-
2026-04-16•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has licensed Modern Integrated Solutions Financing to conduct buy-now-pay-later activity, bringing the total number of finance companies licensed by the authority to 71. SAMA linked the decision to supporting the finance sector, improving transaction efficiency, and promoting innovative solutions for financial inclusion, and reiterated the importance of dealing only with authorized financial institutions.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
-
2026-04-16•United States•U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
All eleven Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs have urged Chair Tim Scott to delay nomination proceedings for Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair until criminal investigations involving Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook are closed. In a letter led by Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, they describe the probes as “pretextual,” part of a broader effort to take control of the Fed, and request a public hearing on whether President Trump has been directing the investigations before any Warsh hearing.
Other
-
2026-04-16•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova held talks with the United States Department of the Treasury on strengthening bilateral cooperation in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, implementation of international sanctions, and prevention of illicit financing. The central bank highlighted MONEYVAL’s decision to end monitoring of Moldova under the fifth evaluation round and said European Union AML/CFT legislation is expected to be fully transposed into national law by the end of 2026.
Policy & regulationCooperationAML and CFTCross-border cooperation
-
2026-04-16•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova reported that Governor Anca Dragu attended the Belgian-Dutch constituency meeting of the IMF and World Bank during the Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where central bank governors discussed monetary policy, inflation and financial stability. Dragu highlighted the launch of technical negotiations on Moldova’s EU accession, its entry into the Single Euro Payments Area with estimated savings of around EUR 6.1 million in the first 150 days, and Moody’s upgrade of Moldova’s sovereign rating to B2 from B3 with a stable outlook.
Monetary policyOtherMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-16•Moldova•National Bank of Moldova
The National Bank of Moldova and the World Bank discussed Moldova’s macroeconomic outlook, findings of the Financial Sector Assessment Program, and ongoing technical cooperation. Talks focused on structural reforms including digitalisation of financial infrastructure, financial inclusion, green transition and ESG frameworks, and financial sector resilience, with both parties highlighting joint projects and further cooperation on implementing the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2030.
Policy & regulationCooperationDomestic cooperation
-
2026-04-16•Libya•Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya said its governor met the U.S. Treasury to discuss Libya’s financial situation, public expenditure unification and the bank’s reform agenda. Talks also covered stronger controls on external transactions, action against foreign currency smuggling and a plan to start regular U.S. dollar cash distribution through banks and exchange companies with safeguards against misuse.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•Libya•Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya said it has agreed with Numisma Bank to continue supplying U.S. dollars in line with market needs and to add other foreign currencies, including the British pound and the euro. The update follows completion of the first phase of U.S. dollar supply and includes work on cash distribution, stronger compliance controls and new regulation of exchange activities.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsCross-border payments
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•UK Parliament
The UK Parliament Treasury Committee has published responses from the Bank of England, HM Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority to its report on artificial intelligence in financial services, including confirmation that the Bank plans to test AI agents in financial trading markets and assess correlated “herding” risks. HM Treasury did not commit to bringing major AI and cloud providers into the Critical Third Parties Regime before the end of 2026. The Financial Conduct Authority plans to share AI best practice examples with firms, and the Committee will continue to monitor progress and potential disruption from outages at major providers.
Policy & regulationImplementation, projects & pilotsArtificial intelligenceStress testing
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•UK Parliament
The UK Parliament’s Treasury Committee has endorsed the appointment of Katharine Braddick CB as Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation at the Bank of England and Chief Executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority, concluding she has the necessary professional competence and personal independence. The assessment follows a pre-commencement hearing held on 15 April, ahead of her planned succession to Sam Woods when his term ends in June 2026.
Institutional developmentLeadership change & appointmentsLicence approval
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•UK Parliament
The UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee has launched an inquiry into HM Treasury’s role in shaping government decisions on climate change, nature loss and environmental sustainability, including the impact of fiscal rules and spending constraints. The inquiry will examine how the Treasury assesses long-term economic risks from climate and biodiversity loss, incorporates sustainability and natural capital alongside GDP, applies environmental duties in decision-making, and implements recommendations from the Dasgupta Review.
Policy & regulationOtherClimate risk and sustainable finance
-
2026-04-16•India•Securities & Exchange Board of India
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Financial Intelligence Unit India to enhance mutual cooperation and information exchange, incorporating the Egmont principles, in support of implementing the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and related rules. The arrangement enables regular sharing of data and information between the two authorities to help combat frauds in the securities market and took effect on 15 April 2026.
Policy & regulationCooperationAML and CFTCross-border cooperation
-
2026-04-16•Canada•British Columbia Securities Commission
The Canadian Securities Administrators warned about fraudulent social media investment groups running “ramp and dump” schemes in low-priced or thinly traded stocks. Scammers on WhatsApp, Discord and Telegram pose as knowledgeable investors with alleged inside information and fake credentials to pressure people into buying unfamiliar stocks. The CSA urged investors to be wary of unsolicited advice, verify adviser registration, check its Investor Alerts list and report suspected fraud to authorities.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-16•Canada•British Columbia Financial Services Authority
The British Columbia Financial Services Authority has entered into a consent order with real estate licensee Nima Alizadeh-Gharib for conduct unbecoming a licensee after he sent an antisemitic message on a public personal Instagram account linked to his professional profile. He received a reprimand, must complete a custom educational course provided by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies at his own expense, and pay CAD 2,350 in enforcement expenses.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsOther
-
2026-04-16•United States•U.S. Financial Services Committee
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Financial Institutions held a hearing on the consumer credit reporting market, with Chairman Andy Barr emphasizing accurate, complete credit reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act for risk management and access to credit. Barr criticized proposals to remove categories of debt from reports, raised concerns about questionable complaints in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s complaint database and promoted his Eliminating Fraud in the CFPB’s Consumer Complaint Database Act, while supporting responsible use of alternative data such as rent, telecom and utility payments to expand access for “credit invisible” consumers.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesCredit risk
-
2026-04-16•Canada•Canadian Securities Administrators
The Canadian Securities Administrators issued an investor warning on fraudulent investment groups using social media and private messaging platforms to run “ramp and dump” schemes in low-priced or thinly traded stocks, including foreign-headquartered issuers. The alert describes tactics such as moving targets into closed groups, pressuring coordinated stock purchases, and using claims of inside information, fake credentials and impersonation, and urges investors to verify adviser registration and contact relevant authorities if they suspect fraud.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-16•Poland•Central Bank of Poland
The National Bank of Poland reported that its March 2026 core inflation indices showed a year-on-year Consumer Price Index increase of 3.0% and inflation excluding food and energy of 2.7%, with all core measures accelerating versus February. Inflation excluding administered prices rose to 2.7% from 1.6%, inflation excluding the most volatile prices to 3.0% from 2.3%, and the 15% trimmed mean to 2.9% from 2.2%, with the bank reiterating that these four core indices are used to identify inflation sources and persistence.
Data & statisticsMonetary data
-
2026-04-16•Serbia•National Bank of Serbia
The National Bank of Serbia reported a new daily record on its IPS NBS instant payments system on 9 April 2026, with 577,585 transactions totalling RSD 7,991,224,206.01. The 24/7/365 system, in operation since October 2018, continues to see high and growing payment volumes from citizens and businesses.
Data & statisticsPayments and payment systems
-
2026-04-16•Serbia•National Bank of Serbia
The National Bank of Serbia reported that, at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meeting, the Serbian delegation expressed Serbia’s intention to provide financial support to the IMF’s Regional Technical Assistance Centre for the Countries of South East Europe (SEETAC). Serving the Western Balkans and Moldova in the context of EU accession, SEETAC is scheduled to begin operations in January 2027 and will provide technical assistance on fiscal and monetary policy, macroeconomic frameworks and projections, statistics, and legal reforms.
Policy & regulationCooperationOther
-
2026-04-16•Liechtenstein•Finance Liechtenstein
The Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a stable financial centre and supervisory priorities on ICT risks, anti-money laundering, and foreign sanctions compliance. It notes the entry into force of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation and the DORA Implementation Act, the first authorisations of crypto-asset service providers under MiCAR, and the first licensing of a Pfandbrief institution under the new Pfandbrief Act. The Supervisory Board has also mandated a review and simplification of regulatory requirements, processes and internal procedures to reduce burdens and enhance proportionality and effectiveness.
SupervisionSupervision approach, priorities & toolkitSupervision process and methodologies
-
2026-04-16•Isle of Man•Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has published an online briefing pack to help private sector firms prepare for the Isle of Man’s forthcoming MONEYVAL mutual evaluation. The materials explain the updated evaluation methodology, Financial Action Task Force Immediate Outcomes, likely areas of assessor focus and expectations around outcomes and data-driven evidence, and form part of a wider government and regulatory outreach programme linked to updated National Risk Assessments.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationAML and CFTSupervision process and methodologies
-
2026-04-16•Greece•Bank of Greece
The Bank of Greece published cash-basis data showing a central government net borrowing requirement surplus of EUR 920 million in January–March 2026, down from EUR 1,465 million a year earlier. Ordinary budget revenue reached EUR 16,956 million against ordinary budget expenditure of EUR 15,813 million.
Data & statisticsBalance of payments and other external statistics
-
2026-04-16•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia said Governor Natia Turnava and Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili met over 20 international investment groups in Washington, D.C. on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings to present Georgia’s investment potential. Authorities highlighted stable, well-managed inflation, prudent fiscal and monetary policies, resilient macroeconomic performance, and growing investor interest in real estate, information technology, transport and logistics, and financial services.
OtherCross-border cooperation
-
2026-04-16•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia said Governor Natia Turnava met UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings to discuss supervisory approaches and payment infrastructure. They reviewed Georgia’s Real-Time Gross Settlement system upgrade, Instant Payment System development, and regulatory steps on financial technologies and virtual asset services, and considered future cooperation on information and best practice exchange.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationMarket infrastructure
-
2026-04-16•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia has opened its regulatory sandbox on tokenized bonds to supervised brokerage companies to test new models for bond issuance, recording, and trading using digital tokens and to inform future regulation. Tokenized bonds are positioned as programmable digital equivalents of traditional bonds intended to improve issuance efficiency, automate servicing, increase liquidity, reduce transaction costs, and broaden access for corporate issuers and small investors, without implying any licensing or regulatory pre-commitment.
SupervisionInnovation & testingFintech and insurtechTokenization
-
2026-04-16•Canada•Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has issued compliance orders against Assureway Protection Corporation and its sole officer and director, Shiraz Hussain, for breaches of Ontario’s Insurance Act. FSRA found they conducted insurance business without a licence under section 40(2) and engaged in an unfair or deceptive act or practice under section 439, with the orders finalized after they did not request a hearing or contest FSRA’s proposal.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsUnlicensed or unauthorized activity
-
2026-04-16•Europe•European Banking Authority
The European Banking Authority’s 2024 Dashboard on high earners shows that the number of individuals in EU credit institutions and investment firms earning at least EUR 1 million rose to 2,554, with these roles still overwhelmingly held by men. The data indicate rising variable-to-fixed remuneration ratios, especially in investment firms where the Capital Requirements Directive bonus cap no longer applies, and highlight low levels of variable pay deferral in some Member States. The Authority plans a near-term review of its implementing regulatory products to simplify templates, adjust data collection and publication frequencies, and address data quality issues.
Data & statistics
-
2026-04-16•Europe•European Banking Authority
The European Banking Authority published a draft technical package for version 4.3 of its reporting framework, covering anti-money laundering and third-country branch reporting, including validation rules, the Data Point Model and XBRL taxonomies. The package introduces new Implementing Technical Standards on supervisory reporting of third-country branches under Article 48l(1) of the Capital Requirements Directive and a taxonomy to support identification of obliged entities under the direct supervision of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, aligned with AMLA’s testing and calibration templates.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
-
2026-04-16•Türkiye•Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye
Türkiye’s Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency has imposed supervisory measures on Magdeburger Sigorta AS, temporarily suspending its authority to issue new policies and renewals across all branches until capital adequacy conditions are met. The action follows close monitoring and the firm’s failure to remedy financial weaknesses despite staged measures, with the agency stating it has ensured the company continues to meet obligations to existing policyholders, including claim compensation.
SupervisionInterventionsCapital adequacy
-
2026-04-16•Kosovo•Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo has signed a new cooperation agreement with the World Bank Treasury under the Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership, moving into an active portfolio management phase in which a portion of its assets will be managed by the World Bank Treasury from 2026. The central bank underscored RAMP’s role in strengthening institutional capacity, reserves investment, and risk management, while the World Bank reaffirmed support for developing Kosovo’s financial sector.
Policy & regulationCooperationCapacity building
-
2026-04-16•Ukraine•National Bank of Ukraine
The National Bank of Ukraine’s Q1 Bank Lending Survey reported further increases in demand for corporate and retail loans and expectations of continued lending growth. Corporate demand was driven by large enterprises seeking hryvnia-denominated, long-term funding for capital investment and working capital, while retail demand rose for consumer loans and mortgages amid broadly unchanged or easing lending standards and higher approval rates. Banks reported rising risks across most categories, particularly foreign exchange, credit, and operational risks.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsSupervisory data
-
2026-04-16•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank has imposed an administrative fine of EUR 28,710 on investment firm AFS E-Venues B.V. for repeatedly failing to meet statutory minimum liquidity requirements between 31 March 2024 and 10 February 2025. The decision applies DNB’s prudential capital shortfall enforcement policy and notes that intra-group resource shifts delayed detection of the shortfalls, while subsequent remediation and preventive measures by AFS E-Venues were taken into account in calibrating the fine.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsLiquidity risk
-
2026-04-16•Lithuania•Ministry of Finance (Lithuania)
The Ministry of Finance of Lithuania will host a high-level international conference in Vilnius on 24 April 2026 on strengthening the economic and financial resilience of the EU’s eastern border, with participation from Eastern European finance and economy ministers, the European Commission and international financial institutions. The first panel will address economic, infrastructure, security and resilience challenges for EU eastern border countries and related Commission measures and financial instruments, while the second will focus on defence and security financing and the convergence of civilian, dual-use and defence investments.
Policy & regulationCooperationGeopolitical risk
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•The Pensions Regulator
The Pensions Regulator published an update from the Pension Scams Action Group’s Fighting Pension Fraud webinar, where the UK Fraud Minister urged trustees and administrators to use every member interaction to reinforce scam warnings and caution on sharing personal information. TPR highlighted its work with Nominet, the National Economic Crime Centre and the City of London Police, including AI-enabled detection and takedown of suspicious pension websites and analysis of pension-fraud reports, and is exploring further measures to tackle repeat bad actors and develop additional disruption techniques with partners.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-16•Germany•German Bundesbank
The German Bundesbank reported a strong increase in private households’ financial wealth in the fourth quarter of 2025, alongside weaker external financing by non-financial corporations. Households’ net financial wealth rose by EUR 140 billion to EUR 7,327 billion, driven by higher financial assets and slower borrowing, while inflation-adjusted returns improved overall but remained negative for less wealthy households. The Bundesbank also noted that revisions to the financial and national accounts, including updated Distributional Wealth Accounts from 2026, limit comparability with earlier data.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsMonetary data
-
2026-04-16•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market adopted a wide-ranging package of decisions on rulemaking, supervision and licensing, including a concept for a draft Law on Financial Market Infrastructure, changes to XBRL financial reporting disclosure requirements, restrictions on securities of collective investment institutions, and special rules for transactions in Ukraine’s external state borrowing bonds during martial law. It also endorsed positions on several draft laws, updated the list of assets at LLC “FREEDOM FINANCE UKRAINE” subject to sanctions, and processed multiple approvals for securities issuers, investment funds and professional market participants.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-16•Peru•Superintendencia de Banca, Seguros y AFP del Peru
The Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Pension Fund Administrators of Peru has approved the 2026 edition of the Disability Evaluation System Manual governing disability assessment and certification in the Private Pension System for access to disability pensions. Adopted by Resolution No. 01114-2026, the update consolidates prior amendments and guidelines into a single instrument to enhance consistency, technical quality, transparency and accessibility, and provides for periodic updates.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationOther
-
2026-04-16•Brazil•Central Bank of Brazil
The Central Bank of Brazil released the February 2026 edition of its Central Bank Economic Activity Index (IBC-Br), providing updated data on Brazil’s economic activity. The publication offers the latest official indicator of aggregate economic performance.
Data & statisticsEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-16•Germany•BaFin
BaFin has issued a general administrative order allowing an additional postponement of post-trade transparency for medium-sized transactions in liquid Federal Republic of Germany debt securities, so trade volumes may be published at the end of the trading day. The measure applies to Group 1 Federal Republic of Germany debt securities under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/583 (RTS 2) and is linked to Article 11(3)(a) of the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation and an EU-wide coordination effort following a related ESMA decision.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
-
2026-04-16•Germany•BaFin
The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority of Germany has opened Consultation 03/2026 on a draft supervisory circular (xx/2026 (BA)) specifying proportional diversification methods for mass retail business under Article 123(1) of the Capital Requirements Regulation. The draft aims to clarify supervisory expectations on the application of these diversification approaches.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationCapital adequacy
-
2026-04-16•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina Governor Jasmina Selimović used a World Economic Forum roundtable in Washington, D.C. to outline the bank’s shift from project-based financial literacy initiatives to a systemic, institutionalised model. The bank aims to establish a national financial literacy strategy, integrate financial education into curricula with a focus on youth, and deepen cooperation with domestic and international partners, including support for participation in the 2029 PISA test.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
-
2026-04-16•Czech Republic•Czech National Bank
The Czech National Bank published a working paper analysing investor demand for inflation-linked government bonds, finding pronounced market segmentation driven by investor clientele effects. The study shows that insurance companies underinvest and pension funds overinvest in inflation-linked securities, investors strongly prefer bonds indexed to domestic inflation, and regulatory requirements can materially shape demand for these instruments.
ResearchMarket development
-
2026-04-16•Global•International Monetary Fund
The International Monetary Fund says the Middle East conflict and related energy shock are straining Asia’s economic resilience, weakening external balances, lifting inflation, and reducing policy space, even as the region remains the main driver of global growth. Under the World Economic Outlook baseline, Asia’s growth is projected to slow from 5% in 2025 to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027, with China and India providing about 70% of regional growth and inflation in emerging Asia rising to 2.6% in 2026. The IMF urges temporary, targeted fiscal support, agile monetary policy, exchange-rate flexibility, and structural reforms, including stronger social safety nets and investment in energy efficiency and alternative energy.
Research
-
2026-04-16•Brazil•Central Bank of Brazil
The Central Bank of Brazil has ordered the extrajudicial liquidation of Cooperativa de Crédito, Poupança e Serviços Financeiros (Creditag) due to severe financial deterioration and abnormal risk to unsecured creditors. Creditag is a small, independent S5-segment credit cooperative, representing about 0.0000226% of total assets of Brazil’s National Financial System as of December 2025, and the former administrators’ assets have been frozen. The Central Bank will continue to investigate, which may lead to administrative sanctions and referrals to other authorities.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsPrudential risks
-
2026-04-16•United States•Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency published its April 2026 public enforcement actions, including a consent order against The Federal Savings Bank for deceptive practices in VA-guaranteed cash-out refinance lending that violated Section 5 of the FTC Act. The OCC also issued prohibition orders against two former associate bankers at JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association and BMO Bank N.A. for misappropriating more than USD 73,000 and USD 164,000 respectively from customer accounts, and terminated three prior enforcement actions.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsOther
-
2026-04-16•Dominican Republic•Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN)
The Pensions Superintendency of the Dominican Republic (SIPEN) participated in ExpoSostenible 2026 in Santo Domingo to provide guidance on the Dominican Pension System. Through its interactive stand and User Service Center, SIPEN offered information on the rights and obligations of workers, employers and pensioners, and on procedures for accessing pension system services.
Financial literacy & educationClimate risk and sustainable financeESG
-
2026-04-16•Dominican Republic•Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN)
The Dominican Republic’s Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) has awarded Banco LAFISE the “Aquí Sabemos de Pensiones” seal, recognising it as the second bank to reach the threshold where 70% of employees have fundamental knowledge of their benefits and responsibilities under the Dominican Pension System. The certification followed virtual and in-person training for 87 employees, and SIPEN framed the seal as part of its education plan to expand pension literacy in the financial sector and encouraged more employers to adopt similar initiatives.
Financial literacy & educationOther
-
2026-04-16•United States•Federal Reserve Board
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a cease and desist order against Community Bankshares, Inc., LaGrange, Georgia. The enforcement action is dated April 14, 2026.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsOther
-
2026-04-16•Europe•Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism
The Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism launched two public consultations on draft instruments detailing how obliged entities should identify, assess and manage money laundering and terrorist financing risks at business-wide and group-wide level. The draft Guidelines under Article 10(4) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation set minimum expectations for business-wide risk assessments, while the draft Regulatory Technical Standards under Articles 16(4) and 17(3) define minimum standards for group-wide AML/CFT frameworks, including cross-border operations.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•Qatar•Qatar Central Bank
The Qatar Central Bank Deputy Governor, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al-Thani, represented the Qatar Central Bank at a Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting chaired by International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Policy & regulationCooperation
-
2026-04-16•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of Tajikistan reported on the country’s participation in IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings side events on regional economic coordination, financial stability and climate-related finance. The delegation highlighted reform progress under the IMF Policy Coordination Instrument, including stronger public financial management, more effective monetary policy, enhanced transparency and improved public debt management, alongside priorities such as economic resilience, export diversification and regional hydropower cooperation.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesDomestic cooperationFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-16•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank published a Working Paper finding that euro-area banks’ expanding lending to non-bank financial institutions has largely supported securities funding and is associated with a contraction in credit to non-financial firms, particularly smaller firms. Using supervisory and loan-level data for 2019–2024, the paper shows bank lending to non-bank financial institutions rose to more than EUR 3.1 trillion and increasingly took the form of reverse repurchase agreements, while lending to non-financial firms stagnated. The study links this reallocation to banks’ capital and liquidity constraints, with non-bank financial institution loans offering lower default probabilities and regulatory costs and crowding out firm lending.
ResearchLending
-
2026-04-16•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank published a speech by Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel arguing that reviving growth is now the euro area’s central challenge, with priorities of deeper integration, faster innovation and greater sovereignty. She noted inflation has returned to target without recession or financial instability, banks’ capital and profitability have improved, and highlighted growth opportunities from reducing trade barriers, leveraging artificial intelligence and increasing public research and development. Schnabel also linked innovation and sovereignty to energy transition and payments technology, citing concerns over critical raw materials and work on cross-border instant payments, tokenised central bank money for wholesale settlement and a potential digital euro for retail use.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-16•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan published the results of a foreign exchange purchase auction held on 16 April 2026. Seven participants submitted filled bids ranging from USD 600,000 to USD 7,000,000, with a weighted average exchange rate of 9.4748 USD/TJS.
Monetary policyMonetary policy instruments & operationsOther
-
2026-04-16•Global•Bank for International Settlements - Financial Stability Institute
The Bank for International Settlements’ Financial Stability Institute published a brief on how authorities use cyber stress tests to assess banks’ resilience to severe cyber disruptions and potential financial stability impacts. Drawing on exercises by the Bank of England, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority and ECB Banking Supervision, it distinguishes firm- and system-focused models, notes that tests are typically qualitative tabletop exercises with limited disclosure, and calls for repeated exercises, greater methodological transparency, broader participation and better planning for authorities’ crisis coordination.
ResearchCyber resilienceStress testing
-
2026-04-16•Hong Kong•Hong Kong Insurance Authority
The Hong Kong Insurance Authority launched a new edition of its Inter-School Quiz and Challenge on Lifetime Risk and Protection in early 2026 for Form 4 to Form 6 students, with over 2,200 participants from 58 schools. Delivered with the Financial Education Centre of the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society, the programme used online quizzes and classroom discussions to promote understanding of risk management, insurance and financial planning, with survey results indicating improved knowledge and willingness to change financial behaviour among participants.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
-
2026-04-16•Bosnia and Herzegovina•Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina reported that Governor Jasmina Selimović joined a World Economic Forum round table in Washington, D.C. on financial education’s role in strengthening monetary policy, outlining a shift from project-based initiatives to a systemic approach. She emphasized embedding financial literacy in economic decision-making and education systems, including a national strategy, integration into curricula, and participation in the 2029 PISA test, echoing expert support for comprehensive financial education across all schooling levels.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
-
2026-04-16•Netherlands•Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets published findings on crypto-asset service providers’ advertising and cost disclosures, concluding that information to the Dutch market remains frequently incorrect, unclear or misleading. A review of 33 providers found shortcomings in advertising at 14 firms and in cost information at 19, including unbalanced risk disclosures and hard-to-find fee information. The authority warned that firms breaching Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation information standards should expect enforcement and outlined five improvement areas, including clearer substantiation, more balanced risk disclosures and transparent, easily accessible fee information.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsConsumer and investor protection
-
2026-04-16•Iraq•Central Bank of Iraq
The Central Bank of Iraq has issued supervisory rules on the capital adequacy standard for Islamic banks. The framework is aligned with the Islamic Financial Services Board Standard 15.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCapital adequacy
-
2026-04-16•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia reported that the sustainable finance market grew by 34% in the first quarter of 2026, with corporate green and transition bond issuance reaching almost RUB 60 billion, largely attributed to its incentive-based regulation. The bank has reduced risk weights for priority green and transition projects by 10–50% depending on project quality, with incentives applying to sustainability-linked loans and bonds funding energy-efficient residential construction and public transport.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsClimate risk and sustainable financeGreen taxonomy
-
2026-04-16•Global•Bank for International Settlements - Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures
The BIS Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures and IOSCO issued a Level 2 assessment of the UK’s implementation of the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures for systemically important payment systems and central securities depositories/securities settlement systems as of 30 September 2023. The payment systems framework is deemed complete and consistent, while the CSD/SSS framework is largely consistent but has gaps in physical delivery provisions, central bank money settlement coverage, risk controls for other CSD activities, collateral safeguarding, disclosure of investment strategies and PFMI data, and credit and liquidity risk where banking-type services are absent. The Bank of England has since introduced Fundamental Rules for FMIs and will factor the findings into future CSD rulemaking under its updated powers.
Policy & regulationPeer reviews and country evaluationsMarket infrastructure
-
2026-04-16•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
The SEC’s Trading and Markets Director opened a roundtable on listed options market structure as a forum to reassess competition, transparency, fairness, and fragmentation in an increasingly automated, interconnected market. The remarks cited persistent issues including liquidity concentration, wide spreads in less liquid symbols, and specialist and retail-flow consolidation, as well as newer topics such as short-term options series and the Options Regulatory Fee, which will shift to a revised regulatory funding model on 1 July 2026. The roundtable includes an Office of Analytics and Research paper and three panels on liquidity-provider competition, customer experience, and the implications of options-market growth.
Policy & regulationOtherTrading
-
2026-04-16•Bulgaria•Ministry of Finance (Bulgaria)
The Ministry of Finance (Bulgaria) reported that Minister Georgi Klissurski and a Bulgarian delegation held a working meeting with Alfred Kammer, Director of the International Monetary Fund’s European Department. Discussions focused on Bulgaria’s prospective full membership in the euro area and the stability and sustainability of public finances amid geopolitical challenges.
Policy & regulationCooperationOther
-
2026-04-16•Kyrgyzstan•National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic reported that chairman Almaz Baketaev met Reserve Bank of India governor Sanjay Malhotra in Washington during the 2026 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings to discuss expanding cooperation, focusing on developing national payment systems and potential integration. Baketaev highlighted growing digitisation and the need for more convenient cross-border payment conditions, and both sides reaffirmed their commitment to active bilateral cooperation.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationPayments and payment systems
-
2026-04-16•Kyrgyzstan•National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has suspended the licence (No. 6781, issued 16 April 2024) of the exchange bureau operated by LLC Stimul Askat in Bishkek for violations of Kyrgyz legislation and regulatory requirements. The suspension applies from 16 to 25 April 2026.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvals
-
2026-04-16•Portugal•Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF)
The Portuguese Insurance Regulator (ASF) published the outcome of Public Consultation No. 11/2025 and finalised a regulatory standard amending the uniform general conditions for compulsory motor third-party liability insurance, aligning policy wording with Decree-Law 26/2025 and clarifying the scope of cover and the “claims history statement”. It also addresses electronic proof of insurance, clarifies the interaction between civil and insurance law in compensation, restructures provisions on coverage, duration and termination, and moves detailed international cover information to the contract’s special conditions. The updated wording will apply to existing contracts from the first renewal after entry into force, with insurers required to give advance notice to policyholders.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-16•Germany•BaFin
Germany's Federal Financial Supervisory Authority co-published a joint release on raids across Brandenburg, Berlin and Saxony targeting an alleged international money laundering network built around shell companies and linked accounts. The operation included more than 20 searches, more than 500 account freezes and the arrest of the main suspect. Authorities also seized data carriers, vehicles, assets and business records.
EnforcementInvestigations & enforcement actionsAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•Romania•National Bank of Romania
The National Bank of Romania published the fifth issue of its Financial Education Magazine, themed “The importance of saving in economic and social life” and aligned with its 2025–2030 Financial Education Strategy. Contributions from public authorities, academia, business and the banking sector highlight saving as an individual and collective stabilising mechanism, with Deputy Governor Cosmin Marinescu calling for a “rehabilitation” of saving to support financial sustainability, investment and macroeconomic balance over consumption and deficits.
Financial literacy & educationFinancial literacy and education
-
2026-04-16•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates issued updated anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing guidance for licensed financial institutions and Registered Hawala Providers, aligned with international standards, the UAE National Strategy 2024–2027 and Financial Action Task Force requirements. The package comprises four guidance documents on proliferation financing risk, trade-based money laundering and transshipment, correspondent banking relationship risk management, and customer due diligence, know-your-customer requirements and record keeping, plus two best-practice manuals on risk-based approaches and role-based AML/CFT/CPF training frameworks.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE participated in the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group, as well as G20, G-24 and BRICS meetings, with Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivering the UAE’s keynote address for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan region on global economic developments and geopolitical challenges. The Governor highlighted the UAE’s Proactive Financial Institution Resilience Package and held bilateral meetings with Eesti Pank and the National Bank of Georgia on monetary and financial cooperation and financial infrastructure development.
Policy & regulationCooperationMonetary policy decisions and developmentsFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-16•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has issued updated anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing guidance for licensed financial institutions and registered hawala providers, aligning expectations with Financial Action Task Force standards and the UAE National Strategy 2024–2027. The package comprises four guidance documents on proliferation financing risk, trade-based money laundering and transshipment, correspondent banking risk management, and customer due diligence, know your customer and record-keeping, plus two best-practice manuals on risk-based approaches, institutional risk assessments and role-based training.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•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 Kazakhstan issued a public warning on rising fraud schemes where criminals offer help with housing, credit, or debt write-offs under fake government programmes in exchange for money. The agency highlighted fake websites, social media adverts, messaging apps, and bogus “consultants”, urging consumers to verify information via official resources, avoid payments to unknown intermediaries without contracts, and report suspicious offers to law enforcement.
SupervisionAlertsFraud and scams
-
2026-04-16•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 Kazakhstan detailed the personal bankruptcy framework for individuals, distinguishing court and out-of-court procedures and emphasizing bankruptcy as a last resort after debt restructuring. Out-of-court bankruptcy covers debts up to 1,600 AEK (about KZT 6.9 million) under set conditions, including a separate route for debts overdue more than five years. Court bankruptcy applies when the debtor has property or does not meet these criteria. Legal consequences include a five-year ban on new loans (excluding pawnshop microcredits) and, for court bankruptcy, possible travel restrictions.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationRecovery and resolution
-
2026-04-16•Canada•Payments Canada
Payments Canada has approved uSecure Escrow Solutions Inc. (DoBusiness.com) for membership as a payment service provider, following five earlier PSP admissions. The decision reflects expanded eligibility under federal changes to the Canadian Payments Act, which opened membership to providers supervised under the Retail Payment Activities Act. As a member, DoBusiness.com may apply to participate in Payments Canada-operated systems, including the forthcoming Real-Time Rail, subject to technical, operational and security requirements.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsLicence approval
-
2026-04-16•Kyrgyzstan•State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets
The Kyrgyz Republic’s State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets has approved a list and standardized forms for financial and other reporting by insurance and reinsurance organizations, including paper and electronic submissions. The order introduces monthly and quarterly reporting forms with appendices on key performance indicators to support transparency, supervisory monitoring and data comparability, including for takaful, imputed insurance and annuity insurance.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsRegulatory reporting
-
2026-04-16•Taiwan•Taiwan Financial Services Commission
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported that domestic banks’ outstanding loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reached TWD 10,932.4 billion at end-February 2026, an increase of TWD 16.4 billion from end-January 2026. SME lending accounted for 63.67% of total enterprise loans and 67.18% of private enterprise loans, both slightly lower than in January, while the average non-performing loan ratio for SME loans remained unchanged at 0.20%.
Data & statisticsFinancial and market indicatorsSupervisory data
-
2026-04-16•Taiwan•Taiwan Financial Services Commission
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission published 2025 statistics on outward investments by TWSE- and TPEx-listed companies, showing a modest decline in accumulated outflows to China alongside higher China-investment profits and continued profit repatriation, and a sharp increase in accumulated outward investment to markets outside China. The commission linked the figures to a post-2018 shift away from China, with firms reducing China exposure, repatriating profits and diversifying overseas, and said it will continue monitoring these trends.
Data & statisticsCross-border cooperationFinancial and market indicators
-
2026-04-16•France•Bank of France
The Bank of France’s Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority published a research seminar write-up on how quantitative easing can affect bond-market structure by changing household saving allocation. Using European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority supervisory data and sectoral financial accounts, the analysis links reduced inflows into guaranteed-return life insurance to lower bond purchases by insurers and a decline in their share of euro area government bond holdings from 18.6% to 11.8% between 2015 and 2024, suggesting complications for monetary policy normalisation as central bank holdings fall.
Research
-
2026-04-16•France•Bank of France
The Bank of France’s Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority published a stocktake of complaint-handling in banking and insurance, finding simplified processes and faster responses but recurring shortcomings in customer information and governance reporting. The review highlighted issues with payment services complaint deadlines, inconsistent access to mediation, unclear disclosures, and weak oversight where insurers delegate complaint handling. The authority will monitor improvements and verify that banks and insurers implement required upgrades over time.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsComplaints and dispute resolution
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority has finalised a revised UK short selling regime aimed at simplifying rules and reducing reporting burdens while maintaining oversight. Aligned with legislative changes under the Government’s repeal and replace programme, the FCA will publish aggregated data on overall net short positions in each company instead of identifying individual short sellers, and introduce a more workable reporting timetable and streamlined annual market maker confirmations. The FCA’s powers to intervene in exceptional market conditions, including through emergency measures, remain unchanged.
Policy & regulationRules & requirements
-
2026-04-16•United Kingdom•Financial Conduct Authority
The Financial Conduct Authority published reflections on firms’ second-year Consumer Duty Board reports, noting improved reporting and governance but uneven outcome-focused analysis as firms prepare for a third cycle. It highlights stronger board oversight, more structured action plans and better use of data, while calling for clearer links between data and customer outcomes, stronger oversight of intermediaries and outsourcing, more evidenced board challenge, and deeper assessment of consumer understanding and support. The FCA plans a 2026 consultation on changes to rules and guidance on distribution chains and will publish further best practice examples on monitoring outcomes.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsConsumer and investor protection
-
2026-04-16•South Africa•South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank has updated its exchange control manuals for Authorised Dealers and Authorised Dealers in foreign exchange with limited authority to reflect the name change of Tyme Bank to GoTyme Bank. GoTyme Bank Limited is now listed as a Restricted Authorised Dealer for permissible credit card transactions under sections B.4(B) and B.16 of the Currency and Exchanges Manual for Authorised Dealers, recorded as version 1.130 under Circular 15-2026.
Policy & regulationGuidance & interpretationForeign exchange policy and markets
-
2026-04-16•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market reported on a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration on adapting Ukraine’s legislation to European Union requirements and the Commission’s role in the EU integration process. The Commission highlighted the need to align 187 normative legal acts with European standards and to prepare 22 draft laws as part of integrating Ukraine’s capital markets into the European financial space.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-16•South Korea•South Korea Financial Services Commission
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission, at its fifth meeting on the transition to productive finance, outlined capital rule changes for banks and insurers expected to free up as much as KRW98.7 trillion in lending and investment capacity. Banks are urged to shift from collateral- and guarantee-based models toward financing future growth, export-oriented and strategic industries, while insurers are encouraged to increase investment in long-term infrastructure and energy transition projects and to support smaller firms. The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service will monitor whether the additional capacity is channelled into productive sectors and pursue further regulatory improvements.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsFinancial stability and systemic riskPrudential risks
-
2026-04-16•South Korea•South Korea Financial Services Commission
The Financial Services Commission and the Korea Exchange held a policy seminar to gather investor and expert views on revising rules for split listings of parent and subsidiary companies, following a government plan to prohibit such listings in principle as part of capital market reforms. The reforms would refine rules and screening to distinguish harmful from value-creating split listings, require parent boards to assess shareholder impacts and protection measures, and promote ongoing shareholder engagement with best practice guidelines.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsCorporate governance
-
2026-04-16•Liechtenstein•Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority
The Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority’s 2025 Annual Report describes the financial sector as stable and highlights new market entrants, including the first licensed mortgage bond institution and several crypto asset service providers under Regulation (EU) 2023/114. It notes the entry into force of the DORA Implementation Act and a fully revised supervisory framework for banks and investment firms aligned with the European Economic Area system in early 2025. The authority also signals a 2026 focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing efficiency.
SupervisionOtherOperational excellence
-
2026-04-16•Türkiye•Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye has temporarily suspended Magdeburger Sigorta AŞ’s authorisation to issue and renew insurance policies across all branches due to unresolved capital adequacy weaknesses. The insurer had been under close monitoring and phased supervisory measures but failed to restore its financial position, and the Agency stated it has taken steps to ensure all obligations under existing policies, including claims, are met.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsCapital adequacySupervision process and methodologies
-
2026-04-16•Greece•Ministry of National Economy and Finance (Greece)
Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis said the government’s response to the inflationary shock linked to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz will rely on targeted, temporary support measures and regulatory interventions such as price caps, calibrated to the crisis. He highlighted existing fuel and fertiliser support, called International Monetary Fund growth and inflation forecasts conservative, and said primary and overall fiscal surpluses are likely to be revised upward, though extra spending is constrained by the European Union’s expenditure rule and coordination with Brussels. He added that EU discussions focus on targeted, fiscally responsible measures that do not undermine the European Central Bank’s inflation containment efforts, with any broader response depending on how the energy shock evolves.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesMonetary policy decisions and developments
-
2026-04-16•Global•IOSCO
The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures and the International Organization of Securities Commissions assessed the United Kingdom as having implemented the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures for two types of financial market infrastructure. The assessment includes recommendations for further improvements.
Policy & regulationPeer reviews and country evaluationsMarket infrastructure
-
2026-04-16•Qatar•Ministry of Finance (Qatar)
Qatar’s Ministry of Finance reported that Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari joined the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held alongside the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., where participants examined the economic impacts of geopolitical conflicts and stressed international cooperation to support stability and resilience, amid slower global growth, trade disruptions, rising inflation and declining investment.
Policy & regulationReform agendas & prioritiesGeopolitical riskFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-16•Global•Bank for International Settlements
The BIS Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures and IOSCO published a Level 2 assessment finding that the UK framework fully implements the Principles for financial market infrastructures for systemically important payment systems and largely for central securities depositories and securities settlement systems. Based on the framework as of 30 September 2023, the review highlights remaining gaps mainly in risk and governance principles, noting that central counterparties and trade repositories were previously assessed in a February 2015 report.
Policy & regulationPeer reviews and country evaluationsMarket infrastructure
-
2026-04-16•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The Board of the National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan has issued an audit activity licence to the limited liability company Information Technologies, Audit and Consulting. The licence authorises the firm to audit insurance organisations in accordance with Tajikistan’s laws on the National Bank, the licensing system and the relevant licensing regulation.
SupervisionAuthorisations & approvalsOther
-
2026-04-16•Thailand•Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission
The Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission reported enhanced information sharing and joint investigations with the Central Investigation Bureau to trace financial flows and disrupt illicit funds and technology-related crimes in the capital market and digital assets. The cooperation has supported Anti-Money Laundering Office seizures and freezes of assets exceeding THB 20 billion and enables enforcement under multiple laws, including SEC requirements for capital market and digital asset business operators.
SupervisionCooperationAML and CFT
-
2026-04-16•Netherlands•Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets published findings of an exploratory review of listed companies’ 2024 cash flow statements and related audits, concluding that overall compliance with International Accounting Standard 7 is generally sufficient but highlighting recurring errors and clear attention points. The AFM set out five attention points and a self-assessment for companies and ten for audit firms, and expects both to implement concrete improvements, with the AFM to follow up through ongoing supervision and potential further measures.
SupervisionReviews, inspections & stress testsAccounting and financial reporting
-
2026-04-16•Vietnam•Vietnam State Securities Commission
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has opened a consultation on a draft regulation governing use of its information technology system for managing securities practitioners. The consultation targets organisations employing securities practitioners and individuals holding securities practising certificates.
Policy & regulationRules & requirementsOther
-
2026-04-16•Thailand•Thailand Office of Insurance Commission
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission reported that its Secretary-General visited Udon Thani, designated a higher-risk area during the Songkran 2026 holiday, to monitor road-accident prevention efforts and insurance-related public support. The visit included a multi-agency meeting to agree proactive accident prevention and insurance protection measures, online policy direction to regional offices on field monitoring and policyholder protection, and inspections of local operations and public service points.
SupervisionRisk monitoring & watch pointsOther
-
2026-04-16•United Arab Emirates•Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank of the UAE continued its participation in the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, with Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivering the UAE’s keynote address for the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan region on global economic developments and geopolitical challenges. Balama highlighted the Central Bank’s Proactive Financial Institution Resilience Package as a first-of-its-kind regional initiative to reinforce financial sector resilience and sustainability, and the delegation held bilateral meetings with central bank governors and international financial institutions, including Eesti Pank and the National Bank of Georgia, on monetary and financial cooperation.
Policy & regulationCooperationMonetary policy decisions and developmentsFinancial stability and systemic risk
-
2026-04-16•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 Kazakhstan warned that unlicensed websites and social media pages falsely present themselves as insurers and sell compulsory motor liability insurance, sometimes using names of licensed insurers and charging above-tariff prices. It reiterated that such contracts may only be concluded directly with licensed insurance companies and advised consumers to verify licences on the Agency’s website, use official insurer channels, and avoid intermediaries and unverified payment recipients to prevent invalid policies.
SupervisionAlertsLicensing framework and process
-
2026-04-16•Global•World Bank
The World Bank Group has recognised the Central Bank of Ecuador for joining its Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership, giving it access to advisory services, executive training and asset management expertise for reserve and public asset management. Marking its 25th anniversary, the partnership reported a record 95 members and highlighted growing demand in Latin America for strengthened institutional capacity and governance in reserve and public asset management.
Institutional developmentCooperation & capacity buildingOther
-
2026-04-16•Global•International Monetary Fund
The IMF’s April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia projects MENAP growth of 1.4% in 2026, a 2.3 percentage point downgrade from October, reflecting war-related disruptions to energy, trade routes and confidence. It calls for targeted, temporary fiscal support, continued anti-inflation monetary policy, and tighter supervision of liquidity and foreign-currency mismatches. The IMF cites severe but uneven impacts from disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, including a 13 million barrels per day drop in oil and gas output, Brent crude peaking at USD 118, and heightened food price risks for low-income and fragile states, while noting sovereign spreads have partially normalised after a ceasefire announcement. Projections, based on data to mid-March and a short-lived conflict, assume a 2026 reference oil price of USD 82 versus USD 100 in an adverse scenario.
ResearchEconomic data and developments
-
2026-04-16•Tajikistan•Ministry of Finance (Tajikistan)
The Ministry of Finance of Tajikistan met the World Bank’s Vice President for Europe and Central Asia during the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings to review future cooperation priorities. Discussions covered energy security, private investment, job creation, private sector development, economic digitalisation, the investment climate and sustainable finance, with Tajik authorities highlighting ongoing reform support via budget-support programmes and readiness to deepen engagement with the World Bank Group.
Policy & regulationCooperationCross-border cooperationClimate risk and sustainable finance