The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined an exchange bureau in Jalal Abad Region KGS 55,000. The penalty was imposed for breaches of Kyrgyz legislation and the National Bank’s regulatory requirements.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspended the license of exchange bureau OsOO Leader 07 from 24 July to 7 August 2026, inclusive. The action was taken for breaches of Kyrgyz legislation and the National Bank’s regulatory requirements.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets and UNDP Moldova discussed using capital market instruments to finance renewable energy projects, with a focus on municipal bonds for photovoltaic plants in four localities. The talks covered funding mobilization and regulatory issues that could help local authorities use these financing tools.
The Czech National Bank announced that interest on the Czech Republic 2013–2028 2.50 percent bond and on stripped coupon No. 14 will be paid on 25 August 2026 to holders recorded at the Czech Securities Centre at the end of 26 July 2026, with eligible persons required to submit written payment instructions and supporting documents for non-cash transfer by 12 August 2026.
The European Central Bank will extend climate factors in the Eurosystem collateral framework to certain eligible credit claims of non-financial corporations. The measure applies larger collateral value reductions to assets more exposed to climate-related transition risk, with a maximum additional reduction of 5%. It is expected to take effect at the earliest by the end of 2027, with annual updates to the factor values.
The European Central Bank, in a blog post, argues that macroprudential policy can help productivity by reducing the damage from financial crises and limiting credit booms that divert lending toward real estate and away from innovative firms. It says recent euro area capital buffer tightening had only minimal effects on overall bank credit supply. The post also calls for simplification without deregulation and for deeper non-bank financing and capital markets development.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s weekly balance sheet showed total assets and liabilities of AUD 360.2 billion at 22 July 2026, up AUD 561 million over the week. Exchange Settlement balances fell AUD 14.3 billion, while deposits excluding those balances rose AUD 12.3 billion. On the asset side, gold and foreign exchange increased AUD 2.6 billion and Australian dollar investments fell AUD 2.3 billion, with both moves mainly reflecting transactions.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission took administrative action against 36 approved SMSF auditors between January and June 2026, lifting its FY26 total to 64 and increasing enforcement activity year on year. The measures included disqualifications, suspensions, added conditions and registration cancellations tied to breaches such as independence failures, standards non-compliance and annual statement non-lodgement. ASIC said the actions reinforce oversight of auditors responsible for more than AUD 1 trillion in SMSF assets.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has notified businesses that AVAX, IMO 9058713, has been specified under the Libya sanctions regime. Businesses must screen for linked relationships and report findings immediately to the Policy & Resources Committee, while regulated firms must subsequently provide specified information to the Commission.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has issued asset tokenisation guidance that permits public blockchains for fund tokenisation and clarifies the treatment of tokenised securities. It will ease restrictions on virtual asset service providers, simplify licensing for certain existing licensees and introduce digital finance reporting requirements. Stablecoin feedback and rules are expected in autumn 2026.
The OECD has issued guidance for Development Assistance Committee members on using cities, regions and other subnational entities more effectively in development co-operation. It says DAC members should enable these actors through policy, reporting and financing frameworks while requiring alignment with country ownership, results, inclusive partnerships, transparency and mutual accountability. The guidance measures success by the extent to which decentralised co-operation builds sustainable, peer-based partnerships and delivers monitorable SDG impact.
The Central Bank of Russia cut its key rate by 25 basis points to 14.00%, citing moderate economic growth and saying strong summer price growth and higher inflation expectations were mainly driven by one-off factors, while weaker sectoral production capacity and a more expansionary three-year fiscal path require a smoother easing cycle. It raised its 2026 inflation forecast to 6.0%-7.0%, lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 0.0%-1.0%, and said future rate decisions will depend on inflation, inflation expectations and domestic and external risks, with proinflationary risks still outweighing disinflationary ones.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has notified firms that the Russia sanctions entry for Daria Rosliakova has been corrected, while all existing restrictions remain in force. Businesses must check for relevant relationships, freeze any affected assets, avoid making funds or resources available, and report matches to both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Commission.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has alerted firms that the UK sanctions list details for two Russia-designated individuals, Pavel Ezoubov Ezubov and Vasily Vitalyevich Abramov, have been varied. The individuals remain subject to asset freeze and related sanctions, and firms must check for affected relationships, freeze relevant assets, and report findings to both the Policy & Resources Committee and the Commission.
The European Banking Authority has released a draft 4.4 technical package for its reporting and disclosure framework and is seeking feedback ahead of a final version due in September 2026. The draft covers IFRS 18 FINREP templates, amended Pillar 3 ESG disclosures, FRTB disclosure templates and technical updates for resolution planning, MREL and AMLA eligibility reporting. First reference dates run from 31 December 2026 to 31 March 2027 depending on the topic.
The European Central Bank’s June 2026 Consumer Expectations Survey showed lower consumer inflation perceptions and lower one-year and three-year inflation expectations, while five-year expectations were unchanged. Households also reported a less negative growth outlook and slightly lower expected unemployment. Expected income growth rose, but expected spending growth and home price growth fell, while mortgage rate expectations increased.
The European Central Bank published a working paper finding that US import tariffs reduce manufacturing output by spreading through domestic input-output linkages. Tariffs raise costs for downstream users of tariff-hit inputs and reduce demand for upstream suppliers when customer sectors cut production. The paper also finds no evidence that tariffs protect domestic industries at the sectoral level studied.
The European Central Bank’s June 2026 SESFOD found that overall credit terms in euro-denominated securities financing and OTC derivatives eased slightly between March and May 2026, driven only by modest easing in price terms. Securities financing became more expensive as funding rates and spreads rose across all collateral types and demand increased, while non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives saw slightly higher initial margin requirements and some deterioration in liquidity for foreign exchange, equity and commodity products. Respondents largely expected conditions to remain unchanged in the next three months.
The European Central Bank published a working paper introducing the DeTail agent-based model to test releasable macroprudential capital buffers. The simulations find that releasing buffers in downturns supports credit supply, reduces borrower defaults and lowers tail bank losses, while building buffers in upturns does not materially restrain lending. The model also indicates slightly shorter and less pronounced credit cycles under a time-varying buffer regime.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency and the Ministry of Finance are consulting on a tax-advantaged investment account for individuals. Each citizen could open one account through an authorized intermediary, with cumulative payments generally capped at EUR 200,000 and potentially EUR 250,000 under specified conditions. The consultation closes Aug. 23, 2026.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe published a directory entry for True North Wealth Managers (Private) Limited under investment managers. The entry identifies the firm’s Avondale address and names Stewart Kaseke as chief executive officer and managing director.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe added or published a Securities Trustees listing for First Capital Bank. The entry identifies the bank, its address and named contacts.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe published a custodian listing for First Capital Bank. The entry identifies the institution and names its senior executive and contact person.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe has approved seven fintech solutions to participate in its Regulatory Sandbox. The approved tests cover blockchain capital raising, tokenisation, synthetic trading, crowdfunding and infrastructure tokenisation, and must operate within defined parameters under the commission's oversight. The commission said it may issue further guidance or directives as testing progresses.
The Romanian Financial Supervisory Authority published its Daily Market Report for July 24, 2026 and pointed readers to the archive of Daily Market Report and Morning Call publications for 2021 through 2026.
The National Bank of Moldova has published a draft package of insurance rule changes centered on outsourcing, fit and proper requirements and related repeals. For outsourcing, it would require prior notification before insurers outsource or further subcontract activities and would impose specific controls for chain outsourcing, including insurer consent and risk oversight. The draft also revises suitability requirements for key insurance roles and would repeal the 2020 actuarial activity regulation.
The Bank of Thailand said it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Monetary Authority of Singapore on cybersecurity and preventing digital financial fraud. The agreement was reached alongside the East Asia-Pacific Central Banks governors' meeting, where participants also discussed regional economic conditions, artificial intelligence and cooperation against digital scams.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission has launched an industry-wide CAT Scenarios Stress Test to measure how major natural disasters could affect insurers and the wider insurance system. The exercise will test 1-in-200-year flood and earthquake scenarios, plus a combined same-year 1-in-100 event, with impacts assessed over three years. The project is expected to finish by December 2026.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency's June 2026 monthly report showed higher assets across major fund segments, with mandatory pension funds rising to EUR 28.7bn and UCITS to EUR 4.7bn. Insurance premiums reached EUR 1.1bn in the first half of 2026, up 6.7% year on year, while the Zagreb Stock Exchange recorded EUR 95.3m in June turnover and a 6.0% monthly gain in CROBEX.
The Central Bank of Türkiye will revise selected Balance of Payments Financial Account items to improve data quality. The changes refine the treatment of resident and personal deposits, integrate SWIFT transaction data for deposits abroad, and add financial derivatives as a separate Financial Account item. These revisions will appear in the June 2026 statistics release on August 13, 2026.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye has established the Alo 193 Joint Damage Notification Center as a single claims reporting channel integrated with all insurers. The center will start operating on Sept. 1, 2026 and will initially accept traffic and casco insurance claims. It will also take complaints about illegal structures linked to post-claim harassment.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye has required motor vehicle insurance damage applications submitted through the Common Damage Notification Center to be treated as filed with the relevant insurer, the Guarantee Account or the Turkish Motor Insurers' Bureau when received by the center's database. The rules set routing for different accident scenarios and require the receiving entity to contact applicants by the next business day. The circular takes effect on 1 September 2026.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has appointed Dino R. Gasmen as assistant governor for financial markets from 18 January 2027. He will succeed Edna C. Villa and will be onboarded as a technical advisor on 3 November 2026 to support the transition. Gasmen joins from BPI and will oversee open market operations, foreign exchange policy implementation and reserve management.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has urged banks and other supervised entities to strengthen cybersecurity in response to AI-related cyber risks. Its memorandum calls for tighter security controls, better asset and vulnerability management, greater use of AI-based defensive tools, and stronger incident response and business continuity planning.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has reprimanded and fined Victory Securities Company Limited HKD 1.7 million and suspended responsible officer Stephen Chiu Che Leung for three months over failures in handling a client account. Victory failed to investigate obvious red flags around a client’s claimed shareholdings and did not report suspected false documents to the regulator. The SFC said the breaches fell short of conduct and anti-money laundering requirements.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s latest Complaints Watch reports 2,310 banking complaints in the first half of 2026, up 22% from a year earlier. The rise was driven mainly by complaints about account operations during increased account reviews and monitoring linked to anti-fraud intelligence sharing with the Hong Kong Police Force. The HKMA reminded Authorized Institutions to communicate adequately with affected customers.
The National Bank of Kazakhstan cut its base rate by 25 basis points to 16.75% on 24 July 2026, with a corridor of plus or minus 1 percentage point, citing a nine-month decline in annual inflation and room to recalibrate monetary tightness, while warning that recent monthly data may indicate a weakening of the disinflationary impulse. Annual inflation eased to 10.3% in June, but the central bank said risks remain pro-inflationary and that further decisions will depend on confirmation of durable disinflation, fiscal discipline, tariff indexation and external fuel and commodity market developments, with no pre-set path for the base rate.
The Austria Financial Market Authority's 2026 Foreign Insurance Business Report shows foreign business accounted for 56% of total premium income for the five internationally active Austrian insurance groups in 2025. Foreign premium volume rose 10.7% to EUR 14.3 billion, with the Czech Republic and Poland remaining the main markets. The authority expects the geographic mix to shift in the current year after Vienna Insurance Group's acquisition of Germany's Nürnberger Versicherung.
The Bank of France published the CNMP's 2025 update on cash access in metropolitan France, which found accessibility remained very high, with more than 99% of residents aged 15 and over living in a municipality with a cash access point or within a 15-minute drive of one. ATM-equipped sites fell 2.7% and the total number of ATMs fell 4.2% to 40,804, but the number of municipalities with an ATM remained broadly stable at about 6,500 and merchant cash distribution points rose 5.5% to 30,057.
The European Central Bank’s July 2026 Survey of Monetary Analysts shows a median expectation that the deposit facility rate will stay at 2.25% at the next Governing Council meeting, with a 25 basis point increase more likely by the second meeting. Analysts see HICP inflation returning to 2.0% from 2027Q2 and euro area growth remaining modest. The survey also points to continued declines in APP and PEPP holdings and a low likelihood of TPI activation.
The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan has summarized Cabinet-approved amendments affecting the collateral registry, exchange trading, business stability ratings and public sector staffing rules. Key changes include stronger Garov.uz integration with ONE-ID, a mechanism to challenge incorrect registry data, revised initial price-setting for some exchange-traded products and a new graduate employment indicator in business ratings. The package also standardizes staffing schedule rules for budget organizations and updates monitoring procedures for copper deep-processing enterprises.
The Bank of the Lao PDR reviewed cooperation with the United Kingdom during a farewell meeting with departing UK Ambassador Mel Barlow. Discussions covered continued support for anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing, green finance and sustainable finance.
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority said the High Court has placed six Chance Voight companies into liquidation after finding the group was insolvent and dependent on new investor money to meet existing obligations. The court found the business model was unsustainable, with about NZD54.2 million raised from investors and a consolidated negative net asset position of NZD11.8 million as at 30 September 2025. The FMA’s wider investigation remains ongoing.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission said former director Vickie Anne Vella was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment, to be served by way of an Intensive Corrections Order, for dishonestly using her position to divert more than AUD 1.2 million in company funds for personal use. The money was withdrawn from Coast Reo Pty Ltd and Midcoast Reinforcement Pty Ltd between August 2016 and April 2018. Her conviction also triggers an automatic five-year ban on managing companies until 23 July 2031.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved appointments at ADCB Islamic Bank and Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, covering an independent director role at the former and a management board and risk management role at the latter.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission is seeking quotations as part of preparations to select a provider for digitizing its archival documents in 2026. The request is intended to support cost estimation for the project, with bids to be submitted by July 30, 2026.
The Bank of Thailand and the Monetary Authority of Singapore signed a memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity cooperation and digital fraud protection, expanding existing collaboration across their financial sectors. It covers threat and incident information sharing, staff training and policy exchanges, and joint cross-border cybersecurity and crisis management exercises.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has introduced temporary currency servicing changes at its Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Ozamiz branches during renovation works. From Aug. 3, 2026, the branches will stop accepting fit currency deposits, suspend the 20-working-day verification period and shorten servicing hours to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Thursday. They will also shift to just-in-time cash shipments for withdrawals, with at least one week advance notice required once each branch implements the arrangement.
The Central Bank of the Philippines highlighted its Banknote-to-Armchair Project, with close to 100 classroom armchairs made from recycled unfit polymer banknotes donated to a Davao City elementary school. The BSP said the project forms part of its end-of-life management approach for polymer notes and pointed to far lower return rates for damaged PHP 1,000 polymer notes than for paper notes.
The Indonesia Financial Services Authority has called in Kredivo and KreditFazz over alleged improper debt collection conduct in Purworejo involving a KrediFazz loan marketed through the Kredivo app. It told the firms to investigate, review oversight of third-party collectors and strengthen collection controls. The authority is still examining the case and may take supervisory or enforcement action if it finds breaches.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has signed a memorandum of understanding with BOT on cybersecurity and digital fraud cooperation in the financial sector. It covers information sharing, joint capability-building and cross-border cyber and crisis management exercises.
The Bank of the Lao PDR called for joint China-ASEAN governance mechanisms to manage cybersecurity and systemic risks from AI in finance. Its deputy governor also joined the launch of an AI and finance cooperation project and discussions on AI-enabled local-currency cooperation.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission has proposed amendments to raise audit quality at accounting firms, following up on its February 2026 reform plan. The package would reward high-quality mid-tier firms with access to larger listed company audits, require large firms to install audit quality oversight committees led by external experts, and tighten external audit experience requirements for senior leaders at listed-company auditors. The consultation runs through Sept. 2 before further approval and implementation.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission will tighten access to single-stock leveraged ETF and ETN products earlier than planned, requiring more than KRW 30 million in cash from July 31 for new and additional purchases of domestic and overseas listed products. Substitute securities will no longer count toward the threshold, and sale proceeds will count only after T+2 settlement. Authorities have already halted new listings and advertising, with further premium-discount controls due on Aug. 19.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission is consulting on enhanced provident fund statements covering investment positions and retirement savings adequacy. Asset management companies would provide expanded portfolio and performance data, action-oriented messages and access to retirement planning tools. Comments are due by Aug. 23, 2026, and the rules are expected to be issued in 2026.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission filed a criminal complaint against Supaporn Pimphong over 11 allegedly false reports involving securities of six listed companies. The SEC removed the reports after verification, and the case will proceed through the criminal enforcement process.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission has banned former NextGen Financial Group directors Nicholas Brookes and Vitorio Turco for three years after linking each to at least two failures to give effect to AFCA determinations. The cases involved inappropriate advice on self-managed superannuation funds used to purchase property, with consumers later compensated through the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. Both men can seek review by the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets published findings from a review of compliance and internal audit functions at Dutch managers of investment institutions under an European Securities and Markets Authority Common Supervisory Action. It found weaknesses in compliance documentation, oversight of outsourced control functions and the rationale for proportionality-based structures. The authority will continue to reflect those issues in its supervision.
The Central Bank of Cuba has published a historical review of pre-revolutionary currency developments, focusing on the move from metallic circulation to silver-backed banknotes. It highlights the 1934 creation of silver certificate notes, the withdrawal of gold from circulation, and the later role of the National Bank of Cuba as note issuer from 1950. The note also recalls the 25% reserve requirement and Cuba's first commemorative banknote in 1953.
In a podcast interview, the Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency outlined pension reform proposals aimed at reducing the risk that retirees outlive their savings. The measures include cutting the contribution requirement for a guaranteed lifetime pension from 25 years to 15 years and gradually raising the Solidarity Fund contribution from 0.4% to 1.25% over 10 years. The discussion also covered auto-enrolled complementary pension plans and mechanisms to extend coverage to self-employed workers.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency took part in the FIAP-WPA 2026 seminar in Costa Rica on the future of pension systems. SIPEN officials joined discussions on pension reform, demographic pressures, labor market change, artificial intelligence and the protection of retirement savings. The event also addressed informal worker coverage, decumulation and market volatility.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank released an ECCB Connects episode in which aviation specialist Dennis Mc Call said the Caribbean's most urgent aviation problem is travel affordability, driven by taxes, fees and charges. He also said the proposed OECS Air should be governed independently with limited government intervention, alongside greater focus on sustainability, innovation and digital integration.
The Central Bank of Costa Rica issued a periodic macroeconomic review that pointed to slower global growth in 2026 and 2027 and inflation remaining above most central bank targets. For Costa Rica, it reported 3.5% year-on-year growth in the Monthly Index of Economic Activity in May 2026 and a 6.7% unemployment rate. It also noted a narrower goods trade deficit relative to GDP, supported by stronger manufactured exports.
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported stronger cement sector activity in June 2026, with production rising 12.1 percent year on year to 452.4 thousand tonnes and dispatches increasing 14.2 percent to 453.7 thousand tonnes. Inventories fell to 35.4 thousand tonnes, while first-half production and dispatches also posted double-digit annual growth. The release linked the improvement to the dry season, tax incentives for builders and ongoing housing and infrastructure projects.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit said its Financial Intelligence Unit blocked 63 subjects linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel's financial network and filed a money laundering complaint with the Attorney General's Office. The move followed a U.S. Treasury designation of 55 subjects and added eight more individuals and entities in Mexico. Authorities cited red flags including cash activity, luxury asset purchases, international transfers, virtual assets and apparent shell-company structures.
The Argentina Superintendency of Insurance renewed a cooperation agreement with the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and introduced a new regulatory regime for parametric insurance. The framework is intended to expand agricultural risk coverage, streamline approval of index-based products and require payouts within 15 calendar days once the relevant parameter is verified.
The Financial Action Task Force of Latin America signed a cooperation agreement with FIDES to strengthen public-private collaboration on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing. The partnership is already supporting a regional risk assessment of money laundering and terrorist financing in the insurance sector across GAFILAT member countries. It is the first GAFILAT regional sectoral risk assessment developed jointly with a private-sector representative.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said its July Manufacturing Survey showed steady expansion in Tenth District manufacturing activity and continued expansionary expectations. About half of firms expect higher demand for the rest of the year, while a majority reported lower profit margins since the start of the year. Input price growth eased slightly from the prior month.
The Bank of Spain’s statistics for the second half of 2025 show non-cash payment transactions in Spain rose 10.8% year on year to 10.369 billion, while total value increased 1.9% to EUR 6.5 trillion. Cards accounted for 65.9% of transactions by volume, but transfers represented 87.9% of value. Instant transfers grew sharply, and payment cards in circulation rose 10.2% to about 126 million.
The Canadian Public Accountability Board published insights from its 2026 audit committee outreach, with AI, cybersecurity, IFRS 18 implementation and firm-specific public inspection reports identified as the main oversight issues. Discussions pointed to uneven IFRS 18 readiness, closer scrutiny of AI governance and auditors’ use of technology, and demand for timely inspection reports that can inform auditor assessments. IFRS 18 takes effect for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027, with related Canadian Securities Administrators changes expected in fall 2026.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs published a minority staff report saying CFPB pullbacks have cost families more than USD 26 billion. In a related hearing exchange, CFPB director nominee Brian Johnson declined to promise he would alert Congress and the Inspector General if the White House contacted the agency about an enforcement case. Warren also challenged proposed CFPB staffing cuts and the withdrawal of enforcement actions.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing on the nominations of Abby Warren for the Commerce Department, Irving Dennis for HUD and Brian Johnson for the CFPB. Chairman Tim Scott said the posts are important for export controls, oversight of taxpayer funds, and consumer protection within the law. He said he would work with colleagues to advance the nominees.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has agreed to share corporate data with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Statistics Authority to improve foreign direct investment measurement and address potential underreporting. The framework combines bank and enterprise data, building on information already transmitted for more than 16,000 registered corporations and partnerships.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned more than 50 individuals and entities linked to CJNG, including its new leader Juan Carlos Gonzalez, known as Pelon. The action targets leadership, family-controlled front companies, fentanyl and cocaine trafficking cells, fuel theft operators and a money laundering network that moved drug proceeds from the United States back to Mexico. The sanctions block U.S.-linked property and broadly prohibit U.S. dealings with the designated parties.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission extended to August 26, 2026 the comment period on its review of 24/7 trading for standard energy futures and perpetual contracts tied to physically delivered or storable energy commodities. It also added questions on weekend price formation risks, operational readiness and the stayed NYMEX 10-Barrel WTI crude oil futures contract. The Commission is seeking evidence-based feedback on market integrity, surveillance, clearing and impacts on physical markets.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has released the agenda for the Agricultural Advisory Committee’s July 29 meeting, its first of 2026. Discussions will cover the Basel III proposal, agricultural end-user risk management gaps, the Commitments of Traders report, and 24/7 trading and emerging markets. The meeting will be public, and comments may be submitted through August 7, 2026.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved Tabuk Agricultural Development Company's proposed capital reduction to SAR 76,524,600 from SAR 391,767,000, reducing shares to 7,652,460 from 39,176,700. The move still requires extraordinary general assembly approval and other regulatory steps. The company must publish a shareholder disclosure document, and the authority said its approval only confirms regulatory compliance, not the feasibility of the reduction.
The Central Bank of Paraguay said its Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the monetary policy rate at 5.50%, judging a neutral stance appropriate as domestic activity has outperformed expectations and the 2026 inflation forecast was lowered to 3.3% from 3.5% despite increased external risks. The central bank also raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 4.5% from 4.2% and said it will continue monitoring the external environment to ensure inflation converges to target.
The Bermuda Attorney-General and Minister of Justice issued AML-ATF Advisory 2/2026 on risks linked to higher-risk jurisdictions with inadequate anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing controls. It reiterates that regulated firms and other relevant persons must apply enhanced customer due diligence on a risk-sensitive basis where customers or transactions involve countries identified as higher risk by the Financial Action Task Force or the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, or jurisdictions posing elevated money laundering, corruption, terrorist financing or sanctions risks.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission participated in the 6th Angolan Compliance Conference and reiterated its support for stronger regulatory standards and a more transparent economic environment. In that context, it highlighted compliance’s role in economic sovereignty, investment attraction, governance and the credibility of Angola’s capital market.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency is consulting on a SPOT market that would display buying and selling interest in unlisted shares without executing or matching orders. Feedback is due by Aug. 17, 2026, and may inform future amendments to the Capital Market Act.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye said it hosted an Albanian delegation to discuss agricultural insurance cooperation. Discussions covered Türkiye’s TARSIM model, Albania’s key agricultural risks and insurance practices, and ways to expand information sharing and joint work between the two countries.
Elizabeth Warren, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, invoked the Export Control Reform Act to require BIS records on alleged loopholes in advanced AI chip export controls. She argued that BIS’s rescission and non-enforcement of the AI Diffusion Rule undermined the Foundry Due Diligence Rule and could allow renewed diversion of advanced chips to China. Warren requested the information by Aug. 6, 2026.
The ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs released written responses from three Trump nominees and said they failed to answer basic questions tied to their prospective roles. The issues raised included National Credit Union Administration governance and deregulation, HUD inspector general oversight of fair housing and civil rights, and economic conditions and gas prices. All three nominees also declined to answer questions about presidential election results.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs entered closed session during a markup on NCUA, HUD inspector general and Council of Economic Advisers nominees after Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about FBI background investigation briefings. Warren said key questions remained unanswered, and the committee later voted 12-10 to return to closed session.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, in her capacity as ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, joined two House Oversight members in pressing Barclays for details on how it investigated Jes Staley’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The lawmakers questioned Barclays’ 2019 account to U.K. regulators, cited the Financial Conduct Authority’s lifetime ban on Staley, and challenged the bank’s decision to let him resign with compensation. They also pointed to Barclays’ large U.S. operations in arguing that the issue raises management fitness and governance concerns.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario warned that some GAP insurance for financed or leased vehicles is being sold by unlicensed businesses and individuals, which could leave buyers with invalid coverage and unpaid claims. It said products described as loyalty programs may still be insurance and must comply with the Insurance Act. Consumers were urged to verify that the insurer and any agent or broker are licensed in Ontario.
The Portuguese Insurance Regulator has published the latest Risk Panel for the pension funds sector, based on financial market data as of June 14, 2026 and pension fund management reporting as of March 31, 2026.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group has issued the ESRS-40a Exposure Draft for consultation as technical advice to the European Commission on sustainability reporting by certain non-EU undertakings with significant EU activities. The draft would support CSRD implementation, with feedback feeding into final advice due in January 2027. First reporting is expected for financial year 2028, with publication in 2029.
The Canadian Securities Administrators is consulting on rule changes to permanently raise the listed issuer financing exemption limits to CAD 25 million, or up to CAD 50 million for larger companies, over 12 months. The proposals would codify a 2025 blanket order and streamline other conditions of the exemption. The authority said the higher limits supported CAD 3.7 billion of fundraising in the first year.
The Algeria Market Authority said Banque de Développement Local Spa will pay its 2025 financial year dividend on July 22, 2026, at DZD 107 per share.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will hold a public roundtable on Sept. 17, 2026 on moving toward 24-hour trading in U.S. equity markets. It will address preparations for overnight trading, market operations and resiliency, and the opportunities and challenges of expanded trading hours. Agenda and speaker details will be posted before the event.
The Brazil Securities Commission discussed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Institute for Climate and Society to create and operate the Brazilian Carbon Markets Observatory, OBCarbono. The planned public-interest structure would focus on technical knowledge, capacity building, institutional coordination and public dissemination on carbon markets.
The European Commission has launched two EU financial literacy initiatives: a call to identify successful projects and a stakeholder roundtable to help draft a voluntary code of conduct. The best-practice exercise covers investing, saving and financial risk literacy, while the code is intended to set standards on transparency, unbiased content and conflict-of-interest safeguards. The code is expected in the first quarter of 2027.
The European Commission welcomed the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, which tightens restrictions on energy, banking, crypto, trade and the military-industrial complex. The package adds 218 listings, extends transaction bans to more than 100 Russian banks and introduces new crypto and shadow fleet measures. It also creates the basis for a future EU visa ban on Russian combatants and ex-combatants, subject to further Council action.
The European Central Bank has published the jury report naming ten winning design proposals for future euro banknotes, with five proposals each for the themes “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. The shortlist emerged from 39 submissions assessed by an independent euro area jury. The Governing Council is expected to make the final design choice at end-2026 after considering the public’s preferences.
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee kept the policy rate at 7.0% in July 2026 by a four-to-two vote, saying inflation at 5.0% remains too high against the 3% target while growth is weak and the prior 25 basis point increase in May leaves policy appropriately restrictive for now. The committee expects headline inflation to stay above 4% until early next year, sees slower growth in the second and third quarters, and said decisions will remain meeting by meeting despite its model implying broadly stable rates this year and cuts later as inflation returns to target.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved AlBilad Investment Company's public offer of the Saudi Center for Quran Recitations and Prophetic Hadiths Endowment Fund. It said the approval reflects compliance with legal requirements and is not a recommendation to subscribe.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator has reissued KM Life’s license for insurance and reinsurance activities in the life insurance sector. The reissued license adds an additional class of voluntary insurance.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan is selecting candidates to chair the liquidation commissions of Astana Bank JSC and Eximbank Kazakhstan JSC. Applicants must have relevant higher education and knowledge of Kazakhstan's liquidation rules for financial institutions. Applications are due by 18:00 on July 29, 2026.