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.
Portugal's Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority published an overview of its main financial literacy initiatives in 2025.
The commission reported identity impersonation affecting 11 registered financial institutions in July 2026. Unauthorized parties used institutional names, logos and other data to target people seeking credit or financial services.
The Brazil Securities Commission rejected a settlement proposal from three Ybyrá Capital officials facing alleged governance and disclosure violations, including conduct related to a BRL 4.7 billion capital increase. The regulator cited the seriousness of the allegations, insufficient compensation for diffuse harm and limited procedural savings, with the proceeding set to continue.
The Swiss National Bank endorsed proposed measures to strengthen too big to fail regulation, including collateral preparation requirements for systemically important and medium-sized banks seeking central bank liquidity. It also urged broad preparation for the Extended Liquidity Facility from the beginning of 2027 and backed stronger recovery, resolution and crisis-management arrangements.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group has joined the PCAF Engagement Group for Central Banks and Financial Regulators. It will support closer alignment between sustainability reporting frameworks and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies for financial activities.
The European Association of CCP Clearing Houses published an interview with FIA executive Jackie Mesa on the future of clearing. Mesa expects greater use of technology and analytics, broader product and market coverage, and continued emphasis on operational resilience and risk management.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority received an appreciation award for supporting a clean cooking energy dialogue in Zanzibar. It also reiterated its support for youth economic empowerment through innovation, skills and technology.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority renewed Al-Mowazi Capital’s initial approval for a qualified securities broker license for six months from Aug. 23, 2026. A renewable three-year license will be issued after the company meets the specified requirements and pays the prescribed fee.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority renewed Al-Sahel Development and Investment Company’s initial approval for a qualified securities broker license for six months from Aug. 23, 2026. A renewable three-year license will be issued once the company completes the authority’s requirements and pays the prescribed fee.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued guidance after identifying recurring deficiencies in self-certifications for prediction market incentive programs. Designated contract markets must fully disclose program terms, submit material changes as new filings and address risks involving abusive trading, unequal access, conflicts and competition. The regulator recommended reviewing existing programs and filing applicable revisions by September 14, 2026.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners President Scott White outlined ongoing reforms covering AI, private credit and catastrophe risk. Work includes a 12-state pilot of an AI Risk Evaluation Supplement, stronger oversight of third-party data and model vendors, and enhanced scrutiny of insurers’ investment portfolios. The NAIC is also expanding data and analytical tools for homeowners insurance markets.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has lowered the Z-score threshold used in commodity derivatives stress tests from 10 to 5 with immediate effect. Movements exceeding the new threshold will be replaced when calculating peak historical return scenarios for clearing corporations’ Core Settlement Guarantee Funds.
The Reserve Bank of India is consulting on harmonized, principles-based interest rate rules for fixed and floating rate loans across all regulated entities. The proposal addresses divergent benchmark practices and limited fixed rate loan requirements. Comments are due by Sept. 11, 2026, after which final directions will be issued separately for each category of entity.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Central Africa is seeking articles on regional market development, governance, savings mobilization and investor protection for the second issue of Les Échos du Régulateur. Contributions of up to 2,000 words are due by Sept. 15, 2026, with final editorial decisions scheduled for Sept. 30.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission awarded Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group a VND 1.495 billion contract for leased-line internet and wireless network transmission services. The lump-sum contract will run for 42 months from its effective date and covers 2026-2029.
The People's Bank of China will maintain a moderately loose monetary policy and strengthen countercyclical support while keeping liquidity ample and financing conditions relatively loose. First-half measures included a 25-basis-point reduction in structural tool rates and a CNY 1 trillion relending facility for private enterprises. The central bank will prioritize domestic demand, technological innovation and small businesses while guarding against excessive exchange-rate movements and systemic financial risks.
The People’s Bank of China reviewed its 2026 policy actions through July 4, including a 0.25 percentage-point cut in relending rates and major increases in structural lending quotas. It also expanded support for private businesses, technology and green projects while developing cross-border renminbi liquidity and clearing arrangements. Loan prime rates remained unchanged through June.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority approved four intermediary licence applications covering broker-dealer, fund management, investment advisory and corporate trustee services. The approvals include Kestrel Capital’s upgrade from stockbroker to broker-dealer and new licences for Hass Crest Capital, Livonna Advisory Partners and Liaison Wealth.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission held a capital markets fundamentals workshop for Gregório Semedo University students. It covered the national financial system, saving and investing, market instruments and participants, and the commission’s regulatory and supervisory role.
The Bank of Ghana has begun publishing weekly lists of unlicensed digital lenders and urged banks to verify providers’ licensing status before doing business with them. It also called for stronger controls over dud cheques and more tailored agricultural, diaspora savings and investment products. The governor reiterated the July 2026 decision to hold the policy rate at 14%.
Securities Commission Malaysia obtained High Court leave to commence committal proceedings against Tan Bee Geok. The regulator alleges that she breached a five-year prohibition on directing or managing public listed companies and their subsidiaries.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Customers should not follow transaction links or disclose login credentials or one-time passwords, and affected individuals should contact their bank and the police.
Argentina's National Securities Commission is consulting on a regime for employer-funded collective investment products designed to meet obligations arising from employment termination. The vehicles would operate as public-offering financial trusts or open-ended mutual funds under automatic authorization, with rules covering administrators, traceability, portability, default allocation and costs. Comments are due within 15 business days.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reported that Parliament approved in general terms a proposed administrative fees framework by 36 votes to none, with five abstentions. The framework would require state fees to be transparent, predictable, service-linked and proportionate, and will now undergo detailed committee consideration.
The Maldives Monetary Authority has proposed amendments to the National Payment System Act and the Foreign Currency Act. The changes are intended to strengthen the domestic foreign exchange market and keep the legislative frameworks responsive to market and operational developments.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reviewed the progress of public private partnership projects with the World Bank and IFC. Discussions focused on infrastructure and economic development, as well as cooperation on project development and implementation.
The average maximum ruble deposit rate at Russia’s 10 largest household deposit-taking credit institutions was 12.89% in the first 10 days of August 2026.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority backed the Federal Council’s consultation package to strengthen Switzerland’s too-big-to-fail framework and urged its implementation as a whole. The proposals would expand FINMA’s preventive, enforcement and resolution powers and improve larger banks’ access to liquidity support during stress.
The Swiss Federal Council has launched a consultation on reforms completing its too-big-to-fail package, covering bank governance, remuneration, FINMA’s powers, crisis planning and central bank liquidity access. The proposals include a senior managers regime for banks with at least 250 employees, stronger requirements for systemically important banks and new enforcement powers for FINMA. The consultation closes on Nov. 19, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved Simon Andreas Münter as chair of O!Bank’s management board.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is consulting on amendments to align its regulations with domestic anti-money laundering requirements, international standards and Eurasian Group recommendations. The draft also reflects rules for licensing and regulating specialized financial organizations, with comments due by Aug. 27, 2026.
The National Bank of Moldova reported that citizens and businesses have saved more than EUR 13 million on cross-border euro payments since the country connected to SEPA in 2025. It also reviewed progress in aligning Moldova’s financial regulation and supervision with EU and European Banking Authority requirements.
The Central Bank of Cyprus extended the tender submission deadline to 1 p.m. Cyprus time on Sept. 25, 2026. Bids will remain valid until March 25, 2027, while all other tender terms remain unchanged.
The Bank of Mauritius Monetary Policy Committee unanimously held the Key Rate at 4.75% amid easing inflation, persistent upside inflation risks and downside risks to growth. It lowered its 2026 headline inflation forecast to around 5.0% and maintained its 2026 growth forecast at 2.8%.
Ceres-commissioned analysis finds that direct reduced iron is the lowest-cost new-build ironmaking technology across four major US steel regions. New plants could meet investors’ typical 15% return threshold, reduce local air pollution by 80% and cut overall pollution by 40% compared with blast furnaces.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority has warned that MirrorTradelocker Ltd is not licensed or regulated, despite its claim to hold license number SD018. Its website is not linked to any entity authorized by the authority.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority highlighted calls for stronger international cooperation against sophisticated, cross-border financial crime. Its conference focused on risk assessment, MONEYVAL evaluations, investment fraud, cybercrime and illicit finance.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has launched a continuous professional development program for individuals registered in positions subject to the Professional Qualifications Program at licensed persons. The requirements will apply from Jan. 3, 2027, supported by amendments to the Executive Bylaws and registration renewal form.
The Bank of Italy’s second-quarter housing survey found slowing house price momentum, subdued demand and a slight year-on-year decline in agency-brokered sales. Credit conditions remained relaxed, while rental momentum strengthened across most regions from the previous quarter. Agents’ outlook improved, particularly over a two-year horizon, but remained cautious.
The Swiss Federal Council will recommend that Parliament reject the financial centre initiative without a counter-proposal. It considers existing climate legislation and ongoing regulatory work sufficient, while the proposed bans, biodiversity obligations and supervisory regime could be costly, difficult to implement or shift business abroad. The Federal Department of Finance must prepare the dispatch by April 16, 2027.
Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a customs overhaul that expands powers against financial and organized crime while restructuring and digitizing the nearly 49,000-employee service. The measures include AI-supported analysis, cryptoasset seizure and administrative seizure of assets suspected of unlawful origin, subject to fiscal court approval for confiscation. They also strengthen sanctions enforcement, data sharing and the Financial Intelligence Unit’s role.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye strengthened governance requirements for advisory committees overseeing participation-based insurance and individual pension activities. Compliance functions must support, document and track committee decisions, with implementation updates provided quarterly or, for certain pension companies, every six months. Annual decisions must be submitted to the agency by the end of the following January.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group welcomed the appointments of Steven Maijoor, Sam Woods and Laura Forzani to senior IFRS Foundation and International Accounting Standards Board roles. EFRAG expects to continue cooperation on corporate reporting standards under the new leadership.
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance published an interview in which Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis called for deeper cross-border banking integration, simpler rules and consistent supervision without weakening prudential safeguards. Eurogroup work will assess remaining barriers to the Banking Union ahead of European Commission legislative proposals expected in 2027.
The Central Bank of Estonia will publish second-quarter balance of payments data on Sept. 8 and third-quarter foreign travel statistics on Nov. 11. The travel data support the compilation of exports and imports of travel services.
The Bank of Namibia held the Repo rate at 6.75 percent, citing subdued activity, a benign inflation outlook and adequate reserves alongside inflation pressures and risks to the currency peg and capital flows. It projects 2026 inflation at 4.0 percent and growth at 2.1 percent, while reserves stood at NAD 57.1 billion at end-July, covering 3.5 months of imports.
The Monaco Ministry of Finance and Economy outlined a MiCA-inspired bill that would require crypto-asset service providers to obtain prior authorization and meet governance, prudential and conduct standards. The proposal would replace Monaco’s 2022 regime and expand the Financial Activities Supervisory Commission’s powers, subject to legislative approval.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the results of a BEAC tender held on Aug. 11, 2026.
The Central Bank of Taiwan approved three banks to issue foreign currency-denominated negotiable certificates of deposit and authorized Shin Kong International Securities to conduct consigned foreign securities trading settled in NTD or foreign currencies.
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Finance published its July 2026 assessment of short term economic dynamics, using data available through July 17, 2026.
The House of Representatives committee rejected Central Bank of Libya Governor Naji Issa's resignation request and urged him to remain in office while working on a comprehensive economic reform plan.
The Central Bank of Libya and the High Council of State called for a joint technical committee to develop and monitor economic and financial reforms. Their discussions focused on public spending, liquidity, the exchange rate, transparency and the central bank’s institutional independence.
The National Bank of Georgia’s fintech strategy and tokenized deposits initiative have been featured in a Springer Nature book as one of three international central bank case studies. The publication covers Georgia’s financial infrastructure agenda and a regulatory sandbox project for testing tokenized deposits and certificates of deposit.
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed simplifying securities issuance to reduce costs and accelerate access to capital markets. The measures would ease prospectus and registration requirements for eligible issuers, streamline approval of debt offerings and cut the basic preemptive rights period for additional shares from 45 days to 15 business days.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority has approved additional Britam and Zimele collective investment scheme subfunds and a new climate-focused alternative investment fund. The products broaden regulated access to money market, fixed income, multi-asset, global equity and goal-based savings strategies, while the alternative fund will finance green and greening enterprises primarily in Kenya and the East African Community.
The Central Bank of Cyprus recorded nine person entries in the dishonored check issuer register in July, bringing the January-July total to 69. The preliminary list recorded 16 dishonored checks worth EUR 40,799 during the month, with year-to-date totals of 101 checks worth EUR 288,489.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine backed proposed personal investment accounts after the number of unique investors reached 271,300, nearly 12 times the level at the start of 2022. The accounts would offer conditional tax relief for funds retained for at least three years while allowing investors to trade and rebalance portfolios. The bills are awaiting parliamentary consideration.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine will outline its position on virtual asset regulation at a public discussion. Topics will include market rules, development of a legal crypto market and integration with the financial system.
The Palestine Capital Market Authority presented a study on the prospects for index-based agricultural insurance and sought stakeholder feedback on a potential market model. The responses will inform final recommendations for a product tailored to Palestinian conditions and designed to support sustainable agricultural risk management.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority ordered expedited compensation for an Ismailia road accident that killed 17 people and injured more than 30. Compensation is EGP 100,000 per death, while injury payments will be based on medically assessed disability.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reviewed the impact of planned data-scraping restrictions on remote financial services. Participants supported a phased transition after sufficient preparation for alternatives such as public MyData, warning that abrupt restrictions could disrupt lending, account services and policy housing finance.
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission will tighten ETF and ETN price deviation limits to 2% for domestic-asset products and 5% for overseas-asset products from Aug. 19. New individual retail investors in domestic-listed or overseas-listed single-stock leveraged and inverse products must also complete at least five hours of simulated trading, in addition to a KRW 30 million cash deposit and three hours of education.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission is seeking 15 teams for the second-half 2026 D-Testbed, offering 12 weeks of access to real data, remote analytics and expert support. Five artificial intelligence-track teams will also receive high-performance computing resources, and applications close Sept. 8.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority found material anti-money laundering deficiencies and serious accounting failures at Hovden Consult. The firm corrected shortcomings in its risk assessment and anti-money laundering procedures, avoiding a planned corrective order, but the review also identified inadequate engagement quality controls, reconciliations, documentation and client follow-up.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reported that Parliament approved reforms to the institutional framework of the Chamber of Accounts by 37 votes to 16, with one abstention. The legislation revises oversight and audit arrangements for public expenditure and financial management.
The Oman Financial Services Authority suspended United Mawa Projects from accounting and auditing for six months after finding legal and professional violations. The firm offered its licence for rent, lacked the owner’s signature on most audit reports and failed to meet several auditing requirements.
The Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank supported a seminar to build corporate understanding of sukuk issuance and alternative capital market financing. Almost 100 participants discussed issuance processes, Shariah considerations and the use of credit guarantees to support the local currency corporate sukuk market.
Saaf Capital has completed the requirements to commence securities arranging activity under its Capital Market Authority license granted on Dec. 22, 2025.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Market Authority approved Arabian Centres Company’s capital increase from SAR 4.75 billion to SAR 5.18 billion through a one-for-12 bonus share issue funded from retained earnings.
The Bank of the Lao PDR joined SEACEN discussions on emerging financial stability risks, including geopolitical fragmentation, climate change, artificial intelligence, digital currencies and nonbank finance. The meeting also reviewed SEACEN’s 2026-2030 strategy and 2027 training and research priorities, with its outcomes due before the Executive Committee in October 2026.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has outlined four culture capabilities to help financial institutions remediate repeated or serious risk events and reduce recurrence. These cover board and senior management oversight, evidence-based root cause analysis, targeted interventions, and monitoring with independent validation, and may also be used preventively.
The Reserve Bank of Australia updated its Chart Pack on Australian economic and financial market trends. The publication also covers key trading partners and reflects data available as of Aug. 6, 2026.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority issued an updated notice reflecting changes to Switzerland’s Moldova sanctions list, effective at 23:00 on Aug. 12, 2026. Financial intermediaries must implement the prohibitions, freeze relevant assets and report affected relationships to SECO while continuing to meet separate anti-money laundering review and reporting duties.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission plans to adjust aggregate household lending management targets to increase lending capacity for young people and borrowers with genuine financing needs. A comprehensive package is due later in the week of Aug. 10.
The Kazakhstan financial regulator approved Ruben Armenovich Melkonyan as chief financial officer and a management board member of Bereke Bank JSC.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has warned against Yepbit after investors reported being unable to withdraw funds and has removed several websites linked to the platform. Yepbit is neither licensed by ASIC nor registered with AUSTRAC, and its claims that ASIC froze investor funds are false.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has secured a AUD 7.3 million penalty against Fiducian Investment Management Services for misleading ESG-related conduct and breaches of its duty as a responsible entity. The court found that Fiducian lacked reasonable grounds for the fund’s ethical investment claims and failed to monitor or align its underlying investments with those claims.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission reported that Hudson Global Resources was convicted and fined AUD 270,000 for failing to lodge audited financial reports for 2022, 2023 and 2024. The case forms part of ASIC’s 2026 enforcement focus on non-lodgement of financial reports.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has set rules for supporting qualified rural banks’ migration to cloud-based core banking systems. Assistance covers implementation for up to six months and a 36-month subscription, subject to capital, readiness, outsourcing and supervisory assessments. Applications open one month after issuance, with the deadline to be announced separately.
The Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank supported a seminar on sukuk financing and issuance for almost 100 policymakers, regulators and potential corporate issuers. Discussions covered local issuance processes, Shariah considerations and credit guarantees to support development of the country’s local-currency corporate sukuk market.
The Financial Superintendency of Colombia halted an unauthorized gold investment scheme that collected COP 450,073,009 from at least 31 people while promising fixed returns of 20% every five weeks. It ordered the immediate return of the funds and referred the case for administrative intervention and criminal investigation.
The Central Bank of Chile hosted South American central bank governors for discussions on financial conditions, digital payments and artificial intelligence. Regional data showed retail payments per adult rose 345% from 2018 to 2025, while all participating central banks reported using AI in some communications tasks. The next meeting will take place in Uruguay in 2027.
Federal Reserve Board analysis finds that larger middle-market firms can shift between private credit and leveraged loans when conditions diverge, while smaller firms have limited alternatives. The two markets were each worth about USD 1.4 trillion at the end of 2025, so substitution could reduce, but not eliminate, the impact of a private credit pullback.
The Bank of Mozambique has capped overseas payments using Mozambique-issued bank cards at an annual systemwide equivalent of MZN 3 million per holder. Banks must monitor usage, notify customers at specified thresholds and block overseas transactions when the limit is reached, subject to case-by-case exceptions. The central bank has also amended prudential foreign exchange position limits for credit institutions.
The Central Bank of Cuba reported Sea Legend’s launch of a weekly Arctic shipping route between China and the United Kingdom from August through October. The service could cut transit time from about 40 days to approximately 20 days while bypassing the Red Sea and the Strait of Malacca.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued Goliath Ventures and CEO Christopher Delgado over an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme that raised at least USD 397 million from about 1,611 customers. The regulator alleges no funds were invested as promised and seeks restitution, disgorgement, penalties, bans and a permanent injunction.
The Czech National Bank’s July survey found that average daily deposit turnover increased to CZK 47 billion, while repo turnover rose 6.4% and represented 51% of total turnover. Interest rate swap and forward rate agreement turnover declined 1% and 29%, respectively.
The Bank of Italy reported that more than 750 experts from 61 central banks joined 49 technical cooperation activities in the first half of 2026. Topics included artificial intelligence, supervisory technology, operational resilience, the digital euro, payments and market infrastructures.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that US household debt declined by USD 13 billion to USD 18.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, as lower mortgage balances outweighed growth in credit card and auto debt. Overall delinquency improved slightly, but new auto loan and credit card delinquencies remained elevated.
Qatar Central Bank reported 2.9% real GDP growth in 2025, led by a 4.8% expansion in non-hydrocarbon activity, while inflation averaged 0.5%. The current account surplus stood at QAR 116.2 billion, domestic credit grew 4.9% and policy rates fell by 75 basis points. Regional tensions create downside risks to the earlier 6.1% growth projection for 2026.