Nigeria's National Insurance Commission has introduced operational guidelines for registering, supervising and monitoring insurance web aggregators. The guidelines apply immediately to all web aggregators and insurers operating in Nigeria.
FinCEN identified nearly USD 5 billion linked to suspected human smuggling in 67,540 Bank Secrecy Act reports filed from 2023 through 2025. Money services businesses filed 97% of reports, while depository institutions accounted for 61% of the total suspicious activity amount despite filing only 3%.
The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network held its third COMMAND public-private exchange on financial activity linked to cartels and narcotics trafficking organizations. Law enforcement agencies and financial institutions discussed case studies, typologies and suspicious activity.
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority registered BMCI’s 2025 reference document. The document and the previously registered program note form the annual update of the bank’s certificates of deposit information dossier.
The Saudi Capital Market Authority approved Riyad Capital Company’s public offer of the Riyad MENA Equity Fund, noting that the approval confirms legal compliance but does not constitute a recommendation to subscribe.
The Central Bank of Malta warned of fraudulent deepfake videos impersonating central bank governors, including Governor Alexander Demarco. The public should disregard the videos, reject any requests and avoid sharing them.
Axian Financial Services Ltd’s Global Treasury Activities Licence was terminated effective June 30, 2026, following its surrender to the Mauritius Financial Services Commission.
From Oct. 1, 2026, key persons being vetted for anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regulated financial institutions must provide police clearance certificates, including for changes to existing key persons. Certificates must be no more than 12 months old and cover each country where the individual was ordinarily resident for more than six months during the preceding three years.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission will hold an online wealth management workshop on August 26 with CFA Society Portugal and CFA Society Brazil. The session is part of a professional exchange program for capital markets practitioners in the three countries.
Qatar Central Bank's governor and Ukraine's ambassador discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the financial and banking sectors.
The Central Bank of Brazil will require virtual asset service providers to hold certain transfers to foreign providers or self-custodied wallets for up to 24 hours when transactions exceed USD 10,000 or present higher risks. Providers must also strengthen daily fraud monitoring and recordkeeping. The requirements take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru announced the swearing-in of Inés Marylin Choy Chong, Luis Miguel Palomino Bonilla and Gustavo Adolfo Yamada Fukusaki as directors following their designation by the Executive Branch. Choy begins a new term, while Palomino and Yamada return after previous board service.
Bolivia's Ministry of Finance reported EU-funded technology and technical assistance for the UIF and DIRCABI under a project supporting implementation of Financial Action Task Force standards. The upgrades will strengthen financial intelligence systems and the management of seized assets, supporting Bolivia's efforts to exit increased monitoring.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission set the agenda for the Innovation Advisory Committee’s inaugural Aug. 20 meeting. The committee will discuss regulatory frameworks for crypto assets, AI-enabled derivatives markets and prediction markets, with public comments due Aug. 27.
Argentina's National Securities Commission has published joint guidance on applying the “customer of the customer” concept to clients handling third-party funds. Such arrangements should not automatically be classified as high risk, with identification and monitoring instead applied proportionately and documented on a case-by-case basis.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has proposed refusing to renew Mckasey Samuel Cadore’s insurance agent licence over alleged false claims and a material misstatement or omission in his application. Cadore has requested a Financial Services Tribunal hearing.
The Central Bank of Russia participated in a BRICS meeting focused on deeper financial cooperation and wider use of national currencies in mutual settlements.
The Global Financial Markets Association supported extending Bank of England RTGS and CHAPS settlement hours, with wholesale foreign exchange settlement-risk reduction as the main objective. It called for coordinated central bank operating-hour overlaps, broader industry participation and viable payment versus payment services to ensure longer hours deliver practical benefits.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority deregistered EchoChain Limited, effective Aug. 13, 2026.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has deregistered Island Payroll Solutions Limited under the Designated Businesses (Registration and Oversight) Act 2015, effective Aug. 13, 2026.
An application for an administration management order concerning Ceiba Investments Limited will be made to the Royal Court at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18, 2026.
The Federal Reserve Board issued a consent prohibition against former Regions Bank employee Elazia Jones over check fraud.
Ukraine's National Securities and Stock Market Commission approved a new procedure for authorizing senior personnel at professional capital markets participants and set criteria for identifying enterprises important to relevant markets. It also reviewed digitalization legislation and addressed securities registrations, fund charters and other market approvals.
The National Bank of Poland reported a PLN 9.4 billion current account deficit for June 2026, widening from PLN 1.9 billion a year earlier. Faster import growth deepened the goods trade deficit, while foreign investors’ earnings contributed to a PLN 18.9 billion primary income deficit.
Egypt's Ministry of Finance called for stronger BRICS mechanisms to mobilize private investment and address development financing gaps. It backed flexible, low-cost financing, enhanced de-risking tools, coordinated domestic revenue mobilization and a shared BRICS tax database.
The Central Bank of the UAE participated in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, discussing the global economic outlook and financial cooperation. It also met bilaterally with central banks and international financial institutions.
The New York State Department of Financial Services issued guidance and a draft regulation implementing reforms to the independent dispute resolution process for out-of-network health care payment disputes. The changes revise covered plans, extend decision timelines and require upfront payment to dispute resolution entities. The law and emergency amendments take effect Aug. 26, 2026.
The New York State Department of Financial Services approved Western Union’s acquisition of Intermex with three-year protections for remittance access and pricing. Western Union must maintain Intermex’s local footprint and specified country services, cap price increases at inflation, submit regulatory reports and fund an independent compliance audit.
The Bank of Cape Verde outlined how it manages international reserves to support the escudo’s euro peg, prioritizing capital preservation, liquidity and returns. It also reviewed diversification into Chinese currency, sustainable instruments and gold, including the profitable 2022 sale of a USD 63 million gold position acquired in 2020.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India is consulting on changes that could expand the accredited investor pool to about 400,000 by adding securities market asset thresholds of INR 5 crore for individuals and INR 20 crore for corporate bodies. It also proposes manager-led accreditation, three-year validity and deemed status for all persons resident outside India. Comments are due by Sept. 3, 2026.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission and National Economics University signed an agreement covering training, research, financial education and practical market experience. They also launched Go Finance 2026, with the commission providing experts, content guidance and practical competition scenarios.
The Central Bank of Venezuela held talks with Numisma Bank and other international representatives on financial coordination to support national macroeconomic objectives.
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported a USD 2.339 billion goods trade surplus for the first half of 2026, down 44% year over year. Record exports of USD 19.571 billion rose 4%, while imports climbed 18% to USD 17.232 billion. The June surplus was USD 194 million.
The Financial Superintendence of Colombia reminded supervised entities to apply the Express Complaints procedure for financial consumers affected by the Aug. 10, 2026, earthquake.
The Joint Committee on Climate Change issued sustainability reporting guidance for banks, insurers and takaful operators, with capacity building beginning in October 2026. It also agreed to base the Malaysia Taxonomy fully on the ASEAN Taxonomy, with a pilot and local implementation tools planned before adoption for reporting in 2028.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission obtained a six-year disqualification order against former National United Resources director Tian Songlin over USD 75.46 million in fictitious fuel oil transactions. Tian admitted fiduciary breaches and facilitating more than HKD 302 million in payments, as well as causing misleading disclosures. The regulator is considering further action against three other respondents who cannot be located.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission’s prosecution of Oliver Chow Pak Wah was adjourned to September 17, 2026, after he pleaded not guilty to three charges of failing to comply with investigative notices linked to two market manipulation investigations. He was granted HKD 15,000 bail subject to travel, residence and police reporting restrictions.
Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited has warned of a fraudulent website purporting to offer buyer protection services for Faster Payment System transactions. The company does not provide FPS services directly to individuals or usually contact them proactively and advised the public to report suspected fraud.
Argentina's Ministry of Finance announced a partial easing of dollar lending restrictions for companies, while continuing to exclude individuals. Core safeguards on loan-proceeds conversion and banks’ foreign currency exposure to the public sector will remain. The government estimates that banks have capacity to extend an additional USD 5.8 billion in dollar loans.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Customers who disclosed information or made transactions in response should contact their bank and the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina released preliminary banking system data as of June 30, 2026, with final figures to follow in its quarterly report.
The Bank of Uganda maintained the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 9.75%, citing risks that energy price shocks could broaden despite an improved inflation outlook and resilient growth. Headline inflation is projected at 5.5-6.0% over the next 12 months, while economic growth is forecast at 7.0-7.5% in FY2026/27.
The Mauritius Financial Services Commission has established a regulatory regime for stablecoins and will not permit algorithmic or yield-bearing models. Issuers face capital, full reserve-backing, disclosure, audit and five-day par-redemption requirements. Payment use and fiat-pegged issuance may also require Bank of Mauritius approval.
The National Bank of Moldova raised its inflation forecast for almost the entire comparable period and expects inflation to increase through the end of 2026. Inflation is projected to remain above the target band until mid-2027 and return within it in the third quarter of 2027. The bank raised its base rate to 7.5% on Aug. 6 as energy and regulated-price pressures persisted.
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported that the banking sector’s nonperforming exposure ratio held at 1.6% at the end of May 2026, while provision coverage rose marginally to 63.0%. Restructured credit facilities totaled EUR 0.8 billion, including EUR 0.3 billion still classified as nonperforming.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine chair outlined proposed personal investment accounts for investing in Ukrainian capital-market instruments, particularly domestic corporate securities. Investment income, dividends and interest would be tax-exempt if funds remain invested for at least three years. The proposal seeks to direct growing retail investment beyond government bonds and into Ukrainian businesses.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine outlined priorities for regulating the country’s established virtual asset market, including provider authorization, user protection and predictable operating rules. Chair Oleksii Semeniuk also called for cooperation on banking and payment access and a legal framework for tokenized real-world and financial assets.
The Central Bank of Estonia published its monthly balance of payments flash estimate, which is based on a smaller data set than the quarterly statistics. Second-quarter 2026 data will follow on September 8, 2026, with the monthly estimates adjusted accordingly.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway found no basis to change the countercyclical capital buffer, and Norges Bank kept the requirement at 2.5%. High household debt and property valuations remain key vulnerabilities, while banks continue to meet capital requirements despite lower profitability.
Norges Bank unanimously kept the countercyclical capital buffer requirement at 2.5 percent. It judged the financial system robust and credit availability sound, while noting geopolitical uncertainty and continued strains among property developers.
Norges Bank held its policy rate at 4.25% as inflation fell more than expected but remained above target. The committee kept open the possibility of a rate increase and will publish updated forecasts with its Sept. 24, 2026 decision.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority found weaknesses in four fund managers’ procedures for preparing and updating PRIIP KIDs, including unreliable information on expected returns and costs. It updated its guidance to clarify key requirements and areas of uncertainty.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group is recruiting a Brussels-based Technical Manager to support its IFRS-related analysis and advice to the European Commission. Applicants need at least five years of relevant IFRS experience, and European Economic Area nationality is required.
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority found that most market participants are progressing toward T+1 settlement on Oct. 11, 2027, but some firms, particularly in the buy-side sector, remain considerably behind. Participants must advance implementation and testing, while third-party providers should immediately share finalized transition plans with clients. The FCA plans increasingly intrusive supervision and may act against firms that are inadequately prepared.
S&P affirmed the Islamic Development Bank’s AAA long-term rating with a stable outlook and its A-1 short-term rating. The assessment reflects robust capitalization, strong liquidity, shareholder support, preferred creditor treatment and diversified exposures.
The Bank of Uganda published its August 2026 macroeconomic indicators summary.
The Norwegian Ministry of Finance is consulting on proposed provisions governing fully automated decisions and the use of personal data in IT system development and testing.
The Bank of Mauritius has confirmed that four banks remain domestic systemically important following its 2026 assessment. The Mauritius Commercial Bank, SBM Bank (Mauritius), Absa Bank (Mauritius) and AfrAsia Bank retain the classification and are subject to the associated capital surcharge framework.
The Central Bank of the UAE outlined the framework for implementing the UAE Islamic Finance and Halal Industry Strategy 2025-2031, which targets AED 2.56 trillion in local Islamic finance assets by 2031. The UAE has 43 licensed Islamic financial institutions, with Islamic bank assets of AED 1.4 trillion as of June 2026, supported by more than 280 regulatory standards and resolutions.
The Bank for International Settlements' Financial Stability Institute found that only eight of 43 surveyed authorities had fully integrated supervision systems, while 15 had partial integration. Integrated platforms can improve information access, workflows and AI adoption, but authorities must address legacy technology, data quality, organizational change and vendor risks.
The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) held its key policy rate at 5.75%, with deposit and lending facility rates unchanged at 4.5% and 7.0%, respectively. Annual inflation fell to 1.9% in July and is expected to remain within the 3±1.5% target band, while second-quarter real gross domestic product growth accelerated to 3.6% year on year.
The European Central Bank found that 92% of euro area companies with physical payment locations accept cash, while mobile payment acceptance rose from 36% in 2024 to 68% in 2026. Of current cash acceptors, 92% expect to continue for the next five years, although access to cash services and cash availability at self-checkout terminals remain constraints.
The European Central Bank found that cash remains the euro area's most widely accepted payment method, with acceptance among companies at physical locations rising to 92% from 90% in 2024. Card acceptance held at 88%, while mobile payment acceptance increased sharply to 68% from 36%.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority has licensed Rubiani Capital Limited as an intermediary service platform provider. Its non-custodial platform facilitates access to regulated third-party investment products, while licensed intermediaries retain responsibility for execution, asset management and custody.
Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission reported 92 financial-field Employment Gold Card approvals in the first half of 2026, nearly 30% more than a year earlier. The increase followed an eligibility expansion covering asset management, including multi-family offices.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan reported that two candidates passed its insurance intermediary qualification assessment, scoring 78 and 80 points. The passing threshold is 70 correct answers.
The National Bank of Moldova launched an eight-week mentorship program for young people interested in careers in public finance, banking and investment. About 20 participants will be selected for the autumn 2026 program and paired with women leaders from the public and private financial sectors.
Moldova's government approved draft amendments partially liberalizing capital-related foreign exchange operations. The authorization-free threshold for certain transactions would rise from EUR 10,000 to EUR 100,000 and then to EUR 250,000 from Jan. 1, 2028, alongside simplified procedures for external borrowing and overseas accounts.
The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye adopted guidelines enabling social and sustainability-linked capital market instruments. The frameworks set disclosure, reporting, target-setting and external verification standards based on international principles. Issuances under the guidelines will receive a 50% reduction in board fees.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji unveiled a dedicated space for the Fiji Innovation Hub to connect entrepreneurs and startups with financial, government, industry and development partners. The Ministry of Policing and Communications and the Fiji Development Bank also joined as sponsors for the Hub’s second-year activities.
De Nederlandsche Bank found that takeaway and delivery meals now account for more than 3% of Dutch household consumption, up from about 1.6% in 2015. Their inflation contribution has eased from 0.35 percentage point in 2023 to 0.13 percentage point but remains above pre-2020 levels.
Norges Bank held the policy rate at 4.25% in August, citing above-target inflation and the continued need for a restrictive stance. It said a further increase may be necessary depending on economic developments, with new forecasts due in September.
The South Korea Financial Intelligence Unit and Financial Supervisory Service revised the virtual asset provider reporting manual to implement enhanced screening of major shareholders, financial condition and compliance systems from Aug. 20. Major shareholder and compliance-system changes will require 30 days’ advance notification, while the manual also sets operational standards for anti-money laundering staffing, domestic IT infrastructure and noncustodial wallets. Existing registered providers must file under the amended framework by Nov. 20.
Kazakhstan’s financial regulator detailed mandatory minimum information security requirements applying to all financial market participants since July 12, 2026, with stricter controls for banks. Compliance is monitored through reporting and supervisory reviews, while consumers are urged to verify suspicious requests through official channels.
The Central Bank of Syria has opened online applications for individuals to surrender old Syrian currency and receive the equivalent value in new currency through a bank transfer free of charges. Each eligible applicant may submit one request, with no limit on the number or denominations of banknotes, while in-person withdrawal channels remain available nationwide.
The Central Bank of the Philippines signed an agreement with Berdeng Kalabaw to collect recyclable waste and report landfill diversion at facilities in Manila and Quezon City. The central bank aims to extend the model to its regional offices and branches through local partnerships.
The Federal Court found McPherson’s breached continuous disclosure laws and misled investors by delaying correction of an unsupported profit forecast for nearly three weeks. Its former CEO and managing director, Laurence McAllister, also breached his duty of care and diligence, with penalties and other relief to be determined.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission increased housing finance support from KRW 26.3 trillion to KRW 47.8 trillion plus additional funding, including larger PF guarantees and recovery funds for stalled projects. It also tightened rental deposit loan, debt service ratio and mortgage capital rules while introducing targeted support for young people and owner-occupiers. The 2026 household debt growth target will rise from 1.5% to around 3%, with the added capacity reserved for policy purposes.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 2026 survey found that 89% of regulated-entity respondents rated their relationship with it positively, while 80% approved of prudential policy consultations. Broader consultation scored lower among deposit takers at 57%, reflecting concerns about communication, planning and the Keeping Cash Local consultation. The central bank plans to improve its engagement and work with banks on a voluntary cash solution.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand outlined prudential priorities focused on risk-based regulation, forward-looking system oversight and evidence-backed supervision. The approach will guide deposit-taker and insurance reforms, with firms expected to demonstrate compliance. An issues paper on payments modernization is due later in August, followed by work on the future of banking in September.
The Maldives Monetary Authority is consulting on two draft regulations implementing the Insurance Act. They cover risks situated in the Maldives, exceptions involving entities other than licensed insurers and other general provisions, with comments due by 1 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2026.
Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Christopher Kent assessed monetary policy as somewhat restrictive, with three cash rate increases lifting borrowing costs, slowing housing activity and contributing to a roughly 5% trade-weighted appreciation of the Australian dollar. Housing weakness may be adding to restraint, while global AI investment and higher overseas bond yields may make Australian financial conditions less restrictive.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission identified target market, onboarding and disclosure shortcomings in a review of nine providers offering complex or high-risk products to retail investors. Five entities have improved their practices, two paused options onboarding for remediation and one exited Australia. ASIC is considering further action and has issued new investor guidance.
The Central Bank of Venezuela reported monthly inflation of 19.9% in July 2026, driven by earthquake-related disruption to goods distribution, and projected a decline in August following slower exchange-rate growth.
The Central Bank of Uruguay found that all South American central banks covered by its review routinely use AI in some communications tasks, with privacy and information security their unanimous main concern. Regional authorities also reviewed financial conditions and payment trends, including a 345% rise in retail payments per adult from 2018 to 2025. Uruguay will host the next meeting in 2027.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported that payment systems processed 4.5 million transactions worth NIO 790.18 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 49.2% in volume and 30.6% in value from a year earlier. Transactions across bank and financial technology payment channels reached 93.8 million and about NIO 1.1 trillion, led by 41.8% volume growth through remote channels. Cash in circulation rose 18.6% to NIO 68 billion.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners accredited the insurance regulatory departments in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Indiana and Michigan. Accreditation confirms compliance with baseline solvency oversight standards and is subject to full reviews at least every five years and annual interim reviews.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission cleared Arthaland’s preferred share offering of up to PHP 3 billion, subject to remaining requirements. The company expects net proceeds of about PHP 2.96 billion to fund a property project, partially redeem Series D preferred shares and support general corporate purposes.
Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk called for greater emerging-market influence over the global financial system and a larger multilateral development bank role in providing low-cost financing. At a BRICS session, he also advocated technology-led structural reforms and stronger trade and investment ties across the Global South.
The Brazil Securities Commission has begun an official mission to the United States. Meetings are planned with the SEC, CFTC, Inter-American Development Bank, NYSE and Nasdaq, although no specific policy topics were disclosed.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic is seeking external audit services for 2026 to 2028, covering its financial statements and those of two funds. The work will also assess the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing compliance program, with bids due Sept. 28, 2026.
The Bank of Central African States launched SYSTAC 2 on Aug. 3, 2026, replacing its regional retail payments platform in use since 2007. The centralized, ISO 20022-based system supports automated clearing and dispute management, while instant payments will be added later. The new SYGMA V10 real-time gross settlement system is scheduled to follow in the coming weeks.
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force has published an article on asset tracing, centered on financial investigations, cooperation and timely access to information. It emphasizes early tracing, effective information sharing and proportionate safeguards when authorities seek criminal property or property of corresponding value.
The Bank of Albania will hold an off-the-record presentation of its third-quarter 2026 Monetary Policy Report for economic journalists at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 13.
The New York State Department of Financial Services joined a USD 15.5 million multistate settlement with NewRez over improper force-placed insurance charges affecting more than 4,200 borrowers. NewRez returned USD 409,026 to affected New Yorkers, will pay a USD 602,226 state penalty and must strengthen its controls and monitoring.
The National Bank of Serbia reported that annual inflation slowed to 1.9% in July as lower fruit and vegetable prices pushed consumer prices down 0.2% from June. Core inflation remained at 4.5%, while energy prices increased 9.3% year on year.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group welcomed Steven Maijoor, Sam Woods and Laura Forzani to senior IFRS Foundation and International Accounting Standards Board roles. EFRAG plans to continue cooperation on accounting standards and corporate reporting.
U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons asked the administration to explain its 17-month pause in regular, targeted Russia sanctions despite stalled peace talks. They estimate that more than 1,000 companies, individuals and vessels supporting Russia’s military industrial base are likely operating without U.S. sanctions and requested a response by August 28, 2026.
A Payments Canada panel examined the strategic implications of Canada’s move to 24/7 real-time payments, including product development, liquidity and competitiveness.
The Panama Superintendency of Banks has renewed two cross-director appointments to the boards of Panama’s securities and insurance regulators. The two-year terms begin on Aug. 16, 2026, maintaining coordination among the country’s financial supervisors.