The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has consolidated all guidance for the Economic and Financial Statistics collection into a revised practice guide for authorised deposit-taking institutions and registered financial corporations. The update adds guidance on set-off accounts and incorporates the previously separate FAQs, which APRA will retire from its website.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has approved an updated competency standard for registered company auditors, strengthening its focus on ethical behavior. Effective Oct. 1, 2026, the standard offers applicants an alternative to time based experience requirements.

Argentina Securities Commission Chair Roberto E. Silva reviewed the regulator’s Big Bang program to simplify capital markets regulation, lower costs and improve access to financing. He highlighted stronger standards for primary securities placements, final FAL rules and the Restricted Subjects regime, while emphasizing tighter supervision of market agents.

The Central Bank of Oman adopted a policy governing the classification and licensing of banks and representative offices of foreign banks. It also adopted an emergency policy and framework and approved its financial position for the second quarter of 2026.

The Saudi Capital Market Authority is consulting on rules governing capital market institutions’ dealings with clients in foreign financial markets. The proposals clarify suitability assessments and require at least 50% client margin for external securities transactions, while prohibiting margin dealing in highly leveraged instruments and certain loss-making companies.

The Central Bank of Afghanistan and the Afghan Credit Guarantee Foundation agreed to expand Islamic financial services and MSME financing. The foundation will initially provide about USD 1 million in grants to five banks and one microfinance institution, with qualifying institutions and returnee entrepreneurs targeted in later stages.

Central Bank of Jordan Governor Adel Sharkas outlined a fintech strategy that combines innovation with smarter supervision. Electronic payments exceeded 695 million transactions worth more than JOD 50 billion in 2025, while the JO REGBOX sandbox has tested 12 products from 12 companies.

The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering backed the Phnom Penh Declaration’s call for coordinated international action against online scam networks. The measures emphasize disrupting criminal networks, tracing and recovering proceeds, strengthening public-private cooperation and protecting victims.

The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority expects regulated short selling to launch within weeks after completing the central lending system, broker links and market training. The mechanism is part of a wider expansion of derivatives, hedge funds and market making as second-quarter trading exceeded EGP 6.4 trillion, up 78.3% year over year.

The Honduras National Banking and Insurance Commission authorized supervised institutions to reschedule or refinance agricultural loans affected by El Niño related drought and water shortages. Applications are due by Feb. 28, 2027, with decisions required by April 30, 2027. The framework bars relief related fees and capitalization of unpaid interest while preserving existing impairment provisions and requiring continued credit monitoring.

Portugal’s three financial supervisors have established a trilateral framework for cooperation and confidential information sharing during corrective intervention, temporary administration and resolution. They also updated their bilateral arrangements to reflect broader mandates, digitalization, changing business models and information system security threats.

The Bermuda Ministry of Finance has published guidance on reforms to the Public Service Superannuation Fund, including changes to retirement ages, contribution rates and pension benefits.