The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved rules requiring financial institutions to establish an independent customer complaints function and strengthen ethics standards. The requirements cover banks, insurers, investment firms, payment organizations and electronic money institutions and take effect on Sept. 1, 2026.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a 3.4% decline in average daily incoming payments in July from the second-quarter 2026 average. Excluding selected commodity, petroleum and government sectors, receipts rose 1.4%, driven by growth in consumer demand sectors.
The People's Bank of China and the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic renewed their CNY 130 billion or ARS 28 trillion bilateral currency swap for five years, with extensions permitted by mutual agreement.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has flagged Comfortrade, Broox and Aura Capital Invest as suspicious investment projects. The platforms target Ukrainian consumers without a local presence or Commission authorization, leaving investors without legal protection or regulatory recourse if funds are lost.
The Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission reported that spillover-effect insurance contracts rose 29% and first-year premiums increased 152% as of the second quarter of 2026. In-kind benefit insurance contracts fell 5%, while first-year premiums declined 56%.
The Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission reported that domestic banks’ nonperforming loan ratio was unchanged at 0.14 percent at the end of June 2026, while nonperforming loans fell to TWD 67.34 billion. The allowance coverage ratio increased to 939.51 percent, and the commission assessed asset quality as manageable.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority reported that Islamic finance assets reached a record IDR 3,131.02 trillion in 2025, up 8.56% year on year. Islamic banking, capital markets and nonbank financial sectors all recorded asset growth, supported by regulatory and sector development measures.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator warned that online fraudsters are targeting children to obtain family banking data, account access and funds. Parents should strengthen device controls, use official application stores and teach children not to share personal data, passwords or verification codes.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission awarded Incom International Communications Joint Stock Company a VND 438.57 million contract for SMS software services supporting several IT systems. The lump-sum contract will run for 36 months from its effective date.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has directed seven individuals to pay a VND 1 million fee to complete the securities practice certificate issuance procedure. Recipients have one year from the fee notice to collect their certificates before they are revoked.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission requires Dao Dinh Tung to pay VND 1 million to complete the reissuance of his securities brokerage practicing certificate. The certificate must be claimed within one year or it will be canceled.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has secured 13-year disqualifications against three former China Candy senior executives for schemes that substantially inflated the company’s reported cash and bank balances. The court found overstatements of RMB38.1 million and RMB43.48 million in its 2016 interim and annual reports, supported by falsified banking and accounting records.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published a warning about fraudulent websites impersonating Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited and offering purported Faster Payment System transaction support. The clearing operator has no affiliation with the sites and does not normally provide such services directly to the public.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, fake login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Banks will not send transaction links or request passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS, and affected customers should contact their bank and the police.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority found inconsistent related party and fair value disclosures in its review of 61 managed investment scheme managers and selected schemes. It expects clearer, entity-specific information on relationships, fees, indirect investment structures, valuation methods and fair value hierarchy judgments.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority has launched an exploratory review of artificial intelligence use across the financial advice sector, focusing on adoption, governance, risks and regulatory questions. Four stakeholder surveys are open until Sept. 4, 2026. Findings may inform future guidance, supervisory priorities or policy work.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets reported that European Banking Authority approval of DORA registers rose from 40% in 2025 to 94% in 2026. It nevertheless identified gaps in firms’ policies and procedures and fewer incident reports than expected, while pointing insurance intermediaries to new threshold-calculation guidance.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has published its responses to industry comments on phases 1 to 3 of subordinate legislation under the Financial Institutions and Markets Act, 2021. Updated regulations and standards are also available, and industry participants are asked to review the final versions.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has completed its consideration of comments on five standards under FIMA. The updated standards cover prudential requirements, registration, supervisory actions, outsourcing and fair treatment of customers, and explain how consultation feedback was addressed.
The Philippines Insurance Commission confirmed that Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado was placed under preventive suspension during an Ombudsman investigation into alleged preferential treatment in an insurance consortium accreditation. Regalado denied the allegations in counter-affidavits and said he would cooperate with the proceedings.
AMLA is seeking feedback from electronic money institutions and payment service providers on the operation and effectiveness of the EU’s Central Contact Point framework. Responses will inform an upcoming regulatory technical standard, with the survey closing on Sept. 15, 2026, and a findings report to follow.
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has consulted on mandatory wallet information reporting for digital asset licensees, registrants and applicants. Covered entities would report at authorization, within 10 business days of material wallet changes and through annual attestations, supporting blockchain screening and risk-based supervision. Inaccurate or incomplete reporting could result in supervisory or enforcement action.
The Reserve Bank of India introduced comprehensive loan recovery and recovery agency conduct requirements for regional rural banks from Jan. 1, 2027. The rules strengthen agency due diligence, borrower notifications, call recording, grievance handling and protections against harsh recovery practices. Device-locking tools are restricted to financed devices and subject to past-due thresholds, essential-function safeguards and compensation for wrongful or delayed unlocking.
The Reserve Bank of India issued comprehensive loan recovery and recovery-agent conduct rules for urban co-operative banks, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The rules strengthen agency oversight, borrower notifications, call recording, conduct standards and grievance handling. Device-locking tools are limited to financed devices and are subject to delinquency thresholds, essential-function protections and compensation for wrongful restrictions.
The Reserve Bank of India issued comprehensive loan recovery and recovery agency conduct rules for rural cooperative banks, effective January 1, 2027. The requirements cover agency oversight, borrower treatment, call recording, grievance handling and prohibitions on harsh practices. Device restrictions are subject to 30- and 60-day past-due thresholds, essential-function safeguards and compensation of INR 250 per hour for bank-attributable wrongful restrictions or delayed reversal.
The Reserve Bank of India will require All India Financial Institutions to apply comprehensive loan recovery conduct and recovery agency oversight rules from January 1, 2027. The rules restrict contact practices, prohibit harassment and require agency due diligence, call recording and dedicated grievance handling. Device-locking tools may be used only for financed devices under staged safeguards, with essential functions protected and compensation for wrongful restrictions or delayed unlocking.
The Reserve Bank of India introduced comprehensive NBFC loan recovery standards effective Jan. 1, 2027, covering agency oversight, borrower communications, call recording, grievance handling and prohibitions on harassment. Device-locking tools may be used only for loans financing the affected device, with restrictions phased in after 30 and 60 days past due. Wrongful restrictions or delayed unlocking will attract compensation of INR 250 an hour, capped at the loan amount disbursed.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission set its fiscal 2027 organizational priorities, emphasizing measurable outcomes and proactive, risk-based supervision. Priorities include insurance access, the protection gap, product governance, open insurance and greater use of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Rural Bank of Paracale completed its takeover of Rural Bank of Capalonga’s assets and liabilities on July 17, 2026. Capalonga ceased operations and surrendered its banking license on the same date.
Securities Commission Malaysia’s Audit Oversight Board found that audit engagements requiring significant improvement declined to 27% in 2025 from 46% in 2024, although recurring deficiencies remain. It urged firms to address workforce pressures and strengthen governance over artificial intelligence and other technology.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand reported that its leaders visited six regional centres in 2026, engaging with more than 50 organizations and about 600 business and community participants. The discussions inform its assessment of regional economic and financial conditions and complement its data and regular business and household surveys.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has directed two individuals to pay a VND 1 million per person fee to complete the securities practitioner certification process. Certificates will be canceled if recipients do not complete collection procedures within one year of the fee notice.
The Bank of Korea reported a preliminary current account surplus of USD 49.73 billion for June 2026, led by a USD 47.89 billion goods surplus. Financial account net assets increased by USD 46.71 billion, with portfolio investment accounting for a USD 29.88 billion net increase.
The South Korea Financial Supervisory Service reported that household loans increased by KRW 8.3 trillion in June 2026, slowing from KRW 9.3 trillion in May. Mortgage growth accelerated to KRW 4.5 trillion, while other loan growth eased to KRW 3.7 trillion. Financial companies were urged to tighten management of mortgage and credit loan growth.
Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren urged Congress to ban paid early access to President Trump’s social media posts, which can cost investors up to USD 100,000 a month. The hearing also raised concerns that expanding retirement-account access to private assets, reducing corporate disclosures and weakening SEC enforcement could expose retail investors to greater risks.
The ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs requested explanations for recent changes to the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index and federal statistical privacy methods. The Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis were asked to detail the rationale, process and expert consultation behind the changes by Aug. 20, 2026.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency outlined a risk-focused approach to community bank supervision, with less attention to activities that do not improve safety and soundness. Comptroller Jonathan Gould also emphasized customer due diligence and relationship-specific risk assessment to counter illicit financial activity.
The Federal Court sentenced former Berndale Capital Securities director Stavro D’Amore to three years and 10 months for dishonesty offences, with 23 months to be served in prison. The conduct included improperly transferring AUD 681,496.98 in funds primarily derived from retail client deposits and authorising false statements to ASIC about overseas accounts.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has suspended GFA Capital Markets’ financial services licence from July 23 to Dec. 18, 2026, over client money, reporting and broader compliance failures. GFA must demonstrate adequate remediation before the suspension expires or face an extension or licence cancellation.
The Reserve Bank of India aligned housing finance company requirements for loan recovery and recovery agents with its broader conduct standards for non-banking financial companies. The revised requirements take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Finance emphasized the role of financial intelligence, customs controls and secure government systems in countering terrorism and organized crime. It continues to strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit, modernize customs administration and support interagency and international information sharing.
The Financial Action Task Force of Latin America identified stronger financial investigations and public-private cooperation as priorities for tackling illicit financial flows linked to illegal mining and illegal timber activities. Recommendations from its special session on environmental crime will guide future regional initiatives.
The Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and New York will launch a voluntary pilot survey of lending trends in the U.S. private credit direct lending market after the third quarter of 2026. Aggregate findings, covering credit availability and lending standards across three borrower-size segments, are expected in the first quarter of 2027 and will not be used for supervisory purposes.
Portugal's Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority extended the suspension of specified pension fund disclosure rules until Jan. 1, 2028.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission welcomed Peter Deacon’s appointment as the Bailiwick’s first Finance Sector Concierge, effective Aug. 1. He will provide an early-stage contact for businesses, investors and advisers and work with the Commission and other local organizations to help prospective applicants prepare for the regulatory process.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has created a specialized enforcement unit to pursue financial reporting fraud and accounting and audit misconduct. Led by Timothy Zimmerman, the unit will combine legal and accounting expertise and work across the SEC.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will host the United States G20 Finance Ministerial in Asheville, North Carolina. Deputies will meet on Aug. 29-30, 2026, followed by finance ministers and central bank governors on Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
The Argentina Securities Commission has made the automatic public offering regime mandatory for qualifying financial trusts and closed-end mutual funds. The changes simplify the framework, harmonize terminology and warn that repeated disclosure errors attributable to participants may lead to disciplinary measures.
The Central Bank of Iraq and the Communications and Media Commission discussed stronger oversight of digital payments, including TikTok transactions and payments to influencers and content creators. They also considered licensing global technology platforms and a memorandum of understanding covering digital payments, financial technology and electronic services.
The Central Bank of Cuba has collaborated on a guide to financing mechanisms available to agricultural producers as of July 2026. It covers credit, development and agricultural promotion funds, and subsidies, with potential availability beyond the six municipalities covered by the ALASS project.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency presented its 2026-2030 strategy and plans for generational pension funds that adjust investment risk over a contributor’s life cycle. The strategy also covers supervisory modernization, diversified retirement savings, pension education and digital transformation.
The Financial Markets Standards Board has found that many wholesale financial market firms still struggle to manage non-financial risk holistically despite stronger frameworks and controls. Its review promotes clearer ownership, integrated decision-making, sound judgment and greater visibility of interconnected risks, but does not introduce new standards or requirements.
The Central Bank of Barbados warned of fraudulent emails promoting an unauthorized BOSS+ investment portal. Recipients should not follow links, make payments or disclose information, and should verify communications and access BOSS+ information through the bank’s official website.
The National Bank of Moldova has continued its NBM NextGen internship program for the academic diaspora, hosting more than 50 students since the start of 2026. The latest 21 participants gained experience across monetary policy, supervision, financial stability, markets and other central bank functions.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan revoked Modenis LLC’s payment institution license following its merger into legal successor Mpay LLC.
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority registered Bank of Africa's 2025 reference document, updating the information dossier for its certificate of deposit program.
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority registered CFG Bank’s 2025 reference document for the annual update of its certificate of deposit program information dossier. The dossier also includes the program note registered on Feb. 17, 2026.
A Ukrainian parliamentary committee backed a National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine bill to simplify registration of nonpublic share issues. The bill would allow the Central Securities Depository to handle certain registrations and provide a single electronic submission window, reducing capital-raising costs and processing times.
U.S. Senate Banking Committee minority staff argued that the current crypto market structure bill leaves gaps in securities law, consumer protection, financial stability and illicit-finance controls. The analysis also raised concerns about pension risks, small-business credit and alleged Trump family crypto conflicts.
The National Credit Union Administration finalized changes to 11 rules in the first completed round of its Deregulation Project. The measures cover lending, chartering, insurance disclosures, service contracts and third-party loan servicing, and will take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation published Community Reinvestment Act ratings assigned to 39 state nonmember banks in May 2026. Thirty-five banks were rated Satisfactory and four were rated Needs to Improve.
The Central Bank of Chile reported a 15% increase in digital payments to an annual average of 435 per person over age 15. It will consult on rules to strengthen immediate payments and expand electronic transfers for merchant purchases. An initial regulatory proposal for payment stablecoins is planned toward the end of 2026.
The Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority is recruiting a permanent systems administrator, with applications due by the end of Aug. 24, 2026.
The authority responded to 7,626 consumer requests for clarification in 2025, a 15% increase from 2024.
The Brazil Securities Commission rejected four investors’ settlement proposal in an administrative proceeding concerning alleged price manipulation. The decision reflected a legal impediment, the scale and duration of the alleged conduct, related proceedings and limited procedural efficiencies.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway has corrected its previous interpretation of the VAT-equivalent surcharge on debt collection costs. The original creditor’s VAT status determines whether the higher amount applies, and that treatment remains fixed when a claim changes ownership.
The European Central Bank estimates that uncertainty shocks cut euro area real GDP growth by about 0.4 percentage points between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Business investment bears the largest impact, while private consumption is affected to a lesser extent. Elevated geopolitical and trade policy uncertainty is expected to weigh on activity through the rest of 2026.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported that headline inflation eased to 6.2 percent in July, while core inflation fell to 4.2 percent. Average inflation for the first seven months remained above target at 5.0 percent, and the central bank is prepared to take further monetary action as needed.
The Bank of Albania held its base interest rate at 2.5% and maintained its overnight deposit and lending rates at 1.5% and 3.5%, respectively, as inflation remained controlled and growth positive. Inflation is expected to stay slightly above target in the short term before gradually returning to target, while Middle East tensions pose upside risks to inflation and downside risks to growth.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority has launched an office in Pemba.
Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority approved the public offer of the Musharaka Waqf Qabas Charity Fund, while cautioning that its approval is not a recommendation to subscribe.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea issued a communiqué to money transfer institutions operating in the country.
The New York State Department of Financial Services fined Order Express USD 250,000 for deficiencies in its cybersecurity program, including inadequate system-update policies and risk assessments. The licensed money transmitter has remediated the issues and is exempt from many other requirements under 23 NYCRR Part 500 because of its limited revenue.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ first seven-year market conduct analysis found broad insurer participation and improved underwriting results in 2024, alongside mounting pressure on homeowners. Inflation-adjusted premiums rose by 18.3% to 43.3% across regions from 2018 to 2024, while insurer-initiated non-renewal rates increased by 96% to 216%.
The Reserve Bank of India is consulting on draft guidelines for the on-tap licensing of urban co-operative banks. Comments are due by September 5, 2026.
Payments Canada outlined a panel on the growth of embedded payments, credit and savings products in non-bank apps. The discussion will cover supporting infrastructure, regulatory implications and partnerships among fintechs, sponsor banks and payment platforms.
The Central Bank of Libya set August cash withdrawal limits of LYD 3,000 in the western, eastern and central regions and LYD 4,000 in the south, with distribution starting Aug. 9. It also reported approximately LYD 643 billion in electronic transactions through July and expects the total to exceed LYD 1 trillion in 2026. Banks must continue strengthening technology and cybersecurity while maintaining foreign currency services for personal allocations.
The Malta Financial Services Authority has launched a broader financial crime compliance strategy based on risk, outcomes and oversight across firms’ full regulatory lifecycle. It will target higher-risk areas, draw on wider supervisory information and strengthen coordination and guidance as Malta aligns with European Union anti-money laundering reforms and the Anti-Money Laundering Authority.
The Central Bank of Chile’s latest business survey found stronger cost pressures and rising selling prices. Median inflation expectations remained at 4% for 12 months and 3.5% for 24 months, while slightly fewer companies expected input costs and selling prices to increase over the next year.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported that headline inflation eased to 6.2% in July from 6.4%, but remained above its 3.0% target. Core inflation slowed to 4.2%, while inflation for the lowest-income households rose to 8.2%. The central bank remains prepared to take further monetary policy action if needed.
The Central Bank of the Philippines will allow authorized agent banks to conduct Cash Service Alliance matched fit-currency exchanges at its loading bays and other designated areas, subject to prior coordination and security protocols. The transactions remain solely between the banks, which retain responsibility for the currency and any disputes.
Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited has warned of a fraudulent website impersonating its Faster Payment System services. The operator does not provide these services directly to individuals and urged the public to verify suspicious communications and report suspected fraud.
More than 2,000 single family offices received Singapore tax incentives as of end-December 2025, with most originating from the Asia-Pacific region. The asset management industry’s total assets grew 10.1% to SGD 6.7 trillion in 2025, but the response did not disclose family office-specific assets or pending application figures.
Argentina Securities Commission Chair Roberto Silva reviewed the regulator’s capital markets deregulation and modernization program. Recent changes strengthen prudential oversight of Settlement and Clearing Agents through new reporting requirements and minimum liquidity and maximum leverage parameters, while broader reforms seek to simplify market access and reduce costs.
The National Bank of Georgia has added data on international corporate bond issues by Georgian companies and their parent companies to its interactive statistics. The bilingual data will be updated monthly and can be analyzed by currency, maturity, economic sector and other parameters.
The Bank of Albania expects its TIPS Clone instant payments platform to become operational in November, or by the end of the month at the latest. Widespread electronic payment adoption could generate annual savings of up to ALL 35 billion for the financial system and ALL 38 billion for the wider economy.
The Central Bank of Cyprus published institution-level deposit and loan interest rate data for June 2026.
The Central Bank of Egypt has begun developing a sustainable finance taxonomy to classify sustainable economic activities and support environmental and social risk assessment. An interagency working group has agreed to start implementation work immediately, drawing on international standards and country practices.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority outlined how Egyptians abroad can use licensed digital channels to access regulated insurance, financing and investment products. The framework covers licensing, governance, risk management and customer data protection, while the authority urged users to verify providers, understand risks and safeguard their data.
The National Bank of Ukraine reported that the government raised UAH 254.9 billion, USD 452 million and EUR 696.7 million through domestic debt auctions in January to July 2026. Individuals’ war bond holdings rose to UAH 109.1 billion as of Aug. 3, while holdings by legal persons excluding banks declined to UAH 91 billion.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has admitted five German- and Irish-registered UCITS ETFs to circulation in Ukraine. Licensed depository institutions and securities traders may record and offer the instruments, although none is currently held in the Ukrainian Central Securities Depository system.
The Bank of Italy has directed banks, Poste Italiane and other payment service providers to remove unjustified barriers to basic accounts, particularly for vulnerable consumers. Firms must strengthen their policies, systems, disclosures and controls, with eligibility and financial crime risks assessed individually rather than through automatic exclusions. Compliance and Internal Audit reviews are due by November 30, 2026, followed by board-approved remediation where needed.
The Central Bank of Estonia issued banknotes and coins worth EUR 360.9 million in the second quarter, 39% more than in the previous quarter. ATM withdrawals totaled EUR 922 million, although the number of transactions fell about 10% year over year. Authorities also detected 45 counterfeit banknotes and 26 counterfeit coins.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has simplified equity IPO rules with immediate effect. The reforms remove the seven-day waiting period for connected research and streamline information-sharing requirements for issuers and firms.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has published guidance on using simplified due diligence for lower-risk business under the AML/CFT Code 2019. Firms must reflect the National Risk Assessment in their own risk assessments and document and justify their use of each simplified measure.
The Bank for International Settlements finds that the recent energy shock requires different monetary policy responses across economies, depending on inflation persistence and the effect on growth. Global oil supply fell nearly 15% and prices rose more than 120% following the onset of the war in Iran. Central banks must weigh waiting for clarity against raising rates sooner to prevent second-round effects and unanchored inflation expectations.
The European Banking Authority is consulting on standardized reporting for counterparties seeking validation to use ISDA SIMM under EMIR. Significant OTC market participants would face comprehensive quarterly reporting, while less active entities would submit limited information annually. The first reference date is expected in December 2027, with submissions in the first quarter of 2028.
A European Central Bank blog analysis argues that energy-efficiency renovations are offsetting part of the drag from energy price shocks on euro area housing investment. Renovation activity has supported construction as new building work declines, while reduced fossil fuel use is lowering households’ exposure to energy costs and oil-driven inflation.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that textual data from earnings calls can modestly improve very-short-term forecasts of the euro area job vacancy rate. Survey measures of production constraints provided the largest gains, while unemployment added little and manufacturing supplied the most informative signals.
A European Central Bank working paper introduces MuSE, a framework for generating thousands of internally consistent adverse scenarios for top-down stress testing. Its application indicates that equity-market and sovereign shocks pose the greatest risk to euro area bank capital, with 2008-type financial stress producing the largest overall depletion.