South Korea's Financial Services Commission filed a criminal complaint in one suspected virtual asset manipulation case and referred three others to investigators. The cases involve automated API trading used to create artificial activity and raise prices, as well as wash trades that accounted for more than 90% of one asset’s volume. The commission warned investors to scrutinize unexplained price and volume surges and verify information in white papers and disclosures.

The National Bank of Georgia presented its payments modernization agenda at Global Fintech Fest 2026, emphasizing ISO 20022, instant payments and future international interoperability. Meetings with Indian payments authorities and firms explored cooperation on instant and cross-border payments, infrastructure and innovative services.

The National Bank of Georgia and the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina agreed to sign a cooperation memorandum. Their collaboration will focus on payment system development and the exchange of knowledge and practical experience.

The National Bank of Georgia and the Central Bank of Hungary signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation and exchange best practices. It covers monetary policy, reserve management, payment systems, financial services, and financial regulation and supervision.

The Oman Financial Services Authority has detailed new securities rules covering investor asset segregation, regulated investment banking, 11 fund categories and stronger risk-based supervision. The framework separates most securities activities from commercial banking and tightens market conduct, governance and reporting requirements. Most affected entities must regularize their status by January 27, 2027, while banking institutions have up to three years.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission has launched a multiyear action plan covering renminbi markets, cross-border connectivity, market infrastructure, digital assets and financial security. Near-term measures include a renminbi counter for southbound Stock Connect, work on REIT Connect, T+1 settlement and new digital asset licensing regimes. Longer-term plans would broaden renminbi products, tokenized investments and technology-enabled supervision.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue outlined priorities to expand bond issuance and participation, deepen offshore renminbi liquidity and modernize market infrastructure. The agenda is intended to support digital and cross-border fixed-income activity and strengthen Hong Kong’s bond market.

The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority has updated its Harmonised Transparency Template reporting guidance for covered bond entities, including reporting scope, completion requirements, deadlines and the required Altinn submission form.

The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway found shortcomings in DNB’s mortgage underwriting, risk controls and treatment of customers. It assessed that the bank’s interest rate stress testing does not meet regulatory and statutory requirements and called for improvements to debt calculations, automated lending controls, complaints and arrears management. DNB must report its remediation status as of March 31, 2027.

The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway found that Sparebanken Norge’s governance arrangements are suited to its business, but its new risk management framework was only partly implemented. It called for broader risk coverage, stronger scenario analysis and stress testing, more independent risk reporting and an expanded internal audit function. The bank is implementing corrective measures.

The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority has set a technology agenda through 2030 covering AI, quantum technology, tokenization and financial innovation. It will assess emerging risks, clarify existing requirements and consider expanding its FT Lab regulatory sandbox, with the aim of supporting innovation without adding unnecessary rules or weakening financial stability and customer protections.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has blocked IAG’s proposed acquisition of RAC Insurance, finding it would likely substantially lessen competition in Western Australia’s motor vehicle and home and contents insurance markets. The deal would give IAG estimated market shares of 55% to 65% and 50% to 60%, respectively, while other insurers would be unlikely to provide sufficient competitive constraint.