The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine is preparing around 18 implementing acts for a MiCA-aligned virtual asset regime, subject to adoption of draft law No. 10225-d. The framework will cover licensing, supervision, information protection and a transition period, supported by automated and single-window regulatory processes.
The National Bank of Ukraine’s survey showed a fifth consecutive month of positive business expectations, with the July index easing to 50.1 from 50.4 in June. Construction, trade and industry remained above the neutral level, while services weakened to 48.8. Labor shortages, logistics constraints and aerial attacks continued to weigh on activity.
The European Banking Federation and other European social partners published an assessment of generative AI’s effects on banking, audiovisual and telecommunications services. The report identifies issues for social dialogue and potential policy responses to manage adverse impacts and support beneficial uses.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said retirement policy should consider wealth as well as income to better target public support. Annuities and reverse mortgages could supplement pensions by converting private assets into income, but remain underused because of consumer, market and regulatory barriers. Clear safeguards and advice could support uptake, although public guarantees may create fiscal risks.
The Central Bank of Syria ended the legal tender status of all old Syrian currency after preliminary estimates showed that more than 95% of the stock had been replaced. Nationwide fee-free redemption remains available through banks and Syrian Post branches until August 6, after which the five-year process will continue exclusively through the central bank in Damascus.
The Bank of England appointed Nicholas Segal as chair and Peter King as deputy chair of its Enforcement Decision Making Committee, effective Aug. 1, 2026. The committee decides contested enforcement cases across the Bank’s statutory regimes.
Dubai International Financial Centre has opened its prescribed company regime to any applicant, removing previous eligibility criteria. Unless exempt, applicants must appoint a DIFC-licensed Corporate Services Provider, while prescribed companies must remain passive vehicles and cannot employ staff.
The European Central Bank reported no €STR errors exceeding 0.1 basis points in the second quarter of 2026.
European Central Bank analysis found that the confidence shock following the outbreak of war in the Middle East weakened euro area consumption, particularly discretionary spending by higher-income households. Nominal consumption growth slowed to around 2.5% in April 2026, while confidence remained well below its prewar level despite a partial recovery in May and June. Perceptions of permanent real income losses could make the slowdown more persistent.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that production networks amplify inflation spillovers and persistence across U.S. sectors. Oil shocks have larger effects in oil-intensive industries, while cereal price shocks generate non-negligible aggregate inflation. Offsetting oil-driven inflation would require stronger monetary tightening and a deeper decline in industrial production.
Madagascar's Ministry of Economy and Finance opened a multiagency workshop on identifying, tracing, investigating and recovering virtual assets. The program is intended to strengthen technical capabilities and cooperation in addressing cryptoasset-related money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crime risks.
The National Bank of Georgia has won a 2026 Global Banking & Finance award for its open banking and regulatory sandbox ecosystem. The recognition highlighted its Onboarding API for remote identification and account opening, as well as the sandbox’s support for live testing of innovative financial products.
The National Bank of Romania co-hosted the 12th ERMAS annual conference on economic research and its relevance to central bank policy. The program featured 76 research papers across 18 panels, including a session for doctoral researchers.
The Central Bank of Russia will issue three 2-ruble silver commemorative coins on Aug. 4, 2026, featuring protected animal species. It will mint 5,000 proof-quality coins of each design, all of which will be legal tender at face value.
China Securities Regulatory Commission Chair Wu Qing proposed new measures to deepen mainland China and Hong Kong market cooperation at the launch of five-year renminbi government bond futures in Hong Kong.
The Central Bank of Türkiye selected 23 digital Turkish lira projects from 12 banks and six payment and electronic money institutions for development and sandbox testing. Six other projects were placed on hold and may be admitted later.
Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System will be unavailable from 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2026, for a planned system enhancement. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has asked banks and stored value facility operators to notify customers, who may need to arrange payments in advance.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority found that SME credit conditions remained broadly stable in the second quarter of 2026, with 78% of respondents expressing a view perceiving banks’ approval stance as similar or easier. Among applicants who knew their outcome, 85% reported fully or partially successful applications, although the authority cautioned that the small sample sizes could cause substantial fluctuations.
The Bank of Italy and the European Central Bank have invited papers for an Oct. 29-30, 2026 conference on global trade, value chains and financial linkages. Completed papers are due by Sept. 11, with decisions expected by Sept. 21.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan trained 35 financial-sector specialists on financial crime controls, FATF standards and preparations for Tajikistan’s third-round mutual evaluation. Separate training for notaries and public associations covered relevant FATF recommendations and reporting improvements.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved five candidates for senior positions at Eldik Bank, Bank Kompanion and O!Bank. The roles span board leadership, audit oversight, accounting and executive management.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission cancelled Zenoz Enterprises’ credit licence, effective July 3, 2026. Zenoz had ceased credit activities and left its 2023-2024 industry funding levies and related penalties unpaid for more than 12 months.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is consulting on a five-year extension of financial reporting relief for certain wholly-owned entities. A replacement instrument would apply to financial years ending on or after Jan. 1, 2027, preserving existing arrangements. Feedback is due by 5 p.m. AEST on Aug. 28, 2026.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is seeking Federal Court orders to restrain two companies and two individuals from promoting three offshore funds or accepting Australian investors’ money. ASIC alleges Royce Capital raised AUD 1.536 million from five self-managed superannuation fund investors without a licence and that investors were given misleading representations of a guaranteed or fixed 13% annual return.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reported that banking assets reached KZT 74.2 trillion and loans to the economy rose to KZT 41.9 trillion as of July 1. The problem loan ratio declined to 4.1%, while resident deposits increased to KZT 50.1 trillion and dollarization fell to 19.7%. First-half net profit decreased 13.3% year over year to KZT 1.196 trillion.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reported that insurance assets reached KZT 4.4 trillion as of July 1, up 13.4% since the start of 2026. First-half premiums rose 7.3% year on year to KZT 858.3 billion, while claims increased 23.3% to KZT 252.9 billion. A commission cap for bank loan-related policies contributed to an 81.1% decline in accident insurance contracts.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported that equity market capitalization rose 0.3% to KZT 47.6 trillion in June, while equity turnover fell 16.5%. Corporate bond trading dropped 61.6%, mainly because of lower primary-market activity, and government securities turnover declined 8.5%. Central Securities Depository accounts increased 1.3% to 5.615 million.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reviewed 16,400 complaints in June, up 24.2% from the previous month, with debt resolution accounting for 45% of cases. It imposed 24 administrative fines totaling KZT 9.6 million, alongside 20 recommendatory supervisory measures and six written orders. The agency also reported continued refinancing and borrower support under its three-part mortgage program.
The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering adopted the first three joint FATF and APG mutual evaluation reports of the Global 5th Round, covering Malaysia, Singapore and Canada. It also agreed on two-year strategic priorities, launched a trade-based money laundering typologies project and advanced coordination on cyber fraud, international cooperation and technical assistance.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission highlighted the expansion of an industry scholarship program to data engineering and other data-related fields. Its secretary-general called for coordinated workforce development to ensure insurance professionals can combine risk expertise with effective use of new technologies.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission unveiled five measures to deepen mainland-Hong Kong capital market cooperation as five-year renminbi government bond futures launched in Hong Kong. The measures support cross-border listings and bond issuance, more indexes, ETFs and renminbi futures, broader institutional and professional access, and stronger regulatory coordination. They also include sustainable disclosure pilots and cooperation on emerging technologies and international standards.
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Chairman Kelvin Wong outlined market priorities at the launch of Hong Kong’s five-year China government bond futures, the only such futures listed offshore. He called for effective use of the product for interest rate risk management, stronger investor education and further infrastructure development to support additional contracts.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and China Securities Regulatory Commission announced measures to expand cross-market listings, financing, ETFs and renminbi futures. The package includes fast-track registration for conventional equity ETFs, climate transition plan pilots and support for financial institutions and professionals operating across the two markets. Regulatory coordination on intermediaries, risk monitoring and information sharing will also be strengthened.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission acknowledged TMX Group’s completed acquisition of Cboe Australia following regulatory approval. Cboe Australia will become TMX Australia Exchange, with ASIC overseeing the ownership transition and any required market operating rule changes.
Qatar Central Bank found that the financial system remained resilient in 2025, with banking assets up 5.1%, stronger capital and improved asset quality. Credit growth outpaced deposits, increasing reliance on market-based and external funding and requiring continued monitoring. Retail payment values rose 82.1% to QAR 1.05 trillion alongside regulatory, payments and cyber resilience upgrades.
The Algeria Market Authority announced the publication of Moustachir Spa’s ordinary general meeting resolutions for the 2025 financial year.
The Central Bank of Barbados is recruiting a Senior IT Governance Analyst for a one-year contract. The role covers IT assurance, audit findings, cybersecurity, business continuity, cloud resilience and data privacy, with applications due by Aug. 14, 2026.
The Central Bank of Egypt and the foreign ministry have launched a service enabling Egyptians abroad to update their data with the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr without traveling to Egypt. Customers can submit signed forms through Egyptian diplomatic missions or consulates for authentication and delivery to the relevant bank.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority extended the final deadline for insurance-sector entities and professionals to comply with the Unified Insurance Law to July 11, 2027. Separate deadlines set for specific insurance activities remain unchanged.
The Central Bank of Kuwait has launched the fifth cohort of its five-month Risk Management Leaders Program under the Kafa’a initiative. Eligible Kuwaiti professionals must have a relevant degree and at least five years of sector experience, with applications open through Aug. 31, 2026.
The Bank of Israel reported that the shekel strengthened by 5.9% against the US dollar and 6.6% against the euro in the second quarter of 2026, while actual and implied volatility increased. Institutional investors recorded USD 18.3 billion in net foreign exchange sales, businesses shifted to USD 12.2 billion in net purchases and the central bank made USD 1.8 billion in net purchases.
The Oman Financial Services Authority directed Sohar International Bank to explain its failure to list new rights issue shares by July 30, 2026, and its failure to disclose the delay. The authority may take further legal measures.
The People’s Bank of China will maintain moderately loose monetary policy in the second half of 2026, strengthen countercyclical adjustment and consider additional measures while keeping liquidity ample and financing costs low. Priorities also include targeted support for technology and private businesses, management of local government financing platform and institutional risks, and further financial-market opening and cross-border renminbi infrastructure development.
Nigeria’s National Insurance Commission has completed its 12-month recapitalization exercise, with 43 insurance and reinsurance companies verified as meeting the new minimum capital requirements. Eight additional insurers remain under final review, which is expected to conclude within 14 days.
The European Commission’s AI transparency rules now require disclosure of interactions with AI and labelling and machine-readable marking of specified AI-generated or manipulated content. Companies may face fines of up to EUR 15 million or 3% of global annual turnover, while EU institutions may be fined up to EUR 750,000.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency reviewed pension reform options and clarified that any gradual retirement-age increase to 65 would apply only to future labor-market entrants, not existing participants. Proposals also include easing guaranteed pension eligibility, restructuring the Solidarity Fund and gradually increasing the 9.97% contribution rate. The authority is designing flexible supplementary plans for independent workers.
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported higher credit demand and slightly tighter approval standards in the second quarter of 2026. Demand is expected to continue growing in the third quarter, while private banks foresee some easing and cooperatives and mutual societies expect restrictions to persist.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority authorized Boubyan Capital Investment Company to privately market 750,000 shares in a Cayman Islands fund to professional clients in Kuwait at KWD 100 per share. The license will run for one year from issuance of the license certificate, subject to payment of the required fees.
Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren urged SEC scrutiny of an alleged sale of special access to market-moving presidential announcements and raised the prospect of a congressional investigation.
The Central Bank of Venezuela held technical talks with the International Monetary Fund on monetary policy, exchange rate policy and technical assistance to strengthen central banking expertise.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority reported that insurance usage rose from 8.4% in 2019 to 38.6% in 2025, while service providers increased from 800 to 2,444. The sector’s contribution to gross domestic product reached 2.11%, with the authority targeting 5% by 2050.
The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye said its draft investment fund guide remains under development, denying reports that it has been completed or assigned an effective date. The board will issue an official announcement to all stakeholders once the work is finalized.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the successful candidates for its middle-management IT officer recruitment competition.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the successful candidates for its middle management recruitment examination.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority installed Triyoga Laksito as head of its North Sumatra office and completed the main structure of a new seven-story regional building. The changes are intended to strengthen supervision, consumer protection, financial access and coordination with local stakeholders.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission is overseeing a potential THB 5 million travel insurance claim following Hlun Solo’s death in Georgia. Coverage applies to accidental death or murder, but not illness, so payment awaits the official cause of death and complete claim documents. Sompo Insurance will also cover costs associated with repatriating the body to Thailand.
The Parliament of Montenegro has reappointed Zorica Kalezić as vice governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro. Her work has focused on payment system modernization, including SEPA accession and instant payment infrastructure, as well as negotiations on European integration.
Hong Kong has prohibited licensed money lenders from requesting loan referees and introduced debt servicing ratio caps of 35% or 40% for unsecured personal loans to lower-income borrowers. From June 1, 2027, affected lenders must submit borrower information to Credit Data Smart and meet specified requirements to access credit data for loan assessments.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported that public deposits grew 14.4% and gross credit rose 11.2% year over year through June 2026. Capital adequacy stood at 19.3%, while the past-due loan ratio increased to 1.4% from 1.1% a year earlier.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica has published an interactive monthly index for analyzing residential unit starts and changes in the country’s residential construction activity.
El Salvador’s Economic Activity Volume Index grew 5.6% year over year in May 2026, its fifth consecutive month of growth of at least 4%. Construction led the expansion at 9.7%, while agriculture contracted 0.7% amid adverse climatic conditions.
The Central Reserve Bank of Peru reported that private-sector liquidity grew 16.4% year over year and 0.3% month over month in June 2026. Private-sector deposits increased 16.8% annually, led by demand and savings deposits.
Argentina plans to submit legislation allowing insurers to offer products without prior regulatory approval. The Superintendency of Insurance would focus on insurer solvency and protecting policyholders from fraud.
Federal Reserve Board analysis finds that a commodity boom can make monetary policy more restrictive even when the policy rate falls, if lower sovereign risk premiums reduce the neutral rate by more. In the baseline simulation, the natural rate falls about 50 basis points and the policy rate declines about 20 basis points, while removing the commodity-spread channel produces a roughly 30-basis-point rate increase.
Eight Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee opposed the Trump administration’s proposed Community Reinvestment Act rule. They argued that it would undermine housing development, community investment and efforts to combat redlining.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission urged MSMEs to incorporate and access capital-market financing, supported by guidance on registration, governance and compliance. It also highlighted discounts of 75% on corporate document requests, 20% on registration fees and 25% on certain capital increase amendments.
U.S. federal banking agencies will provide temporary BSA enforcement relief for authorized financial services supporting humanitarian relief and economic recovery in Venezuela from July 31, 2026, through Jan. 29, 2027. Relief is conditional on continued reasonable BSA compliance, no relevant final enforcement action in the prior 24 months and compliance with applicable OFAC sanctions and authorizations.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Agricultural Advisory Committee reviewed Basel III, potential gaps in agricultural risk management tools and developments in round-the-clock and emerging markets. Discussions also covered the Commitments of Traders Report and perpetual futures, with no formal policy action announced.
The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission created a Financial Technology Division and formalized internal responsibilities for advanced analytics and ethical, responsible AI use. The division will initially support the 2026-2027 securities tokenization project, the next regulatory sandbox round and engagement with international fintech discussions.
The Moroccan Capital Market Authority approved Veolia Environnement’s employee-only offering of up to 14,834,468 new shares. Eligible employees in Morocco may subscribe from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4, 2026, at EUR 31.33 per share, equivalent to MAD 335.25.
The Bank of Greece reported that average rates on new loans and deposits were broadly unchanged in June 2026 at 4.65% and 0.36%, respectively. The average rate on outstanding loans rose by 11 basis points to 4.74%, widening the spread over outstanding deposit rates to 4.39 percentage points.
The Central Bank of Barbados revised its 2026 growth forecast to about 2 percent after first-half growth of 1.4 percent fell short of expectations. A second-half pickup in tourism and investment is expected, but weaker U.S. demand, elevated external costs and project delays remain risks. Near-term inflation is forecast at 2 percent to 3 percent, while reserves and banking-sector buffers are expected to remain strong.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission reviewed domestic capital market developments through the second quarter of 2026 at the launch of an advanced training program. It highlighted growth in supervised entities, collective investment undertakings and the investor base, alongside measures under its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) held its monetary policy rate at 5.25% in July, citing robust domestic activity and oil-driven inflation pressures, with inflation expected to return to its 4.0% ± 1.0% target range in the fourth quarter. Annual inflation reached 5.67% in June, while 2026 growth was projected near the upper end of the 4.0%-4.5% range.
The Central Bank of Malta reported that economic activity moderated but remained broadly in line with its historical average, supported by strong tourism and consumer confidence. Inflation fell to 2.0% in June, while the May fiscal balance moved into deficit because of tax-receipt timing and higher capital spending. Residents’ deposits grew 6.7% and credit expanded 7.6% year over year in May.
The National Credit Union Administration permanently prohibited former Educators Credit Union employee Jordan L. McCarthy from participating in the affairs of any federally insured depository institution. The order follows convictions for misappropriating identification information and financial institution fraud involving USD 10,000 to USD 100,000.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem responded to Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske regarding the central bank’s ongoing labor dispute with the union representing its Security Officers.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye clarified that claims investigators are limited to examining insurance abuse and suspicious claims. Determining the amount, causes or characteristics of losses and performing related appraisal work remain the exclusive remit of insurance adjusters.
The Central Bank of Paraguay’s BCP Educa program trained 1,690 students, teachers and members of the public during May, June and July. Sessions across seven areas covered banking, personal finance, insurance and capital markets.
The Central Bank of Luxembourg reported an 8% decline in total assets to EUR 240 billion and a EUR 58.1 million loss before provisions for 2025. A matching provision release produced a balanced result, while net interest income fell sharply to EUR 204 million and statutory pension funding contributions rose to EUR 66 million.
The National Bank of Georgia has warned that companies promising returns from cryptoasset trading may be operating financial pyramid schemes. Investors should assess each company’s reliability and solvency and verify its regulatory status, as financial terminology in a company name does not indicate authorization by the central bank.
The Central Bank of Russia received nearly 211,000 consumer and investor complaints in the first half of 2026, up 15.7% year on year, mainly because of a 63% increase in complaints against microfinance organizations and more matters outside its remit. Complaints about bank transaction denials and account restrictions rose 32.7%, while complaints declined across car and mortgage lending, cyberfraud, insurance and investment services.
The National Bank of Moldova reported that financial-sector risks remained contained as of March 31, 2026, although bank lending continued to outpace GDP growth. The assessment supported the previously announced 2.5% countercyclical capital buffer, while liquidity, market and systemic institution risks remained low. The National Bank also strengthened anti-fraud controls and issued recommendations to financial-sector participants.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation published 15 administrative enforcement orders issued in June 2026, including penalties, prohibitions and insurance terminations. No administrative hearings are scheduled for August 2026.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation proposed raising key insider lending caps to USD 400,000 for specified executive officer credit and USD 2 million for credit requiring prior board approval. The limits would remain subject to capital-based thresholds, be indexed to nominal GDP every five years and align with the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation O proposal.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan revoked Bank BTB’s banking license and licensed its successor, T-Kredit, as a non-bank credit institution. Bank BTB’s assets, liabilities, deposits and loan portfolio were transferred to the International Bank of Azerbaijan without changing customer contract terms.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency proposed CRA changes that would focus evaluations on lending and raise the large-bank threshold to more than USD 10 billion. Banks with USD 10 billion or less would generally avoid CRA data requirements, while large-bank grants would face a 15% cap on recipients’ indirect costs. Comments are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation proposed Community Reinvestment Act changes focused on lending, targeted community development funding and reduced bank burden. Banks with USD 10 billion or less in assets would be exempt from data-related requirements, while deposit services would be excluded from retail banking service evaluations.
The Federal Reserve Board proposed modernizing rules for depositor-owned mutual banking organizations. The changes would clarify eligible regulatory capital instruments, reduce procedural burdens and give certain mutual banks greater capital-raising flexibility. Comments are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.
The Federal Reserve Board has proposed modernizing Regulation O by updating and indexing thresholds for credit extended to bank insiders. The proposal would simplify the rule and address passive investment fund interests while retaining safeguards against preferential treatment. Comments are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.
The Superintendency of Banks of Panama reported that International Banking Center deposits rose 7.69% year over year to USD 121.866 billion in the first half of 2026, while net lending increased 3.81% to USD 103.512 billion. External activity drove much of the expansion, and liquidity and capital ratios remained above regulatory minimums.
The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority introduced registration of meetings and hearings with legitimate interest representatives from July 28, 2026, and adopted the applicable statutory code of conduct.
The Portuguese Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority is recruiting a permanent insurance mediation supervision technician, with applications due by the end of Aug. 19, 2026.
The Central Bank of Colombia will gradually accumulate up to USD 4 billion in international reserves through monthly put-option auctions. The first auction, capped at USD 400 million, is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026, with exercise conditional on the market exchange rate falling below its 20-business-day moving average.
The G7 Cyber Expert Group concluded a cross-border exercise simulating a large-scale cyberattack across all G7 jurisdictions. It also adopted a long-term strategy to increase the frequency and consistency of simulations involving financial authorities.
The Brazil Securities Commission reported BRL 420 billion in first-half securities issuance, up 10.8% year over year, with equity offerings reaching BRL 25.5 billion and the first initial public offering since 2021. Its second-quarter risk assessment also showed higher liquidity risk, driven mainly by wider bid-ask spreads amid weaker foreign equity inflows.
The European Supervisory Authorities called for consistent, risk-based supervision of cyber risks arising from frontier AI models. Financial entities should maintain robust governance and risk management frameworks, while DORA oversight of critical ICT third-party providers will also address these risks.
The European Banking Federation urged the removal of the Fees and Commissions KPI and the Trading Book KPI from EU Taxonomy disclosures in its response to an European Banking Authority consultation.
Uganda's Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development brought institutional leaders together to address the country's private climate finance gap. Participants agreed to pursue a CEO declaration, form a private sector taskforce, and prioritize financing opportunities and regulatory barriers.
Uganda’s Ministry of Finance said the economy had reached about USD 70 billion and would need to grow roughly sevenfold to meet the USD 500 billion target within 15 years. It identified weak domestic revenue mobilization as the main risk and outlined reforms covering tax collection, procurement, project delivery, concessional borrowing and value-added production.