has extended federal pension coverage to UAE nationals working part time in government and private sector entities. Benefits and service periods will be calculated proportionately, while employers must register eligible staff and update records when insured employees move from full-time to part-time work.
The Saudi Capital Market Authority announced the registration of a class action against Hamil AlMusk for Business Services Holding Company over a public share offering that breached regulatory procedures. Subscribers may request to join the lawsuit within 90 days of the announcement.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has enabled IFSCA-regulated entities to access SEBI-registered KYC Registration Agency systems for client due diligence, with immediate effect. Users must comply with the applicable KYC rules and, for foreign portfolio investor clients, relevant data security guidelines.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India now permits custodians to accept powers of attorney digitally signed by foreign portfolio investors under the Information Technology Act, 2000. From Aug. 20, 2026, investors using this route will not need notarization, apostillization or consularization.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India warned Acko General Insurance and Niva Bupa Health Insurance for exceeding regulatory expenses of management limits. Both insurers are barred from opening new places of business for six months and must present the orders to their boards.
Payments Canada found that 60 per cent of surveyed Canadian businesses would use real-time payments in specified situations. The Real-Time Rail is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, enabling instant, data-rich payments around the clock with centralized fraud services.
The Ghana National Insurance Commission and industry groups agreed to strengthen market conduct enforcement, with sanctions for noncompliance and potential accountability for principal officers. They will continue developing risk-based supervision and capital requirements while advancing compulsory Marine, Fire, Motor and Group Life Insurance. Further engagement on the capital framework is expected toward the end of September 2026.
The Central Bank of the Philippines will restore regular currency servicing hours at its Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Ozamiz branches from August 24. Other interim arrangements, including restrictions on fit currency deposits and changes to deposit verification and cash shipments, remain in effect.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore called on insurance professionals to remain trustworthy, continually upgrade their skills and put customers’ interests first. The remarks emphasized the need for sound products, clear explanations and effective claims support as climate, cyber, demographic and technological risks reshape the sector.
Ireland’s Department of Finance highlighted research showing that four in five adults would be interested in opening the planned Investment Account. The framework is expected to emphasize accessibility, incentives, flexible access and consumer safeguards, with further details due in the Budget on Oct. 6.
The Bank of the Lao PDR cut its kip base rate for maturities of up to seven days from 8% to 7% annually. It also extended foreign exchange market hours to 4 p.m. while retaining tighter management of foreign currency flows.
Moldova’s National Commission for Financial Markets ordered Easy Credit to remedy unlawful costs in 973 credit agreements, including refunds within 180 days. It also gave Green Credit 45 days to comply with an earlier redress order or face a MDL 50,000 fine. Separately, the commission advanced draft reforms aligning regulated-market takeover rules with European Union requirements.
The Central Bank of Poland published the Monetary Policy Council’s voting results from July 8, 2026.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has prescribed rule formats for registered retirement funds, beneficiary funds and friendly societies, effective upon Gazette publication. The directive provides templates tied to existing legal and supervisory requirements and calls for transparent, plain-language rules addressing governance, risk management and compliance.
The South African Reserve Bank fined NEC Money ZAR 75,000 for Financial Intelligence Centre Act breaches. The firm had weaknesses in ongoing due diligence and risk-based controls and failed to train staff.
Ukraine's National Securities and Stock Market Commission has expanded its partnership with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy on capital markets education, internships and research. Students will gain practical experience in regulatory work and attend webinars on investment, virtual assets, investor protection and international market integration.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine added CadBrokers and Aurora Trade Limited to its list of questionable investment projects. Both target Ukrainian clients with leveraged trading services but lack authorization to operate in Ukraine’s capital markets.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that euro area banks reliant on money market funding pass policy rate changes through to lending rates more strongly than banks funded through bonds. Pass-through is most muted when high bond funding is combined with long-fixed-rate lending. The research estimates 40% immediate pass-through to new corporate loans, rising to 80% after three months.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that aggregate EU labour force participation remains broadly stable after growth shocks, while employment and unemployment effects persist for four to five years. This resilience masks declining male participation, youth effects lasting up to eight years and disproportionate employment costs for less-educated and non-native workers.
The Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority set capital update indices for fire and natural elements policies beginning or expiring in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has secured Federal Court declarations that Netwealth breached the Corporations Act through inadequate due diligence and disclosure relating to the First Guardian Master Fund. Netwealth paid more than AUD 100 million to over 1,000 affected investors in January 2026, and ASIC did not seek a financial penalty.
CDP found that 55% of 1,005 surveyed cities, states and regions are implementing nature-based climate adaptation measures. Funding constraints affect 46% of respondents, which sought USD 33.51 billion for adaptation projects in 2025, including USD 2.85 billion for nature-related projects.
The Central Bank of The Gambia held the Monetary Policy Rate at 14%, the required reserve ratio at 13%, the standing deposit facility rate at 5% and the standing lending facility rate at 15%. Headline inflation eased to 7.0% in July but remained above the 5.0% target, amid persistent underlying price pressures and external uncertainty.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan urged users to review and restrict unnecessary mobile app permissions. Excessive access to location data, messages, contacts, files, cameras or microphones can expose personal information to misuse, phishing and fraud.
The Central Bank of Comoros absorbed KMF 10.5 billion through a competitive term deposit tender, below its KMF 15 billion ceiling. The accepted bids had a weighted average rate of 1.95% and a marginal rate of 2.00%.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has invited domestic online bids for a 365-day computer maintenance contract funded by the state budget. Bids close at 3 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2026, with security of VND 4.725 million required.
Taiwan recorded a USD 58.49 billion current account surplus in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a wider goods trade surplus amid strong technology-related export demand. The financial account posted a USD 53.79 billion net asset increase, while reserve assets rose by USD 0.79 billion.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority reported that insurers’ aggregate 2025 profit rose 136% to CHF 24.4 billion, supported by higher investment gains. Equity increased 15% to CHF 90.7 billion and the Swiss Solvency Test ratio reached 254%. Gross premiums were broadly stable at CHF 149 billion.
The Bank of Greece reported that the current account deficit widened by about EUR 1 billion to EUR 9.5 billion in the first half of 2026, as weaker income balances outweighed improvements in goods and services. The June deficit almost halved to EUR 602.8 million, while reserve assets rose to EUR 19.5 billion.
South Korea’s National Assembly has passed reforms requiring fair-value pricing for mergers and other covered reorganizations, based on market price, asset value and earnings value. The amendments mandate board review, independent assessment and enhanced related-party disclosures, and will take effect three months after promulgation.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reported that lawmakers passed a leniency regime for voice phishing insiders who help establish related crimes committed by others. Sentence reductions or exemptions will apply to specified fraud and criminal proceeds offenses, including cases already under investigation or trial when the amendment takes effect upon promulgation.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reported passage of amendments expanding the financial law violations that can bar insurance distributors and corporate agency or brokerage executives from the market. The changes extend the appointment bar for certain corporate insurance agency executives from three to five years and allow registration cancellation without a hearing where violations are objectively established. The law is scheduled to take effect six months after promulgation.
The Angola Insurance Authority recorded 350 complaints in the first half of 2026, including 318 involving insurers and 32 concerning pension fund entities and managers. Key issues included contractual noncompliance, delays in claims settlements and benefit payments, and poor communication.
The Bank of Botswana confirmed that 5 and 10 thebe coins remain legal tender and must continue to be accepted. It attributed reported shortages mainly to coins being stored or discarded rather than insufficient supply and urged the public to return excess coins to commercial banks. Businesses must provide customers with correct change.
The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is recruiting for two specialist positions, one each in Sarajevo and Mostar.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority has withdrawn three guidelines on boards’ collective suitability evaluations, effective Aug. 20, 2026. Boards of affected insurers, pension funds, banks and mortgage credit institutions must still continually assess whether their collective knowledge, competence and experience are sufficient.
The Austrian National Bank reported that cashless payment fraud losses rose 17.6% to EUR 115.4 million in 2025, although Austria remained below the EU average for most payment types. Transfers generated 78% of losses, with social engineering behind 83% of transfer losses. The central bank is expanding fraud prevention and financial education initiatives.
National Bank of Georgia First Vice President Ekaterine Mikabadze highlighted Lopota's placement of two-year bonds totaling USD 11 million and EUR 6.9 million under its debut USD 20 million program. Public corporate bond issuance in 2026 has reached GEL 570 million, about 80% above the corresponding period of 2025.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan revoked four insurance intermediary licenses because the licensees failed to remedy the grounds for suspension within the prescribed period.
The Central Bank of Russia will issue four Saint George the Victorious investment coins on Aug. 21, 2026, comprising one silver and three gold denominations. Mintages range from 100 to 100,000 coins, and all four will be legal tender at face value.
The Central Bank of Russia will allow specified Russian financial knowledge certificates to support qualified investor status from Aug. 31, 2026. The change broadens the education-based route beyond international credentials, while existing income, asset, experience and degree-based pathways remain available.
A European Central Bank paper proposes updated domestic and Supercore inflation measures following the 2026 consumer-price classification change. It lowers the domestic inflation import threshold from 18% to 12% and favors an unemployment-gap methodology for Supercore inflation. The revised measures cover 56.5% and 37.5% of the core inflation basket, respectively.
The Jordan Securities Commission briefed financial services firms on updated solvency and capital adequacy instructions taking effect Sept. 12, 2026. The rules replace a framework dating to 1995, link regulatory capital to risk and update liquidity, net equity and reporting requirements, advancing the commission’s efforts to strengthen prudential oversight.
Angola's Ministry of Finance reported that RECREDIT recovered AOA 28.19 billion through June 2026, reaching 94% of its AOA 30 billion annual target. Negotiated payment agreements cover 63% of the acquired loan portfolio by value, while cases in litigation account for about 29%.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has set requirements for banks offering PERA time deposits, including prudential eligibility, regulatory notification and Bureau of Internal Revenue accreditation before launch. The products must have a minimum 30-day maturity, operate through an accredited PERA Administrator and meet disclosure, registry, accounting and deposit insurance requirements.
Securities Commission Malaysia secured a Kuala Lumpur High Court judgment ordering five individuals to pay RM103.75 million over a scheme that siphoned fundraising proceeds from four listed companies. The defendants were also barred from listed company management for 10 years and restrained from dealing with their assets until the amounts due are paid.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned of a fraudulent scheme promoting an Exchange Fund Bills tender through a fake mobile application and promising proceeds in e-HKD. The authority said its pilot and sandbox participants do not solicit public funding or offer related investment products, and it has reported the cases to police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned of bank-related phishing and online scams. Customers should not use transaction links sent by SMS or email or disclose passwords or one-time passwords through those channels.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets reported that Vodafone Financial Services’ fine for irresponsible telecom lending was reduced by the Rotterdam District Court from EUR 375,000 to EUR 185,000. A software error caused affordability checks to be skipped, resulting in 158 customers receiving credit that should not have been granted or should have been lower.
Sveriges Riksbank held its policy rate at 1.75%, citing stronger-than-forecast growth and inflation alongside weak labour-market developments and subdued corporate pricing plans. It said a rate increase later in 2026 remains possible if the summer inflation uptick proves larger and more persistent.
Qatar Central Bank’s 2025 report highlights a cumulative 75-basis-point policy rate reduction, official reserves of QAR 202.2 billion and capital and liquidity buffers above regulatory thresholds. It also expanded risk-based supervision, payment infrastructure and fintech regulation, while government bond and sukuk issuance reached QAR 23.3 billion.
The Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority fined an insurer SAR 650,000 for breaches of anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing requirements. The violations covered due diligence, beneficial ownership checks, monitoring, recordkeeping, training and targeted financial sanctions.
The Saudi Arabia Insurance Authority directed health insurers to offer an additional product without prior medical approval for outpatient treatment from November 1, 2026. Customers may complain to the authority if an insurer refuses to provide the option after that date.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan suspended Beineu Credit Partnership’s microfinance license over repeated reporting failures and regulatory breaches. The company may not issue new microcredits or amend existing agreements, but it and its clients must continue meeting their existing contractual obligations.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reviewed expanded cross-sector information sharing through ASAP, which has supported 7,009 account freezes and prevented KRW 66.36 billion in losses since October 2025. Telecommunications and investigative data can now be integrated into banks’ fraud detection systems. The commission also plans a financial-sector review of mule accounts and related regulatory reforms.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission introduced emergency funding, payment relief and debt restructuring for flood-hit households and businesses. Support includes loan extensions, insurance and card payment deferrals, accelerated claims, business recovery finance and special guarantees. Counseling centers will assist applicants, who generally need a local government disaster damage certificate.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission has begun selecting seven managers for a KRW 880 billion fund offering advanced technology companies capital for up to 16 years. Public sources will provide 77% of the fund, and at least 40% of qualifying investments must be outside artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Managers are expected to be selected by October, with investment potentially starting by year-end.
The Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission reported that assets at Taiwan’s 28 foreign bank branches rose 8.18% year on year to TWD 4.2103 trillion at the end of June 2026. First-half pre-tax profit increased 6.71% to TWD 13.922 billion, while the nonperforming loan ratio remained about 0.01%.
The Central Bank of Samoa left its foreign exchange control policies unchanged following its 2026 review and clarified documentation requirements for overseas remittances arising from estate sales. It also reiterated export permit rules, prior approval requirements for capital transfers and the one-month validity of approved BOP2 forms.
Tajikistan’s interagency commission approved a virtual asset financial crime risk assessment and an action plan addressing risks involving legal persons and legal arrangements. Authorities must submit an effectiveness questionnaire covering the FATF’s 11 Immediate Outcomes by October 2026 as part of the country’s third mutual evaluation.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority found that add-on insurers need stronger oversight of intermediated and commission-based sales to ensure fair consumer outcomes. It also identified weaknesses in assessing consumer understanding, product suitability and performance, with loss ratios for some products as low as 3% to 6%. Insurers must assess their operations, and the authority will test remediation through ongoing supervision.
The Central Bank of the Philippines completed the third leg of its 2026 financial education program, focused on micro, small and medium enterprises. Nearly 200 people attended in person and 1,100 joined online for sessions on financial management, borrowing, digital financial services and business protection.