-
2026-04-22•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia has updated terms for loans backed by securities or credit claims, revising treatment of non-marketable assets in collateral pools and tightening eligibility thresholds. From 4 May 2026, the Bank may transfer non-marketable assets between credit institutions’ collateral pools in reorganisations, raise the minimum outstanding principal balance of loans accepted as collateral from RUB 2 million to RUB 5 million, and allow withdrawal of requests to increase the value of non-marketable assets via unified electronic messages.
Policy & regulationRules & requirements
-
2026-04-22•Lithuania•Ministry of Finance (Lithuania)
The Ministry of Finance of Lithuania announced the election of Thomas Östros as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ILTE, replacing Daina Klepone, who remains on the board and its Remuneration and Appointments Committee. The leadership change is linked to ILTE’s transformation into a national development bank tasked with mobilising and injecting EUR 6 billion of investment into the Lithuanian economy over four years, operating under bank supervisory requirements and strengthened governance.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-22•Finland•Bank of Finland
The Bank of Finland has published its Data Balance Sheet 2025, reviewing the central bank’s data, technology and information management as a complement to its Annual Report. The publication, available in Finnish and English, covers data production and use, information security and data protection, artificial intelligence expansion in public authority and expert work, and current development projects, and includes 22 articles plus key figures from content management, online communications and statistical systems.
Institutional developmentTechnology & data transformationRegulatory reporting
-
2026-04-22•Germany•Ministry of Finance (Germany)
The German Federal Ministry of Finance has appointed Tim Armbruster and Alain Demarolle as co-chairs of the Franco-German Taskforce on the Future of Digital Finance. The taskforce will work with public and private stakeholders to promote euro-denominated digital payments and assess the use of distributed ledger technology in financial markets to enhance efficiency, capital market integration and corporate financing in Europe.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsCBDCBlockchain and distributed ledger technology
-
2026-04-22•Philippines•Department of Finance (Philippines)
The Philippines Department of Finance used the Philippine Executive Forum in San Francisco to promote the country as a destination for high-impact investments, citing policy credibility, macroeconomic stability and resilience to external shocks. Officials highlighted a young English-speaking workforce, a reform-driven environment and priority sectors including semiconductors, electronics, mineral processing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agriculture, steel, renewable energy, infrastructure and tourism, plus the Philippines’ strategic partnership with the United States.
OtherMarket development
-
2026-04-22•United Arab Emirates•General Pension and Social Security Authority
The United Arab Emirates General Pension and Social Security Authority, together with Gulf Cooperation Council pension and social security entities, has launched a unified awareness campaign on the Unified Extension Protection System for GCC nationals working abroad. The campaign explains cross-border preservation of pension contributions and rights, insurance benefits for insured persons and their families, and statutory obligations of employers and employees, and will be delivered through digital and traditional media, official social channels, and workshops.
Financial literacy & educationOther
-
2026-04-22•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission hosted the plenary meeting of IOSCO’s Committee on Regulation of Secondary Markets, bringing together global regulators to discuss extended trading hours, market liquidity and volatility, and measures to strengthen global market resilience. The SFC highlighted its commitment to international standards and cross-border cooperation to support market integrity and investor protection.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationMarket development
-
2026-04-22•Malaysia•Malaysia Securities Commission
The Malaysia Securities Commission’s Annual Report 2025, Audit Oversight Board Annual Report 2025 and Capital Market Stability Review 2025 highlight 3.2% growth in the capital market to RM4.3 trillion, robust fundraising and no systemic stability concerns. They detail supervisory and enforcement outcomes, including criminal, civil and administrative actions, and confirm intermediaries remain well-capitalised with investment funds resilient to redemption shocks. The Commission will implement initiatives under the Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030, including revisions to the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance, enhancements to listing and digital asset frameworks, and measures to support securities tokenisation.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsActivity and performance reporting
-
2026-04-22•China•Central Bank of the Republic of China
The Central Bank of the Republic of China reported on Vice Governor Xuan Changneng’s participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, including the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable and the FATF ministerial meeting. Xuan linked Middle East tensions to higher global inflation and financing costs, urged stronger multilateral and private sector roles in sovereign debt restructurings, and called for better global sovereign debt governance and debt sustainability analysis for low-income countries, while stressing FATF’s technical role and closer public‑private coordination on money laundering and terrorist financing.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationAML and CFT
-
2026-04-22•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank published research modelling how central banks should adjust the precision of their communications when markets’ perceived “reputation for confidence” diverges from the bank’s actual uncertainty. Using alternative Federal Reserve FOMC statements, the authors find that communication becomes more precise when confidence is higher or reputation is lower, supporting the theory that central banks may optimally choose deliberate vagueness or extra precision to mitigate market over- or underreaction.
Research
-
2026-04-22•Europe•European Central Bank
European Central Bank Executive Board member Philip R. Lane argued that the euro area faces an undersupply of euro-denominated safe assets and that expanding common euro debt could enhance market liquidity, hedging capacity and global trust in the euro. He highlighted the growing resilience but remaining limitations of national sovereign bonds, the role of EU-level issuance and the revised Eurosystem repo facility for central banks, and outlined options including greater joint borrowing and blue bond/red bond structures to increase safe asset supply.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesFinancial stability and systemic riskMarket development
-
2026-04-22•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of Tajikistan reported that its First Deputy Chairman participated in the World Bank Group’s Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership high-level forum on asset management and international reserves in Washington, D.C. Discussions focused on the macroeconomic outlook, sovereign asset management in crisis conditions, strategic asset allocation, risk assessment and the use of digital technologies in reserve management, supporting the adoption of international practices and deeper cooperation with international partners.
Policy & regulationCooperationMarket development
-
2026-04-22•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reported the results of a foreign exchange intervention conducted as a USD purchase auction on 22 April 2026. Eight participants submitted satisfied bids ranging from USD 2.22 million to USD 9.00 million at a weighted average rate of 9.4472 TJS per USD.
Monetary policyMonetary policy instruments & operationsOther
-
2026-04-22•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan met with the World Bank Group Treasury’s Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership to discuss strengthening cooperation on international reserve management. The parties focused on expanding collaboration in training, knowledge exchange and capacity building, and considered potential cooperation on external asset management and steps for the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan to begin direct investment in government securities.
Institutional developmentCooperation & capacity buildingCross-border cooperation
-
2026-04-22•Croatia•Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency’s March 2026 report showed broad declines in pension fund and UCITS asset values, linked to negative market developments related to the Middle East crisis, while insurance activity grew. Mandatory pension fund net assets fell to EUR 27.0bn with negative Mirex returns across all categories, and voluntary pension fund assets declined 2.5% to EUR 1.68bn. UCITS net assets decreased 2.8% to EUR 4.1bn amid net outflows, while the Zagreb Stock Exchange recorded a 5.58% fall in the CROBEX index and a 3.1% drop in market capitalisation.
SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsSupervision process and methodologies
-
2026-04-22•Netherlands•Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets imposed an administrative fine of EUR 297,000 on Arrowstreet Capital, Limited Partnership for structurally misreporting net short positions in Just Eat Takeaway.com and Galapagos between July 2020 and November 2024, resulting in 101 incorrect notifications and 85 inaccurate public disclosures. The fine was reduced in light of Arrowstreet’s self-reporting, remediation, cooperation and preventive measures, and was accepted under a simplified settlement, closing the matter.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsMarket abuse
-
2026-04-22•Fiji•Reserve Bank of Fiji
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has launched a Confidential Disclosure section on its website for the public to report suspected underground banking and other unlicensed financial services, including virtual asset-related activities. It covers suspected breaches involving unlicensed foreign currency exchange, unauthorised Money Value Transfer Services or remittance channels, virtual asset provision and Virtual Asset Service Provider activities, and the marketing or facilitation of virtual asset products and services, with disclosures submitted via a downloadable form and handled confidentially.
EnforcementWhistleblowingAML and CFTUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
-
2026-04-22•Qatar•Qatar Financial Markets Authority
The Qatar Financial Markets Authority reported that its chief executive participated in the 20th Annual Meeting of the Union of Arab Securities Authorities Board, which reviewed work under the Union’s 2026 strategic plan and examined guidance on cross-border financial activities, capital flows and market risk practices. The video conference also addressed a multilateral memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity, the Smart Investor Guide, the Union’s 2026-2030 strategic plan and its 2026 action plan.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border paymentsMarket risk and volatility
-
2026-04-22•Uzbekistan•Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a monetary policy seminar outlining its inflation targeting regime and the central role of the policy rate in shaping monetary conditions, borrowing costs, and economic activity. It highlighted the lagged transmission of policy rate changes through the banking system, the importance of inflation expectations, and the need for transparency and clear communication. The Central Bank will continue engaging professional and academic audiences through further seminars and lectures.
Monetary policyMonetary policy framework & strategyMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-22•Australia•Department of Treasury (Australia)
Australia’s Department of the Treasury has released an exposure draft Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026 proposing a new regime to support nationwide access to cash, assigning new responsibilities to the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The RBA would designate key cash distribution entities, set distribution and resolvability standards, and deploy crisis tools including statutory management and compulsory transfers, while the ACCC would regulate pricing and terms for critical services, set service-level standards, and administer an arbitration framework, with potential government funding for continuity of critical services capped at AUD 400 million.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCurrency and cash management
-
2026-04-22•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE reported that Emiratisation in the banking, financial, and insurance sectors reached 23,364 UAE nationals and a 31% Emiratisation rate as of 31 December 2025, with hiring at around 160% of the annual target and a 97% institutional compliance rate. Emiratisation continued to rise across banking, insurance, exchange houses, finance companies, and insurance-related professions, with notable gains in critical, leadership, and voting committee roles in banking. The update also highlights progress under the “Al Ain Initiative” and other regional employment programmes, alongside extensive training and qualification efforts with the Emirates Institute of Finance and through “Ethraa” programmes and career fairs.
Data & statisticsHiring and recruitment
-
2026-04-22•Australia•Council of Financial Regulators
The Council of Financial Regulators and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommend a new regulatory regime for cash distribution focused on critical providers rather than all firms. The package would introduce designation, oversight, crisis resolution, agreement and access powers, regional service standards and enforcement. The agencies dropped the earlier proposal to register all cash distribution providers in response to concerns about burden on smaller firms.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesPayments and payment systems
-
2026-04-22•South Korea•Ministry of Economy & Finance (South Korea)
South Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance briefed the OECD Advisory Task Force on the Codes of Liberalisation on recent foreign exchange and capital market rule changes to improve foreign investor access. Measures include raising foreign exchange forward position limits for foreign bank subsidiaries, easing foreign exchange loan rules, permitting integrated foreign accounts, temporarily suspending a foreign exchange stability-related levy, and pursuing reforms linked to potential MSCI Developed Market Index inclusion. The ministry also discussed market-stabilisation responses and signalled continued engagement in international policy discussions.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsForeign exchange policy and marketsMarket development
-
2026-04-22•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank published a speech by Olaf Sleijpen calling for a clear productivity agenda, more predictable policy and deeper European market integration to safeguard living standards amid slowing productivity, ageing, labour shortages and rising fiscal pressures. He argued governments should act mainly as market referees enabling private investment, and backed an ambitious European Savings and Investment Union, further internal market integration and greater regulatory harmonisation to better channel over EUR 10 trillion in household savings and reduce trade barriers within the EU.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-22•New Zealand•New Zealand Financial Markets Authority
The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority has joined a Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers with 17 other regulators, focusing on public awareness and legal boundaries around financial promotions. It contacted 14 finfluencers about their obligations, prompting removal of misleading content and some providers scaling back or ceasing services to New Zealanders amid rising “copy trading” promotions involving complex, high‑risk products. The FMA is also publishing social media content, a podcast and updated website guidance to help consumers identify red flags and support finfluencers in communicating responsibly.
Policy & regulationCooperationConsumer and investor protection
-
2026-04-22•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, sent a follow-up letter to executives linked to GSS Data Services, LLC and Goal Solutions Inc. seeking clarity on who hires, supervises, and directs GSS’s work for the National Collegiate Student Loan Trusts amid concerns about protections against predatory student loan servicing. She challenges prior claims that GSS does not assist in loan sales or hire collectors or servicers, citing a 2024 administration agreement suggesting it may enter agreements to fulfill Trust obligations, and requests detailed information on its interactions with servicers and subservicers.
Policy & regulationOther
-
2026-04-22•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs published remarks by Ranking Member Senator Elizabeth Warren warning that a debt-fuelled boom in artificial intelligence investment could pose systemic financial stability risks. She highlighted heavy reliance on private credit and complex debt structures, growing interconnectedness and opacity, and questioned whether AI revenues can scale sufficiently to service projected borrowing. Warren reiterated calls for structural financial reforms, a new digital regulator, and stronger accountability measures to mitigate potential AI-related financial shocks and avoid future bailouts.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesArtificial intelligenceFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-22•Philippines•Central Bank of the Philippines
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised the target reverse repurchase rate by 25 bp to 4.50 percent, adjusting overnight deposit and lending facility rates to 4.0 percent and 5.0 percent, respectively, and reversing February’s cut. Citing elevated oil- and fertiliser-driven inflation that is now projected to exceed the 4 percent ceiling through 2027, the Board called the move “timely and pre-emptive” and signalled readiness for further data-dependent tightening.
Monetary policyPolicy rate decisionsMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-22•South Korea•Bank of Korea
The Bank of Korea published preliminary March 2026 price statistics showing the all-items Producer Price Index up 1.6% month on month and 4.1% year on year, alongside releases of the Domestic Supply Price Index and Total Output Price Index. The Domestic Supply Price Index rose 2.3% month on month (3.7% year on year), while the Total Output Price Index increased 4.7% month on month (9.0% year on year), driven mainly by higher manufacturing product prices.
Data & statisticsEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-21•Angola•Angola Capital Markets Commission
The Angola Capital Markets Commission has published for consultation Regulation No. 1/26 of 13 April, introducing a new chart of accounts for non-banking financial institutions and collective investment undertakings. The regulation revokes conflicting provisions and expressly repeals Regulation No. 9/16, Regulation No. 10/16 and Instructions No. 001/CMC/03-2020 and No. 002/CMC/03-2020 on the accounting treatment of value added tax.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsAccounting and financial reporting
-
2026-04-21•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency reported that Minister Katayama met Bank for International Settlements General Manager Pablo Hernández de Cos on 20 April 2026. They exchanged views on recent developments in the financial sector, including digital finance.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperation
-
2026-04-21•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency has amended the Cabinet Office Ordinance to exempt certain “venture funds for professionals” from fund audit requirements when conducting “Special Business for Qualified Institutional Investors, etc.” within National Strategic Special Zones under the asset management project framework. The exemption is limited to operators designated as implementing entities in approved regional plans, with a main or other office in the zone and business conducted there, and takes effect on 22 April 2026.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-21•Japan•Japan Financial Services Agency
The Japan Financial Services Agency published a summary of Finance Minister Katayama’s briefing to the Diet on measures under the Act on Emergency Measures for the Revitalization of Financial Functions, noting no new trustee dispositions, financial gifts or asset purchases for failed institutions during the latest reporting period. Cumulative Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan financial gifts to bailout institutions total JPY 19.031 trillion and cumulative asset purchases JPY 6,519.2 billion, with government-guaranteed borrowings and related balances of JPY 337 billion as of 31 March.
Data & statisticsRecovery and resolution
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Department of the Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has designated 14 individuals, entities and aircraft in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates for procuring or transporting weapons and components for the Iranian regime, including networks supporting Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic-missile inputs and Mahan Air. The action, taken under Executive Orders 13382 and 13224, includes two Boeing 777 aircraft owned by Mahan Air and multiple trading companies and facilitators, with all property within U.S. jurisdiction blocked and U.S. persons generally prohibited from dealings.
EnforcementSanctions & designationsNew sanctions designations
-
2026-04-21•Trinidad & Tobago•Central Bank of Trinidad & Tobago
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago’s Annual Economic Survey 2025 reported 0.2% real GDP growth in the first nine months of 2025, with a 2.2% rise in energy output offsetting a 0.6% fall in non-energy activity, 1.0% inflation and 4.5% unemployment. The Central Government posted a FY2024/25 deficit of TTD 8.1bn (4.6% of GDP) and adjusted General Government debt of TTD 146.9bn (84.0% of GDP). The external accounts showed a USD 908.2m deficit and reserves declined to USD 5,369.0m (6.3 months of imports) amid Central Bank foreign exchange sales. The repo rate stayed at 3.50%. For 2026, the Bank expects domestic activity to stabilise, supported by new energy production, against a global outlook facing downside risks from the US‑Israel‑Iran war.
ResearchEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-21•Bahamas•Central Bank of the Bahamas
The Central Bank of the Bahamas, in its Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Brief, reported that investor demand for domestic government securities remained strong, with an overall market absorption rate of 109% versus 93% in Q4 2025 on issuance of approximately USD 1.4bn, mainly for refinancing. Treasury bills comprised 93% of issuance and Bahamas Registered Stock 7%, with demand concentrated in shorter tenors and an inverted yield curve alongside a 14 basis point decline in the 30-year yield by end-March 2026.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsMonetary data
-
2026-04-21•United States•New York State Department of Financial Services
The New York State Department of Financial Services reported on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposals to lower auto insurance rates by intensifying enforcement against staged crashes and other fraud, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and tightening rules on damages and New York’s no-fault serious injury threshold. Measures include new criminal penalties for organizers of staged accidents, strengthened collaboration with prosecutors, extended timelines for insurers to pursue fraud, and targeted scrutiny of medical providers alleged to facilitate fraud.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsClaims management
-
2026-04-21•Zimbabwe•Securities & Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe published a securities trustees listing for Baker Tilly Trustee Services (Private) Limited. The entry includes the firm's Borrowdale address and the listed senior and contact names.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsSecurities offerings and listings
-
2026-04-21•United States•The White House
The White House released a recap of President Donald J. Trump’s CNBC interview, in which he discussed Iran negotiations, warned of potential market fallout from Middle East escalation, and questioned the need for NATO support. He endorsed Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, reiterated support for rate rises while arguing the United States should have the lowest interest rate, and commented on potential airline mergers, favouring a Spirit Airlines acquisition but opposing a tie-up between American Airlines and United Airlines.
Other
-
2026-04-21•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino used its participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington to deepen bilateral cooperation with peer central banks and supervisory authorities, focusing on technical cooperation, information exchange, financial education, and climate and environmental risks. Discussions with European counterparts and IMF and World Bank representatives were framed by IMF projections of global growth of 3.1 percent in 2026 and 3.2 percent in 2027, and Global Financial Stability Report warnings on vulnerabilities from high debt and potential asset price corrections.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-21•Algeria•Algeria Market Authority (COSOB)
The Algeria Market Authority approved the information notice for EPE CRAPC EXPERTISE SPA's 15% capital increase. The transaction will be carried out through a public offering of 39,000 new shares to be listed on the growth compartment of the Algiers Stock Exchange equity market.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsSecurities offerings and listings
-
2026-04-21•United States•Federal Reserve Board
Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher J. Waller, in a Brookings Institution speech, urged modernizing Federal Reserve operations by standardizing and centrally leading more Reserve Bank functions while keeping genuinely district-specific activities local. He proposed centralizing platform-based support functions, potentially consolidating some into a small number of operations centers with outsourcing where cost-effective, and called for governance changes that delegate more authority to system function leaders and reduce consensus-based decision-making across the 12 Reserve Banks.
Institutional developmentGovernanceOperational risk and resilience
-
2026-04-21•Vietnam•State Bank of Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam, through Deputy Governor Pham Tien Dung, used remarks at the BIDV Leadership Summit 2026 to signal expectations for banks’ digital transformation, including the use of artificial intelligence with strengthened risk management and data governance. The central bank emphasised data-driven decision-making, data security and confidentiality, and compliance with Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law and Cybersecurity Law in protecting users’ lawful rights and interests.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationFintech and insurtechMarket development
-
2026-04-21•Vietnam•State Bank of Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam has appointed Nguyen Xuan Hai, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Banking Times, as acting Editor-in-Chief until the position is fully staffed. Banking Times has also been tasked with streamlining its organisational structure, reinforcing its role as the central bank’s communications outlet and policy forum, and enhancing the speed, accuracy and digitalisation of its policy communications.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-21•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway has launched a securitisation theme page providing an overview of processes and practical information for firms under the Norwegian securitisation framework, in force since 1 August 2025. Finanstilsynet outlines its supervisory approach to traditional and synthetic securitisations, including significant risk transfer assessments, STS compliance checks, notification requirements and its practice for assessing firms’ overall risk and capital needs, with links to relevant regulations and EBA and ESMA resources.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationSecuritization
-
2026-04-21•Peru•Central Bank of Peru
The Central Bank of Peru reported that total exports reached USD 8,988 million in February 2026, up 38.2% year on year, mainly due to higher prices. Traditional exports rose 48.8% to USD 7,258 million on stronger prices for gold, copper and lead, while non-traditional exports increased 6.4% on higher volumes of agricultural and fishing products. For January to February 2026, total exports were USD 18,781 million, up 37.6% year on year, with traditional exports up 49.5% and non-traditional exports up 3.9% to USD 3,700 million.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
-
2026-04-21•Croatia•Ministry of Finance (Croatia)
The Ministry of Finance (Croatia) reported that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tomislav Coric hosted Italian Ambassador Paolo Trichilo for an inaugural visit, reaffirming close bilateral relations and cooperation in finance, customs and international initiatives. Discussions covered Croatia’s economic developments, implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the ministry’s co-chairmanship of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, Croatia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the importance of a resilient banking sector.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationClimate risk and sustainable finance
-
2026-04-21•Argentina•Argentina Superintendency of Insurance
Argentina’s Superintendency of Insurance reported on Superintendent Guillermo Plate’s role, as President of the Association of Latin American Insurance Supervisors, in convening and chairing a high-level regional conference on insurance supervision in Costa Rica, followed by ASSAL’s XXXVII Annual Assembly. Co-organised with the Financial Stability Institute and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, the conference addressed inflation, market volatility, climate change, natural catastrophe protection gaps and supervisory challenges from insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, while the Assembly presented ASSAL’s first-year management report and ratified the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as an associate member.
SupervisionCooperationSupervision process and methodologies
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee published Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren’s opening statement opposing Kevin Warsh’s nomination as Federal Reserve Chair and instead calling for oversight of perceived political efforts to pressure the central bank. Warren warned that weakening Fed independence could enable misuse of its authorities, criticised Warsh’s record as a former governor, and noted prior Democratic requests to postpone the hearing pending oversight of alleged probes involving Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook.
OtherLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing on President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to serve as Chair of the Federal Reserve System, as the central bank transitions to new leadership. Committee Chairman Tim Scott emphasized the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate and independence, arguing it should focus on its core mission rather than issues such as climate initiatives, and highlighted Warsh’s prior service as a Federal Reserve Governor during the financial crisis as key experience.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott endorsed President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, citing his crisis-management experience and public and private sector background. Scott called for renewed focus on the Fed’s independence and dual mandate, linking monetary policy to long-term economic conditions affecting mortgage rates, homeownership and small business formation within a collaborative framework between the administration, Congress and the central bank.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-21•Libya•Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya has opened subscription for commercial banks to Issue No. 13-2026 of unrestricted Mudaraba Deposit Certificates, using the same procedures and controls as in earlier issuances and the tenors and maturity dates specified in the announcement.
Monetary policyMonetary policy instruments & operationsOther
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Financial Services Committee
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee released Chairman French Hill’s prepared remarks for a markup of bills to modernize the financial regulatory framework. Key measures include proposals to roll back certain beneficial ownership reporting, delay and narrow Dodd-Frank Section 1071 small business lending data rules, condition support for International Monetary Fund voting power increases on members’ exchange rate policies, and tighten transparency and conflict-of-interest rules in the proxy advisory and voting process.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-21•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India has issued the Digital Payments – E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating prior e-mandate circulars into Directions for recurring domestic and cross-border transactions using cards, prepaid instruments and UPI. It standardises one-time AFA-based registration, issuer-led notifications, and exempts AFA for recurring transactions up to INR 15,000, and up to INR 100,000 for insurance premiums, mutual fund subscriptions and credit card bill payments, with higher-value transactions requiring AFA. It also prohibits charges for the facility, applies existing customer liability rules, and requires issuers and acquirers to ensure dispute redressal and merchant compliance.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsPayments and payment systems
-
2026-04-21•Canada•Alberta Securities Commission
The Alberta Securities Commission has published written reasons for its 19 December 2025 interim order against Midas Vantage Projects (MVP) Lithium Limited, Carolyn Jean Orazietti (also known as Carolyn Jean Beeler), and Vinay Ramachand Iyer (also known as Max Iyer). The panel found sufficient evidence of fraud, prohibited representations about MVP securities, and misleading of Staff, and highlighted the seriousness of the alleged misconduct and potential investor harm while the investigation and hearing continue.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-21•Canada•Alberta Securities Commission
The Alberta Securities Commission published a recap of the Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators’ annual meeting in Montreal, where Canadian securities, insurance and pension supervisors discussed priorities for improving retirement outcomes, including access to high-quality financial advice and coordinated oversight. The plenary featured OECD and National Institute on Ageing research on barriers to effective advice, retirement preparedness beyond pensions, and the impact of rising costs on retirees’ purchasing power, as well as perspectives on the North American political environment and implications for Canada’s financial sectors.
Policy & regulationCooperation
-
2026-04-21•Canada•Canadian Securities Administrators
The Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators, including the Canadian Securities Administrators, held its annual meeting in Montreal to discuss retirement-related consumer and market issues and the need for cross-sector coordination among securities, insurance and pension regulators. Plenary sessions examined barriers to retirees accessing high-quality financial advice, policy approaches to improve retirement decision-making, and broader challenges such as rising costs, retirees’ purchasing power, and cross-sector retirement products and advice.
Policy & regulationCooperationOther
-
2026-04-21•United Kingdom•HM Treasury
HM Treasury published the UK Governor’s statement to the World Bank Group and IMF Development Committee, setting out UK priorities for faster, larger-scale and more accountable multilateral responses to global instability, including spillovers from the Iran–Middle East conflict. The UK calls for enhanced World Bank crisis tools and prearranged finance, support for IDA21 and private capital mobilisation, stronger global debt architecture and MDB capital adequacy reform, and sustained climate finance. It also backs strengthened IMF surveillance and program design, welcomes new IMF–IEA–World Bank coordination on the Middle East, and flags upcoming UK-hosted events on global partnerships and illicit finance.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesOther
-
2026-04-21•United Kingdom•HM Treasury
HM Treasury updated Parliament on the UK government’s economic response to the Middle East conflict, announcing a package to strengthen energy security and mitigate price shocks, including extending the Electricity Generator Levy beyond 2028 and raising the rate from 45% to 55%. The package also sets out further detail ahead of legislation on allowing tiebacks to existing North Sea fields, accelerating renewables deployment, and using the higher levy to support households and businesses and incentivise older low-carbon generators to move to fixed-price contracts.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-21•West Africa•Central Bank of West African States
The Central Bank of West African States published a note detailing procedures for handling external payments by foreign nationals who have obtained resident status in the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The note is issued pursuant to Article 31 of Regulation No. 06/2024/CM/UEMOA on member states’ external financial relations and Article 2 of its Annex I.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationCross-border payments
-
2026-04-21•Canada•Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario published its 2025 Ontario Pensions Sector Overview and Activities Report, analysing the workplace pension landscape and regulatory activities based on plans supervised as of 31 December 2025. The report notes sector growth, with total pension assets up 5% from 2024, membership rising to 4.8 million, continued diversification across plan types, high compliance with statutory filing requirements, and steps to strengthen oversight of defined contribution plans through enhanced data collection and transparency.
SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsActivity and performance reporting
-
2026-04-21•Global•International Association of Insurance Supervisors
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors found that 85% of assessed members observed or largely observed its standards on reinsurance and other forms of risk transfer. The peer review covered 80 jurisdictions across all IAIS regions.
SupervisionPeer reviews and country evaluationsRisk managementCross-border cooperationPrudential risks
-
2026-04-21•Mexico•CONDUSEF
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services renewed the “Sáasil” badge for Seguros Monterrey New York Life’s “Vida Mujer” insurance product, recognising it as a women-focused solution combining protection, savings and support for financial autonomy. CONDUSEF highlighted the product’s coverage tailored to women’s specific needs and life stages, and used the renewal to encourage more institutions to design gender-focused products and raise market standards.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsDiversity and inclusion
-
2026-04-21•Mexico•Mexico Comision Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV)
Mexico’s National Banking and Securities Commission published February 2026 capitalisation indicators for the multiple banking sector, reporting an overall capital adequacy ratio of 20.29% and confirming all institutions remain in Category I of its early warning framework, with no solvency-related supervisory actions. The Tier 1 capital ratio stood at 18.41% and the core capital ratio at 17.19%, and all Domestic Systemically Important Institutions met the Basel III-aligned systemic risk capital surcharge.
SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsCapital adequacy
-
2026-04-21•Germany•BaFin
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has launched Consultation 04/2026 on a draft banking circular specifying the treatment of acquisition, development and construction (ADC) risk positions related to residential real estate. The draft circular is intended to clarify the application of Article 126a of the Capital Requirements Regulation.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationCredit risk
-
2026-04-21•Germany•BaFin
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has launched a written consultation on a draft circular to incorporate the European Banking Authority guidelines on acquisition, development and construction (ADC) risk exposures to residential property under Article 126a of the Capital Requirements Regulation. The draft circular implements EBA/GL/2025/03 to clarify the supervisory treatment of such exposures, and BaFin intends to notify the European Banking Authority that it will adopt the guidelines into its supervisory practice.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCapital adequacy
-
2026-04-21•Indonesia•OJK
The Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK) delivered a public lecture at the University of Riau on “Digital Financing: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects” to strengthen financial literacy and inclusion among students, highlighting risks such as personal data misuse and illegal financing. OJK referenced existing laws and regulations on digital and online lending and plans to deepen collaboration with academic institutions and other stakeholders to bolster youth readiness for digital financial services.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
-
2026-04-21•Czech Republic•Czech National Bank
The Czech National Bank published its quarterly Bank Lending Survey, which tracks developments in the Czech bank credit market. The survey summarises movements in credit standards, loan terms and conditions, loan demand from households and corporations, and banks’ expectations for future credit market developments.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsSupervisory data
-
2026-04-21•United States•Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has issued disaster-related guidance providing supervisory and regulatory relief to support recovery in parts of Washington affected by severe storms, linked to FEMA’s April 7, 2026 federal disaster declaration. The guidance, for all FDIC‑supervised institutions, encourages constructive borrower assistance, flexibility on prudent loan workouts, Community Reinvestment Act consideration, reporting and publication requirements, and temporary banking facilities, and reminds banks of relevant Regulation Z and accounting considerations for loan modifications.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOperational risk and resilience
-
2026-04-21•China•China Securities Regulatory Commission
The China Securities Regulatory Commission and seven other national authorities have issued cross-sector Measures for the Administration of Online Marketing of Financial Products, setting unified rules for how financial institutions and commissioned third-party internet platforms may promote financial products online. The Measures impose licensing and geographic scope limits, detailed content and conduct requirements, and tighten outsourcing, data use and platform behaviour, while prohibiting unlicensed online financial marketing and misleading practices. Supervisory responsibilities are allocated across sectoral regulators, with enforcement tools ranging from rectification orders and administrative penalties to referrals for suspected criminal conduct.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsSales and distribution
-
2026-04-21•Global•International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund published a paper on Liechtenstein’s long-term fiscal outlook, projecting cumulative annual spending pressures of around 3.5 percent of GDP by 2050 driven by population aging, the climate transition, and higher security needs. Using a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve framework, demographic modeling, and cross-country benchmarking, the paper attributes most pressures to climate mitigation, adaptation, and pensions, noting that Liechtenstein’s strong fiscal position provides space to address these costs while recommending more systematic integration of long-term projections into budget frameworks.
Research
-
2026-04-21•Iraq•Central Bank of Iraq
The Central Bank of Iraq stated it has met all banks’ and exchange companies’ requests for USD allocations to Hajj pilgrims, travellers and external transfers. It added that its website lists the exchange companies authorised to sell USD to travellers and pilgrims under the applicable controls.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsForeign exchange policy and marketsMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-21•Morocco•Moroccan Capital Markets Authority
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority, together with ANRF and CNASNU, held an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing awareness seminar for capital market participants as Morocco prepares for its MENAFATF mutual evaluation, presenting updated sector risk findings and a handbook on implementing a risk-based approach. The authority also shared updated sectoral risk mapping and assessments of AML/CFT compliance and effectiveness across supervised activities, as part of its broader AML/CFT strategy and 2026 priorities.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsAML and CFT
-
2026-04-21•Greece•Ministry of National Economy and Finance (Greece)
Greece’s Ministry of National Economy and Finance published remarks by Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis indicating that final 2025 fiscal results, to be announced on 22 April 2026, are expected to show a stronger-than-anticipated surplus, creating additional fiscal space under the EU’s new fiscal rules for targeted support. He linked the macroeconomic outlook to the Middle East energy shock and stressed the need for temporary, targeted national measures aligned with ECB monetary policy and the European Commission’s framework. He also outlined priorities on a Savings and Investment Union, AI governance, and accelerating work on the digital euro, envisaged for 2029, to bolster the euro’s international role.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesGeopolitical risk
-
2026-04-21•China•China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission
The National Financial Regulatory Administration reported that Party Secretary and Director Li Yunze met with a delegation led by Prudential Group Chair Shriti Vadera. The parties exchanged views on domestic and international economic and financial conditions, high-quality development of the insurance sector, and Prudential’s business in China.
Policy & regulationCooperationOther
-
2026-04-21•Dominican Republic•Central Bank of the Dominican Republic
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic announced that the Monetary Board has approved a comprehensive revision of the Regulation on Operational Risk, updating governance, risk management, control and capitalisation standards for financial and foreign exchange intermediation entities. The reform expands the regulatory perimeter to include exchange agents and remittance and exchange agents, which must maintain proportionate frameworks to prevent, detect and mitigate incidents affecting operational continuity and information integrity.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOperational risk and resilience
-
2026-04-21•France•France Autorite des marches financiers
The French Financial Markets Authority and the Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority issued a public warning against unauthorised providers offering investments in unregulated foreign exchange and crypto-asset derivative products in France and updated their blacklists. Since the start of 2026, 16 unauthorised sites have been added to the forex category and 15 to the crypto-asset derivatives category, with the authorities urging the public to check firms’ authorisation status in official registers and avoid unlisted intermediaries.
SupervisionAlertsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
-
2026-04-21•France•France Autorite des marches financiers
The mediator of the French Financial Markets Authority held that successive orders used for a client “arbitrage” can be legally interdependent when they form a single overall transaction clearly expressed by the client. Applying Article 1186 of the French Civil Code, the mediator found that a sale order linked to a time‑limited subscription should have lapsed when the subscription period ended, requiring the account keeper to cancel the executed sale at its expense and reinvest the proceeds into the original fund.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOther
-
2026-04-21•United States•National Credit Union Administration
The National Credit Union Administration has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking under its Deregulation Project to clarify guidance and remove burdensome, duplicative requirements for insured credit union mergers into banks. The proposal would relax disclosure and publication requirements, streamline due diligence reporting, and eliminate prescriptive formatting, plain-language factors, and voting guidelines from merger communications.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory burden
-
2026-04-21•Bolivia•Financial System Supervisory Authority of Bolivia
The Financial System Supervisory Authority of Bolivia issued an alert on fraudulent website asfi-renta.com, which unlawfully uses the authority’s name, image and AI-generated content to deceive the public and capture funds through pyramid schemes promising guaranteed returns. ASFI stressed the platform is neither licensed nor registered to provide financial intermediation or investment services in Bolivia, warned of imminent risk of total loss and potential criminal penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for unauthorised financial intermediation, and reminded that its official channels operate only under .gob.bo domains.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scamsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
-
2026-04-21•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank published an ECB Blog post on its use of an artificial intelligence-based quantile regression forest model to monitor euro area inflation risks in near real time, complementing baseline ECB/Eurosystem projections. In use since end-2022, the model processes indicators such as wage developments and selling price expectations to generate point and density forecasts, and has highlighted upside risks to core inflation (HICPX) in 2025 that aligned with outcomes 20 basis points above projections. The post concludes that such machine learning tools can provide more timely information on inflation risks and may play a growing role in forecasting and monitoring inflation and output.
ResearchArtificial intelligence
-
2026-04-21•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank’s Occasional Paper No 386 assesses whether EU prudential guidance and Pillar III disclosure rules effectively embed climate change adaptation to physical risks in banks’ risk management, finding adaptation remains blurred with mitigation and inconsistently incorporated into stress tests, transition plans and disclosures. The authors call for systematic integration of physical risk adaptation, including explicit adaptation targets and reflection of adaptation measures in credit risk parameters, and recommend recalibrating proportionality based on vulnerability rather than bank size, plus more harmonised scenario assumptions and modelling approaches across the EU.
ResearchClimate risk and sustainable financeDisclosures
-
2026-04-21•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reported the results of its foreign exchange intervention purchase auction held on 21 April 2026, which attracted seven participants. Satisfied bids ranged from USD 600,000 to USD 5,000,000 at a weighted average exchange rate of 9.4526 TJS per USD.
Monetary policyMonetary policy instruments & operationsOther
-
2026-04-21•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Monetary Authority
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited reported an audited consolidated loss after tax of HKD 109 million for 2025 (2024: HKD 418 million) and an adjusted profit after tax of HKD 1,497 million (2024: HKD 787 million), driven by higher income from placements with the Exchange Fund, increased net interest income, a recovering local property market and revaluation gains on USD exposures. HKMC remained the most active issuer in the domestic HKD corporate bond market, issuing HKD 70.5 billion of corporate debt and a multi-currency benchmark transaction totalling HKD 25.3 billion, while maintaining a capital adequacy ratio of 18.1% and strong solvency ratios at its annuity and insurance subsidiaries.
OtherFinancial and market indicatorsActivity and performance reporting
-
2026-04-21•Iraq•Central Bank of Iraq
The Central Bank of Iraq has announced a set of training courses for May 2026 under its training programme plan to strengthen staff capabilities and improve performance quality. All licensed banks and licensed non-bank financial institutions are requested to submit participant nominations, with course details provided in accompanying tables.
Institutional developmentCooperation & capacity buildingHiring and recruitment
-
2026-04-21•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia has amended its procedures for removing information on fraudulent transactions, adding a step requiring banks to re-confirm with clients whether they still consider a transaction fraudulent before removal. The ordinance also revises the submission route for applications filed by representatives under a power of attorney, allows online applicants to provide invalid passport details to aid identification, and formalises the procedure for providing information on refusals to accept funds received via fraudulent transfers, effective 2 May 2026.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-21•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia published April 2026 monitoring results for maximum interest rates on RUB deposits at the ten largest household deposit-taking banks, showing an average maximum rate of 13.43% for the first 10 days of April and 13.39% for the second 10 days. By maturity, average maximum rates were 13.04% for up to 90 days, 13.24% for 91–180 days, 12.68% for 181 days to one year and 11.61% for over one year, based on indicative maximum rates on standard, unrestricted deposit products.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicators
-
2026-04-21•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
The Central Bank of Montenegro reported that in the first six months of Montenegro’s participation in the Single Euro Payments Area, cross-border euro payments became faster and cheaper, generating estimated savings of more than EUR 3.8 million on 82,213 transactions worth over EUR 1.6 billion. Average international transaction fees fell by 92%, and the central bank estimates that full digitalisation and migration to SEPA electronic channels could raise annual savings to more than EUR 14.6 million. The central bank also highlighted the planned launch of an instant payments system (TIPS Clone) on 20 July to further improve payment speed and accessibility.
Data & statisticsCross-border payments
-
2026-04-21•Slovenia•Central Bank of Slovenia
The Central Bank of Slovenia’s April 2026 Review reports continued GDP growth in Q1 2026 but slowing domestic consumption, weak industrial production and easing inflation, with HICP at 2.4% in March. It highlights wage pressures from a 16% minimum wage increase, external risks from weaker foreign demand and Chinese competition, and inflation expectations linked to the Middle East war. It notes a wider 2025 general government deficit of 2.5% of GDP, lower debt at 65.7% of GDP, and urges temporary, targeted energy support to safeguard fiscal sustainability.
ResearchEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-21•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair outlined an “A-C-T” strategy to modernize regulation, clarify jurisdiction with other regulators, and refocus rules on materiality and capital formation. He highlighted Project Crypto, including a five-category crypto-token taxonomy, a forthcoming “innovation exemption” for on-chain tokenized securities trading, and a March 2026 Memorandum of Understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on digital assets. Staff have been directed to pursue an “aggressive” rulemaking agenda, including an expanded IPO on-ramp, broader shelf registration access, and optional quarterly or semiannual reporting.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesFintech and insurtechRegulatory burden
-
2026-04-21•Isle of Man•Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has de-registered Affinity (Accounts) Limited under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015 pursuant to section 12(1)(a). The de-registration takes effect from 21 April 2026.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsAML and CFTWhistleblowing
-
2026-04-21•Greece•Bank of Greece
The Bank of Greece’s provisional data show the travel services surplus rose to EUR 284.8 million in February 2026 from EUR 89.0 million a year earlier, driven by an 83.2% increase in travel receipts to EUR 533.4 million on higher inbound flows and spending per trip. Net travel receipts accounted for 85.9% of total net services receipts, with strong growth from both EU27 and non-EU27 residents, while receipts from the United States declined. Publication of balance of goods data and related travel-to-goods deficit metrics is delayed pending February 2026 commercial transactions data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
-
2026-04-21•United Arab Emirates•Dubai International Financial Centre
The Dubai Financial Services Authority has granted a licence to Sahm Financial Limited, allowing it to establish regulated operations in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The authorisation covers advising on financial products, arranging and dealing in investments as agent, and permits servicing of retail clients and holding or controlling client assets.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
-
2026-04-21•United Arab Emirates•Dubai International Financial Centre
The Dubai International Financial Centre reported a strategic partnership between Stake and ACE & Company to develop secondary market infrastructure enhancing liquidity, pricing transparency and flexibility for investors in Stake’s UAE real estate portfolio via DIFC Prescribed Companies. The initiative will enable secondary transfers of fractional real estate exposures on Stake’s platform under its existing Dubai Financial Services Authority-approved permissions, leveraging ACE & Company’s private markets expertise and DIFC’s private markets framework.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsMarket development
-
2026-04-21•Italy•Ministry of Finance (Italy)
Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance reported on Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti’s participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, including G7 and G20 discussions on the global outlook and shared macroeconomic challenges. The IMF’s Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center was awarded to Rome, with operations to begin on 1 January 2027 to support fiscal reforms in seven EU candidate countries, and Italy signed a EUR 140 million co-financing agreement with the African Development Bank for priority projects in Africa aligned with the Mattei Plan.
Policy & regulationCooperationGeopolitical risk
-
2026-04-21•Thailand•Thailand Office of Insurance Commission
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission has launched the 2026 phase of its “Road Safety model province” initiative, expanding a pilot into a four-province programme with Prachinburi, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Sawan and Suphan Buri to develop “safe road model communities” using insurance for victim protection and accident prevention. Implemented with the insurance sector and the Thailand Development Research Institute, the project applies a data-driven “four strategies, seven measures” and Data-Knowledge-Measure framework to address persistently high road casualties and economic losses of over THB 500bn annually.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsOther
-
2026-04-21•Kazakhstan•Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved five senior appointments in the securities market, including a governing body role at JSC Centras Securities. The approvals cover Talgat Kamarov, Dias Ayubaev, Darhan Smailov, Nariman Alibayev and Andrei Kozhokaru, with the decisions recorded in protocols No. 299/RCB dated 14 April 2026 and Nos. 300/RCB to 303/RCB dated 16 April 2026.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLeadership change and appointments
-
2026-04-21•Azerbaijan•Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has amended compulsory motor vehicle civil liability insurance rules, replacing the “Bonus-Malus” system with an individual Insurance History Coefficient to simplify and maintain risk-based pricing. Drivers receive a 5% premium discount for accident-free periods and a 30% surcharge for each insured event causing damage, with surcharges applied to the at-fault driver and the highest-risk driver’s coefficient used where multiple drivers are authorised. Legal entities are exempt from the coefficient, but surcharges still apply to at-fault drivers’ premiums, and existing treatment of taxi operators is maintained.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-21•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova published March 2026 foreign exchange statistics showing that net foreign currency supply from individuals covered 92.0% of economic agents’ net foreign currency demand, down from 95.0% in February, with no central bank interventions. Month on month, net supply from individuals rose 11.6% to EUR 270.9 million and net sales to legal entities increased 15.2% to EUR 294.6 million, while for January to March 2026 the coverage ratio improved to 92.4% from 85.0% a year earlier.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
-
2026-04-21•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova has launched an “Experimental statistics” section and published initial experimental financial accounts indicators for the third quarter of 2025, showing a net financing requirement of MDL 16,708 million, MDL 265 million lower year on year and equivalent to 16.4% of GDP. The release includes “from-whom-to-whom” matrices, time-series data, sectoral breakdowns, charts and methodological information, with the bank noting that these experimental statistics may differ from official data and are intended to be incorporated into official statistics after further refinement.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics