The Ontario Securities Commission warned that four companies are not registered to deal or advise in securities in Ontario. Investors should verify the registration of anyone offering investments or advice and contact the commission if approached by an unregistered entity.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario refused to renew Joel Kelman’s mortgage broker licence, revoked Quick Cash Mortgage’s brokerage licence and imposed three penalties totaling CAD 85,000. The settlement-based orders address compliance oversight and recordkeeping failures, as well as inaccurate information in licence renewal applications.
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee published ranking member Elizabeth Warren’s criticism of the Trump administration’s final rule rolling back Corporate Transparency Act beneficial ownership requirements. Warren urged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to reverse the decision and testify, arguing that it weakens efforts to combat money laundering, sanctions evasion, fraud and drug trafficking.
The Canadian Securities Administrators have updated technical specifications for data elements required under derivatives trade reporting rules in participating jurisdictions. The revised definitions, formats and allowable values take effect on August 11, 2027.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair directed staff to prepare fundamental changes to the CAT’s funding, governance and oversight, including a potential rulemaking to rescind Rule 613 and shift responsibility to the SEC. Staff will assess funding options and SEC resource needs while retaining current CAT infrastructure and reporting specifications. Any transition would likely not be completed until late 2027.
The Brazil Securities Commission published notice of a court-ordered protest against the disposal of assets by five investment funds in proceedings brought by Banco Master S.A., which is under extrajudicial liquidation, and others.
The Central Bank of Aruba maintained the commercial bank reserve requirement at 12.5%, effective July 1, 2026. Foreign reserves remain adequate and inflation is low, although global uncertainty could affect reserves and prices.
The Central Bank of Kenya’s Monetary Policy Committee held the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 8.75%, citing anchored inflation expectations and exchange-rate stability. Inflation was 6.5% in July and is expected to remain within the 5±2.5% target range, while the economy is projected to grow 4.9% in 2026.
The European Central Bank reported that total assets and liabilities fell EUR 18.225 billion from the previous week to EUR 5.923 trillion as of Aug. 7. Asset declines included lower other assets, monetary policy securities and central bank lending, while deposit facility balances increased EUR 14.447 billion.
The Central Bank of Lebanon is preparing digital asset and cryptocurrency rules with the Bank of France, focused on regulation, supervision and suspicious transaction reporting rather than prohibition. It also outlined enhanced controls across financial system access, customer transactions and correspondent banking, and reiterated that compliance failures will face supervisory consequences. The measures support Lebanon’s Financial Action Task Force action plan following its placement under increased monitoring in October 2024.
The Kazakhstan financial regulator approved Gulshat Bostanovna Akimzhanova to lead the governing body of KMF-Demeu Corporate Foundation.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is holding its 2026 Summer National Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, from Aug. 11-14. Discussions will cover insurer investment strategies, emerging technology, resilience, affordability and accessibility.
The International Financial Services Centres Authority warned entities against unauthorized use of its logo and false claims of regulatory status. Stakeholders should verify firms through the IFSCA Directory and remain alert to impersonation, deepfakes and other digital scams.
The Central Bank of Eswatini reported that provisional gross official reserves rose 23.1% to SZL 10 billion in July, lifting import cover to 2.3 months, although reserves were down 16.7% year on year. Broad money grew 18.4% annually in June, while private-sector credit increased 10.1% despite a monthly decline. The discount rate remained at 6.75%.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority approved the WSA Banking Index ETF for listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, making it the market’s first locally domiciled ETF and third ETF overall. The Kenyan shilling-denominated fund will track the NSE Banking Index by investing in its constituent banking shares.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission and the Gaming Supervision Institute held a joint workshop on supervision, prevention of financial misconduct and control mechanisms. The training addressed gaming regulation and Angola’s legal framework for the betting market.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published an HKICL warning about a fraudulent website offering purported buyer protection for FPS transactions. The site seeks identity and bank account information and directs users to fake customer service personnel.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, phishing messages and other scams. Customers who disclosed information or conducted transactions should contact the relevant bank and report the matter to police.
The Monetary Authority of Macao reported that 78 students completed its 2026 financial talent programs, which attracted more than 350 applications. It plans to expand training and practical experience focused on the bond market, wealth management and investment funds.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority issued an updated Sudan sanctions notice following amendments to Annex 2 of the relevant ordinance, with the changes taking effect at 23:00 on August 11, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspended the licenses of two Bishkek exchange bureaus from Aug. 8 through Aug. 17, 2026, for regulatory violations.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority, the Egyptian Exchange and Egyptian Tax Authority have begun a joint review of capital market tax treatment. The committee will develop recommendations, update tax instructions and standardize procedures for securities and investment funds, while supporting data links, guidance and staff training.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency has warned that frozenspirety.info fraudulently impersonates Croatia’s gov.hr portal and the Croatian National Bank. The site promotes a fictitious government program, claims backing from a EUR 2 billion fund and requests a minimum EUR 250 deposit.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has issued guidance on verifying investment firms through its official registers. Investors should confirm the firm’s license, permitted activities, website, payment details and contacts, and check whether it appears on the regulator’s list of questionable projects and pseudo-brokers.
The Institute of International Bankers urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to tailor GENIUS Act reporting requirements to foreign payment stablecoin issuers’ US activities. Its recommendations include recognizing equivalent home country reports and accounting standards and providing flexibility on confidentiality and amended filings.
The Institute of International Bankers and other trade associations urged the Federal Reserve to reduce internal TLAC requirements for certain U.S. intermediate holding companies of global systemically important foreign banks. They also proposed removing the fixed long-term debt component and allowing firms more flexibility in the mix of eligible instruments used to meet the requirements.
Steven Maijoor will step down from De Nederlandsche Bank’s Executive Board and as chair of supervision on March 1, 2027. The Supervisory Board will begin the succession process, while Maijoor will focus on other governance roles, principally chairing the IFRS Foundation Trustees.
The Bank of Italy’s August snapshot shows GDP grew 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while preliminary harmonized inflation stood at 2.9% in July. Banking system weighted-average capital and liquidity ratios remained above regulatory minimums in March. Official estimates put the 2026 deficit at 2.9% of GDP and public debt at 138.6%.
The Bank of Italy reported that private sector lending grew 3.3% year over year in June 2026, while private sector deposits rose 2.8% and bond funding increased 6.0%. Mortgage and consumer credit rates edged down to 3.95% and 10.33%, respectively, while rates on new corporate lending rose to 3.70%.
The Bank of Italy updated its international tourism statistics with data through May 2026.
The Bank of France launched a public index that distinguishes transportation disruptions from critical input shortages. Its analysis finds that input production shocks have more persistent effects on manufacturing and inflation, while transportation shocks are shorter lived. The index shows both forms of tension strengthening amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Central Bank of Russia will combine the Cybersecurity in Finance Forum and FINOPOLIS in a new-format event from Feb. 17 to 19, 2027. Discussions and demonstrations will cover infrastructure protection, antifraud tools and domestic financial-sector innovations.
Moldova has launched a pilot digital module that allows consumers to submit complaints directly to merchants through the government’s eDemocracy platform. Unresolved cases can be escalated to the competent authority through electronically signed individual or collective petitions.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has highlighted sanctions list updates covering global anti-corruption, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Afghanistan and Russia. Licenseholders should consult the current Treasury notices and maintain processes for receiving sanctions alerts.
Ireland's Department of Finance has created a time-bound working group to improve insurance access for households and businesses in areas at risk of flooding. A one-year update on the 2025–2029 insurance reform plan also highlighted completed transparency, mortgage protection, personal injuries and insolvency measures, alongside nine consecutive months of falling motor premiums.
The Central Bank of Jordan has opened applications for 12 recruitment-linked undergraduate scholarships, with one allocated to each governorate. The scholarships cover four finance-related disciplines at official Jordanian universities, and eligible 2026 school graduates must generally have an average of at least 95%. Applications close at 4 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026.
The Central Bank of Estonia will publish third-quarter 2026 investment and pension fund statistics at 08:00 on November 10.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is consulting on a proposed industry levy to recover about NZD 70 million annually in prudential costs from deposit takers, insurers and financial market infrastructure operators. The proposed sector shares are 54%, 39% and 7%, respectively, with hybrid fixed and size-based charges preferred for deposit takers and insurers. Final Cabinet decisions are expected in early 2027, with the levy proposed to cover the 2027-28 financial year.
The Financial Conduct Authority found that many motor finance redress plans remained too high level to demonstrate operational readiness, despite firms generally understanding the scheme’s requirements. Firms should strengthen population identification, workflows, decision controls, redress calculations, quality assurance and oversight of third parties and multiple representatives. The FCA may seek further detail from firms whose plans do not show sufficient readiness.
European Central Bank Banking Supervision has updated Volume I of its digital compilation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism’s foundational legal framework. The publication is a reference tool with no legal effect, and authoritative versions remain those published in the Official Journal of the European Union and available through EUR-Lex.
European Central Bank Banking Supervision has updated the second volume of its banking supervision legal framework compilation with acts through 2026. The reference includes recent measures on non-performing exposure coverage and delegated decisions for mergers, divisions and acquisitions of material holdings. It is a documentation tool without legal effect.
European Central Bank Banking Supervision has updated Volume III of its banking supervision legal framework compilation. It consolidates acts on supervisory governance, ethics, transparency and related operational rules but has no legal effect.
The European Central Bank’s review finds that monetary policy implementation remained smooth during 200 basis points of rate cuts and continued balance sheet contraction in 2024 and 2025. Excess liquidity fell to EUR 2.5 trillion, but money market transmission remained effective and there were no signs of fragmentation. Banks are expected to use Eurosystem refinancing operations more as reserves decline.
The European Central Bank will co-host a free open-air concert in Frankfurt on Aug. 20, 2026. Its event stand will showcase ten shortlisted future euro banknote designs and allow visitors to participate in the ECB’s public survey.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator has warned that fake agency documents are being used to promote purported fund recovery and transaction-checking services. The agency does not recover lost funds or endorse third-party recovery providers and advised recipients not to pay requested charges or disclose confidential information.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported 4.604 billion noncash transactions worth NT$5.15 trillion in the first half of 2026. June credit card retail sales rose to NT$788.7 billion and outstanding installment balances reached NT$266 billion, while the credit card delinquency ratio declined to 0.16%.
The Central Bank of Taiwan reported that average reserve money fell by TWD 6.8 billion in July to TWD 7,547.3 billion. Annual growth slowed to 6.98%, while growth averaged 7.16% in the first seven months of 2026.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission plans to raise the lower-income investor priority allocation in the second Public Participation Growth Fund from 20% to 50% to expand access for young people. Young investors accounted for 12.4% of subscribers and 8.0% of invested funds in the first fund, and about 61% of them met the lower-income criteria.
The Bank of Russia reported that OFZ yields rose in July and retail deposit rates stopped declining in June, while market-based corporate loan rates continued to fall. Annual M2X growth slowed in June, with preliminary data showing the trend persisted in July.
The Central Bank of Cyprus examined how internal audit and thematic requirements can support governance, transparency and trust across European financial authorities.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has launched the second cohort of its regulatory sandbox, with separate tracks for virtual asset services and data-enabled financial services. Selected participants will conduct supervised live testing under defined consumer protection, cybersecurity and reporting safeguards, but sandbox participation will not confer a licence. Applications are open from Aug. 12 through Aug. 31, 2026.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission invoked emergency authority to direct KalshiEX to continue operating under its normal practices and statutory Core Principles. It found that New York’s lawsuit and proposed restrictions could shut down the exchange, force liquidation of positions and disrupt event contract and broader derivatives markets.
The Kazakh regulator approved Togzhan Tuleubekovna Abisheva and Eldar Rinatovich Shamsutdinov as independent directors of the Unified Accumulative Pension Fund.
Costa Rica’s economic activity grew 3 percent year over year in June 2026, slowing by 2.2 percentage points from a year earlier. Special-regime growth decelerated sharply to 2.9 percent, while the definitive regime expanded 3.1 percent.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji’s 2025 financial inclusion report records gains in women’s access to accounts, formal credit and mobile money, alongside rapid growth in digital financial services. Providers processed 116.4 million mobile wallet transactions worth FJD 7.3 billion, while the bank also advanced sustainable finance, entrepreneurship and financial literacy initiatives. Further work will focus on payment and digital identity reforms, consumer protection and access to finance for underserved groups.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission will apply preferential card fees from Aug. 14 to about 5.26 million small merchants, payment gateway sub-merchants and taxi operators. Nearly 297,000 newly established businesses will receive retrospective fee refunds by Sept. 28, including an estimated KRW 61.47 billion for 159,000 credit card merchants.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission announced tighter registration and anti-money laundering rules for virtual asset service providers. The changes extend the travel rule to all transfers, introduce risk-based restrictions for overseas-provider and personal-wallet transactions, and strengthen financial, ownership and operational eligibility standards. Registration provisions take effect on Aug. 20, 2026, with most other measures applying six months after promulgation.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission examined Russian practices in data-driven supervision, compulsory motor insurance, fraud detection and large-risk management. It also discussed cashless healthcare for Russian tourists and how emerging medicines and oncology vaccines could affect Thailand’s health insurance market.
The Central Bank of the Philippines trained more than 170 existing and prospective suppliers on its competitive bidding and compliance requirements. Participants also received an overview of its indicative procurement needs for 2027.
Bank Indonesia’s survey forecasts annual retail sales growth of 0.9% in July 2026, with the Real Sales Index at 224.4. Sales are expected to contract 0.3% from June as holiday demand normalizes, while price pressures are forecast to ease in September before increasing in December.
The Reserve Bank of Australia unanimously held the cash rate target at 4.35% in August, citing restrictive policy, slowing growth and persistently high inflation. Inflation is not expected to return near the midpoint of the 2–3% target until late 2027, and the Board may raise rates further if upside risks materialise.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is consulting on extending eight legislative instruments due to expire in 2027, with no other changes proposed. The measures span markets, financial services disclosure, retail derivatives, superannuation and employee share schemes, and responses are due by Sept. 8, 2026.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has published a public reprimand of registered liquidator Simon John Thorn for failing to verify the validity of his appointment as an administrator and promptly seek a court ruling. Thorn will remain registered, with the committee noting his clean disciplinary record and the absence of alleged dishonesty.
South Korea's Financial Services Commission reported that 1.385 million people completed enrollment in the Youth Future Savings Account, from 2.343 million initial applicants. The commission is considering an additional enrollment period in September 2026, including reassessment for applicants who previously failed to complete household consent or documentation requirements.
Indonesia’s 2026 financial literacy and inclusion indices rose to 69.57 percent and 93.61 percent, exceeding the government’s 2029 targets. The expanded national survey identified continuing gaps among rural, younger, older and less-educated groups, as well as low Islamic finance and policyholder protection awareness. Future programs will prioritize these segments and use more targeted education.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority plans a cross-agency working group to coordinate MSME financing policies and address regulatory barriers. Cross-sector MSME financing reached IDR 1,948.72 trillion in June 2026, up 2.18% year over year. The authority also signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of MSMEs and is developing an integrated financing data system.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has permanently exempted U.S. companies and persons from Corporate Transparency Act beneficial ownership reporting. FinCEN will delete previously reported information that it reasonably believes concerns U.S. persons. Foreign reporting companies must continue reporting beneficial ownership information for foreign individuals.
The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network permanently exempted U.S. companies and persons from beneficial ownership reporting and will delete their previously submitted information, while maintaining reporting requirements for foreign reporting companies covering foreign individuals.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has published submissions on two insurance industry codes, emphasizing their role in raising conduct and accountability standards beyond legal requirements.
CONDUSEF recognized MetLife's renewal of its Service Badge for Older Adults and called for a broader cultural shift in how financial institutions serve older customers. It also urged insurers to adopt the Universal Insurance Format to present essential policy information clearly in one document.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has brought civil penalty proceedings against Bendigo Bank over admitted accountability, cyber control and testing failures linked to a 2023 attack on its Alliance Bank business. The parties propose an AUD 8 million penalty, subject to court approval. The historical weaknesses have been remediated, and APRA has no current concerns about the bank’s information security controls.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission found that none of the five car insurers reviewed clearly explained premium calculations or price changes in quote and renewal documents. It called for clearer disclosure of pricing factors, policy changes and instalment costs, which can be up to 20% higher than annual payments. ASIC will give insurers individual feedback, monitor practices and act against inaccurate or misleading disclosures.
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reported that industrial production increased 4.3% year over year in June 2026, extending positive growth to six consecutive months. Manufacturing and electricity led the expansion, while mining and quarrying was the only sector to contract.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission suspended Golden Alliance Credit Corporation’s lending license for 60 days over three annual fee violations. The company must halt lending operations during the suspension and pay PHP 110,100 in fines, with further breaches potentially resulting in license revocation.
Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Services Users renewed Afore XXI Banorte’s badge for serving older adults, recognizing improvements across its offices, digital channels, contracts and personalized assistance. The authority also called for regulation to incorporate accessibility, inclusion and behavioral science so older customers can understand information and make financial decisions autonomously.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit introduced risk-based anti-money laundering rules for persons conducting vulnerable activities. The rules strengthen due diligence, beneficial owner identification, controls, recordkeeping and reporting, while applying compliance and supervision proportionately to risk. Implementation will be gradual.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will use a two-phase process for deposit insurance applications received after August 15, 2026. It will target contingent authorization within 120 days and final approval within a further 12 months while applicants complete organizational requirements. The FDIC will coordinate with chartering authorities and generally permit concurrent filings.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services handled 4,896 complaints in Veracruz in the first half of 2026, up 8.6% year over year. Concluded cases recovered MXN 45.9 million for users, with multiple banking accounting for 62.9% of complaints and possible fraud for 34.7%.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted a two-phase review for de novo deposit insurance applications, offering qualifying applicants contingent authorization within 120 days. Final approval is targeted within 12 months or less after contingent authorization, subject to completion of organizational steps and submission of final materials. The process includes coordination with chartering authorities and a pre-opening examination.
The Superintendency of Banks of the Dominican Republic issued guidelines on fair and transparent debt collection by financial institutions and third-party agents. The measures cover contact limits, customer notification when debts are assigned, staff training, internal controls and contractual safeguards for personal data and confidentiality.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission will hold the inaugural Innovation Advisory Committee meeting on Aug. 20 in Washington. The committee will advise the commission on technology, law, policy and finance as they relate to financial innovation.
The Bank of Russia recommends that lenders restructure loans and microloans for small and medium-sized enterprises affected by terrorist attacks, irrespective of eligibility for statutory repayment holidays. Lenders should avoid penalties and early repayment demands, provide revised payment schedules promptly and ensure restructuring does not harm borrowers’ credit histories.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland reported that US business leaders expect consumer prices to rise 3.3% over the next 12 months. The third-quarter forecast fell from 3.7% in the April survey.
Annual urban headline inflation rose to 14.9% in July 2026, while core inflation increased to 14.7%. Both measures recorded zero monthly inflation, and the Central Bank of Egypt will publish its detailed analysis on Aug. 15.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has licensed KFH Capital Investment Company to privately market 150,000 units of an Ireland-established private credit fund to professional clients in Kuwait. Units are priced at USD 1,000, with a subscription fee of up to 2%, and the marketing license will run for one year after certification and payment of the required fees.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority authorized KFH Capital Investment Company to market privately up to 120,000 units of Guernsey-based UK Real Estate Fund VII LP to professional clients in Kuwait. The offering is capped at KWD 50 million or its equivalent in British pounds and carries a 2% subscription commission.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has renewed Gulf Capital Investment Company’s license for seven securities activities for three years from Nov. 19, 2026. The authorization covers portfolio and collective investment management, advisory, custody, investment control, subscription agency and non-exchange-registered brokerage services.
The Financial Stability Board appointed Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman M. Al-Sayari as Regional Engagement Chair for a two-year term beginning Aug. 10, 2026. He will advise on using the FSB’s Regional Consultative Groups to engage nonmember jurisdictions, including in work on crypto-assets, stablecoins and cross-border payments.
Certain agencies ceased to hold registration certificates for insurance agency business during the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has appointed Cara Kolb as senior vice president of Risk and Compliance, with responsibility for risk management, compliance, data privacy and records management. Kolb, the Bank’s chief information officer since 2024, fills the vacancy created by Rick Thornton’s retirement.
Girija Subramanian joined the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India as Whole-time Member for Distribution on Aug. 10, 2026.
The People's Bank of China issued its 15th Five-Year reform and development plan with nine supporting action plans. Priorities include modernizing monetary and macroprudential frameworks, supporting strategic sectors, opening financial markets, advancing renminbi internationalization and strengthening financial infrastructure and central bank services.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority alerted the public to reported 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.
Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited has warned of a fraudulent website offering purported buyer protection services for Faster Payment System transactions. The website has no affiliation with the organization, which does not directly provide FPS services to individuals or ordinarily contact them proactively.
The National Bank of Romania (NBR) held its monetary policy rate at 6.50% amid elevated inflation, weak economic activity and high uncertainty, while forecasting a substantial inflation correction in the third quarter. The NBR expects inflation to re-enter its target variation band by end-2027 and kept its lending and deposit facility rates at 7.50% and 5.50%, respectively.
The National Bank of Serbia reported that voluntary pension fund assets fell 0.4% in the first quarter of 2026 to RSD 66.4 billion. Government bonds represented 66.4% of assets, while the three largest funds controlled 80.5% of the market. Net contributions totaled RSD 1.3 billion and withdrawals reached RSD 940.7 million.
The Croatian National Bank warned that frozenspirety.info is an impersonation website promoting a fictitious government programme backed by a purported EUR 2 billion fund. Citizens should not access the site, provide personal information or make the requested minimum deposit of EUR 250.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority has cut review fees by 50% for public and private offerings of sustainability-related securities. The reduction expands beyond green bonds to instruments including social, climate, transition, women’s empowerment and sustainability-linked bonds.
The National Bank of Ukraine has eased foreign exchange restrictions for households, businesses and financial institutions, with most changes effective August 11, 2026. Key measures raise the household noncash foreign currency purchase limit to UAH 200,000, expand business payment and withdrawal capacity, and broaden qualifying cross-border transactions. Revised bank foreign exchange position calculations take effect on September 1, 2026.
The National Bank of Moldova reported savings of about EUR 13.2 million in the first 10 months of the country’s operational connection to SEPA. Nearly eight in 10 transactions now use SEPA, while the average cost of a cross-border euro transfer has fallen to EUR 1.09.