The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Trade and Industry published a February 2026 report updating the latest consumer price developments in Singapore. The report provides an overview of recent inflation dynamics.
EFAMA published a position paper on the European Commission’s Supplementary Pensions Package, advocating for strong national implementation. It supports removing the 1% fee cap for the Basic PEPP, questions the Value for Money framework's effectiveness, calls for more flexible investment strategies, and recommends a principles-based approach to cost transparency for IORP II.
The Reserve Bank of Australia's Council of Financial Regulators' quarterly statement highlighted elevated global financial stability risks from Middle East conflicts affecting Australia's financial system. The Council emphasized strong bank capital and liquidity, prudent lending standards, crisis preparedness, and cyber resilience. Efforts to streamline data collection and reporting were reviewed, alongside discussions on the IMF's Financial Sector Assessment Program and Project Acacia's tokenisation initiatives.
The People's Bank of China held its 2026 national treasury work conference, reviewing 2025 achievements and setting priorities for 2026. Key focuses include strengthening internal controls, upgrading systems, and enhancing rule-based treasury operations. The bank aims to balance development and safety, improve service and supervision, and expand access to government bonds in rural areas.
The Bank of Mauritius reported that the Interagency Coordination Committee has enhanced its coordination and collaboration by signing an amended Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Central Bank of the Philippines will maintain public services on Fridays while supporting energy conservation efforts. Onsite cash operations will be available at various locations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Consumer complaints can be lodged 24/7 through the BSP Online Buddy chatbot, and the BSP Store will continue online sales of commemorative coins and merchandise.
The Financial Action Task Force, via MONEYVAL, published Bulgaria's second enhanced follow-up report, noting progress in addressing technical compliance deficiencies and upgrading five FATF Recommendations. Bulgaria's ratings improved for Recommendations 6, 10, 24, 28, and 34, though it remains under enhanced follow-up due to remaining gaps. Bulgaria is expected to report further progress on AML/CFT measures within a year.
The Financial Action Task Force released an enhanced follow-up update on North Macedonia, noting progress in technical compliance with three FATF Recommendations, which were upgraded to Largely Compliant. Improvements stem from legal and supervisory changes, including amendments to the AML/CFT law. However, gaps remain in wire transfer information requirements, compliance officer expectations, and risk-based AML/CFT supervision.
The Trans-Tasman Council on Banking Supervision has set 2026 priorities for closer Australia-New Zealand regulatory alignment, centered on payments and digital asset reforms, non-financial risk management for banks, and more proportionate banking regulation. It will use working-level workshops to advance the agenda, while continuing to monitor Middle East-related market risks and support cash as a resilient payment option.
The Council of Financial Regulators said global financial stability risks have increased, while direct Australian exposures to the Middle East remain limited. It urged banks to maintain strong capital and liquidity, called for prudent lending standards, and agreed a workplan to strengthen crisis preparedness for capital and liquidity stress scenarios. The Council also advanced joint work on cyber resilience and said it will publish actions to streamline regulatory data collection and sharing in the first half of 2026.
The Monaco Ministry of Finance and Economy announced that Monaco hosted a MONEYVAL evaluator training session as the sixth round of evaluations begins, focused on updated international standards for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing in line with Financial Action Task Force requirements. The five-day course, organised by MONEYVAL and coordinated by Monaco’s national committee secretariat, trained around 40 delegates from 21 countries, including Monegasque authorities, to become certified evaluators for future assessments.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is consulting on potential changes to the ASIC Corporations (Managed Discretionary Account Services) Instrument 2016/968, which expires on 1 October 2026. ASIC seeks feedback on extending the instrument and revising its policy settings and terms. The instrument currently offers conditional relief from certain provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 for MDA providers and custodians.
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued new guidance on its Moneysmart website to assist Australians using AI tools for financial information. It addresses the growing reliance on AI among Gen Z, highlighting potential inaccuracies and advising verification against trusted sources. ASIC also announced an updated Moneysmart website, celebrating 15 years of providing free consumer education.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released a consultation package for implementing the Government’s Retirement Reporting Framework, including new superannuation data collections and reporting requirements. The package features a consultation paper, a technical paper on data calculation and mapping, and draft reporting standards for superannuation data, RSE business model reporting, and retirement member profiles.
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued an alert regarding counterfeit insurance documents falsely marketing surety bond policies under HDI Versicherung AG, which the insurer has disowned. IVASS emphasized that HDI Versicherung AG, supervised by Austria’s Financial Market Authority, does not issue such policies and urged consumers to verify insurer authorizations through IVASS’s resources before making payments.
The Luxembourg Insurance Commission (Commissariat aux Assurances) issued Circular Letter 26/9 amending Circular Letter 21/6 on annual reporting by Luxembourg direct insurance undertakings, introducing targeted adjustments without changing the overall reporting structure. Key changes add tables on complaints handling for freedom to provide services activities and on premiums written outside the European Economic Area, and clarify instructions on the information sheet, employee reporting in full-time equivalents, and the reference to the separate auditor’s report. A coordinated version of Circular Letter 21/6 incorporating these amendments was published.
The Federal Reserve Board published a FEDS Note analyzing China's record goods trade surplus of USD 1.2 trillion in 2025, driven by industrial policy interventions and macroeconomic factors. It highlights China's export market share gains, especially in manufacturing, and lagging import growth in commodities. Sectors with high policy intervention, like computing machinery and pharmaceuticals, are key contributors to export growth and trade balance increases.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners outlined strategic priorities at its 2026 Spring National Meeting, focusing on property risk mitigation, AI oversight, and life insurer investment risks. Key initiatives include risk-mitigation grant programs, an expanded Homeowners Market Data Call, and an AI Systems Evaluation Tool. The NAIC also plans to enhance market regulation through the Market Regulation and Consumer Affairs Committee.
The NAIC's Financial Regulation Standards and Accreditation Committee accredited New Jersey and Tennessee's insurance regulatory departments at the 2026 Spring National Meeting. This confirms compliance with NAIC standards for financial solvency oversight, allowing reliance by non-domestic states. Accreditation involves a comprehensive review every five years, with annual interim reviews assessing solvency laws, financial analysis, and regulatory practices.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic concluded its 12th Economic and Financial Week 2026, part of its Aula Central initiative, with 10,082 visitors. The event featured 181 educational activities across multiple locations, expanding to Baní and Santiago for the first time. Since 2014, the programme has reached 61,603 visitors through over 1,000 activities.
The Bank of Israel's annual survey revealed a 2.8% increase in nonfinancial private sector debt in Q4 2025, reaching NIS 2.5 trillion. Business sector debt rose by 3.6% to NIS 1.5 trillion, with significant bank credit and foreign debt raising, while household debt increased by 1.5% to NIS 903 billion, driven by housing and nonhousing debt growth. Bond issuance was notable, and the Tel Bond 60 yield spread fluctuated, reflecting market dynamics.
TIRA Northern Zone organized an insurance education and sports festival at the Arusha Institute of Accountancy to enhance student awareness. The event emphasized insurance's role in asset and community protection, aiming to shift disaster burdens from the government to TIRA-registered insurers. TIRA plans to expand similar initiatives across the Northern Zone, focusing on underserved communities and encouraging insurers to create products addressing Tanzania's key challenges.
The Bank for International Settlements announced that Hyun Song Shin will step back from his duties following his nomination as Governor of the Bank of Korea. Frank Smets will serve as Acting Head of the BIS Monetary and Economic Department. The BIS had previously announced Mr. Shin's retirement at the end of August 2026, with Hélène Rey as his successor.
The Central Bank of the Republic of China reaffirmed its supportive monetary policy, emphasizing a moderately loose stance for stable growth and market functioning. It plans to maintain ample liquidity through reserve requirement ratio adjustments and open market operations, while advancing financial opening and cross-border renminbi use. The bank also highlighted measures to curb "involution-style" competition and reiterated no intention to seek trade advantage through currency depreciation.
At the China Development Forum, IMF First Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz identified the Middle East conflict as a new global economic risk, warning of fiscal and monetary challenges from prolonged energy-price shocks. Katz emphasized China's need to enhance market forces, reorient towards consumption and services, and implement reforms to boost productivity. He also highlighted the importance of central banks articulating reaction functions and scenario analysis, especially where inflation expectations are anchored.
Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell delivered remarks at the American Society for Public Administration’s Paul A. Volcker Public Integrity Award ceremony, reflecting on Volcker’s legacy and the Federal Reserve’s non-partisan service. Powell emphasized Volcker's commitment to maintaining restrictive policies to combat inflation in the early 1980s, highlighting the importance of central bank independence and integrity.
The European Central Bank reviewed Greece's recovery, noting banks have restored intermediation capacity but face persistent crisis legacies, including unresolved non-performing exposures and structural constraints. Greek banks improved capital and balance sheets, aided by the Hellenic Asset Protection Scheme, which securitised EUR 57 billion in non-performing loans by 2025. Despite increased lending and export growth, challenges remain with institutional quality, high public debt, and contingent fiscal liabilities.
The European Central Bank (ECB) outlined the policy rationale for a digital euro, emphasizing its role as a digital form of cash to complement existing payment options and enhance freedom of choice. A 12-month pilot is planned for the second half of 2027, involving real-world transactions with selected payment service providers and merchants. The ECB will decide on issuing a digital euro after relevant EU legislation is adopted, with discussions expected to conclude in May.
The State Bank of Vietnam announced that Governor Nguyen Thi Hong has been elected as a deputy to Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly. The election resulted in 500 deputies, with a notable increase in full-time deputies and women accounting for 30% of the elected. Four other banking-sector officials were also elected, including leaders from Agribank and Vietcombank.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission, alongside the Hubei Provincial Supervisory Commission, are investigating Wang Guangyou, former Party committee secretary and director of the Hubei Securities Regulatory Bureau, for alleged serious disciplinary and legal violations.
The Financial Superintendence of Colombia recapped its participation in Global Money Week 2026, engaging 3,586 individuals across nine departments and 11 municipalities. The initiative focused on financial education, promoting responsible financial habits, fraud prevention, and safe use of financial products, tailored to local contexts.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo congratulated Croatian National Bank Governor Boris Vujcic on his appointment as Vice-President of the European Central Bank, effective 1 June 2026. The statement emphasized strong cooperation between the two central banks and noted Vujcic's previous visit to Kosovo. Governor Ahmet Ismaili framed the appointment as a significant milestone for Croatia and the region, potentially enhancing cooperation with the ECB and financial integration.
The Financial Superintendence of Colombia concluded the Credit Pact, achieving 94.9% of planned loan disbursements, with COP 241.6 trillion disbursed from September 2024 to February 2026. The report highlights sector-specific target fulfilment, with housing and infrastructure leading at 125.8%, and details disbursements to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and individuals. It also discusses innovative credit approaches in agriculture and the popular economy, including associative and low-amount credit lines.
The Financial Superintendency of Colombia reported on Superintendent César Ferrari moderating a panel on enhancing investment and financing opportunities between Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Discussions included integrating financial systems, structuring joint investment portfolios, and internationalizing trade links. The panel also examined financing instruments for SMEs and the role of private equity funds in scaling joint projects.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Tomás Niembro Concha, former CEO of Nodus International Bank, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, involving USD 24.9 million and evading U.S. sanctions on Venezuela-linked individuals. From 2017 to 2023, Niembro and co-conspirators allegedly concealed investments and loans from the bank's board and regulators. Niembro agreed to forfeit USD 16.9 million, with sentencing set for June 8, each charge carrying a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The Polish Financial Supervision Commission's National Working Group on Benchmark Reform has initiated a consultation on a draft recommendation for applying the replacement rate for the WIBOR reference index in floating-rate debt securities. The consultation also addresses servicing outstanding issuances with interest calculations referencing WIBOR.
The National Bank of Ukraine has revised balance of payments indicators for 2022–2025 due to methodological improvements and new data, including digital service imports. The revisions increased the current account deficit by USD 1.1 billion in 2022, USD 1.4 billion in 2023, USD 1.7 billion in 2024, and USD 2.2 billion in 2025. A list of statistical changes and reasons for adjustments has been published in the bank's methodological materials.
The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority has issued guidance for pension institutions on managing supplementary pension payouts, emphasizing effective member outreach and timely payments. The communication advises using current member addresses and implementing reminder policies for non-responsive members. It also reviews documentation requirements, noting their impact on statutory payout dates and potential late payment interest.
Ecuador's Superintendency of Banks hosted the "Ciberresilience 2026" event to enhance technology risk management and financial system preparedness against digital threats. Organized with EcuCERT and Arcotel, it addressed cybersecurity trends, challenges, and prevention strategies, featuring insights from experts like Mariam López and Diego Balseca. Superintendent Roberto Romero von Buchwald emphasized the need for coordinated action among public entities, the private sector, and academia.
The Bank of Italy released updated statistics on the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position for January 2026.
GAFILAT, with the Inter-American Development Bank and the Financial Action Task Force, held a high-level event to enhance AML/CFT systems in the region. Discussions included extortion-related money laundering risks, public-private partnerships, and supervisory technologies. Canada's experience in its fifth-round mutual evaluation was also reviewed, highlighting key changes and challenges.
The International Monetary Fund released a working paper analyzing market expectations for stablecoins as a significant payments instrument. The study found that U.S. legislation supporting stablecoins reduced the market value of incumbent payment firms by 18%, or about USD 300 billion, indicating anticipated competition. The impact was more pronounced for firms focused on cross-border payments and less so for those with network effects or existing crypto services.
The International Monetary Fund released a paper on how trade diversification could reduce import costs for The Bahamas. Reallocating 2 to 3 percent of imports might cut the annual import bill by 2 to 5 percent, with savings in specific countries and products. This could improve the current account to GDP ratio by 0.5 to 1.5 percent, potentially easing cost-of-living pressures with appropriate reforms.
The International Monetary Fund released a working paper estimating public debt overhang thresholds for 105 countries, highlighting significant heterogeneity across economies. The study associates higher thresholds with stronger payment records, better institutional quality, favorable debt composition, and more developed financial markets. The paper is intended to provoke discussion and reflects the authors' views.
The International Monetary Fund released a working paper on using a Bayesian Structural Time Series model to nowcast quarterly economic growth in Tanzania with high-frequency indicators. The paper details the model's framework, including trend, seasonal, and regression components, and highlights its ability to extend forecast horizons and incorporate dynamic regressors. The approach includes model selection, evaluation, and robustness checks.
The International Monetary Fund's concluding statement for the 2026 Article IV mission to Spain highlights the economy's resilience compared to euro area peers, despite risks from geopolitical tensions and political fragmentation. Recommendations include accelerating fiscal consolidation, introducing mortgage-related borrower-based measures, and enhancing housing supply. GDP growth is projected at 2.1% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, with inflation expected to decrease from 3.0% in 2026 to 2.2% in 2027.
The IMF's Executive Board completed the ninth and tenth reviews under Guinea-Bissau’s Extended Credit Facility, approving an immediate disbursement of SDR 2.37 million and extending the arrangement to December 29, 2026. Despite policy slippages and political disruptions, waivers were granted for missed performance criteria, and modifications were approved to support the 2026 budget. The IMF reported 2025 growth of 5.5%, with fiscal consolidation and bank recapitalisation efforts ongoing.
The Central Bank of Brazil reported a security incident involving personal data linked to Pix keys managed by Pefisa S.A., due to isolated system failures. Only registration data were accessed, with no exposure of sensitive information. A detailed investigation is ongoing, and sanctions will be applied under existing regulations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that the Trump administration's conflict with Iran is raising costs for American families due to increased energy prices and supply chain disruptions. Her letter to top economic advisers highlights a 10.9% rise in utility prices and significant increases in diesel prices. Warren seeks responses from the administration's economic team on their plans to address these issues.
The European Central Bank (ECB) clarified its role in Greek banks' non-performing loan securitisations under the Hellenic Asset Protection Scheme, emphasizing limited involvement to case-by-case assessments of significant risk transfer. Monitoring special purpose vehicle ownership and enforcing disclosure obligations fall to national authorities. The Greek State guarantee under HAPS applies only to senior notes retained by originating banks, not mezzanine and junior notes held by third-party investors.
The Bank for International Settlements released a working paper analyzing the impact of major geopolitical events on international bank credit from 1977 to 2024. The study finds that geopolitical distance weakens cross-border banking activity, with negative events causing a 10–20% larger decline in credit between geopolitical blocs than within them. Cross-border and contingent exposures are more sensitive to geopolitical shocks than local affiliate lending.
The State Bank of Vietnam held its third Party Committee Executive Committee conference for the 2025–2030 term to review Q1 2026 activities and discuss draft documents aligning Party resolutions with banking sector objectives. Chaired by Governor Nguyễn Thị Hồng, the meeting addressed leadership reports, action programmes for implementing national resolutions, and plans for developing the state-owned economy. Members agreed on the drafts, suggesting feedback incorporation to ensure alignment with higher-level programmes.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) celebrated an alumni gathering for its "Key operations in commercial bank management" training programme, emphasizing continued collaboration with Luxembourg and ATTF. Since 2005, the initiative has trained approximately 400 SBV staff, focusing on technical expertise, governance, and international banking standards. The SBV plans to strengthen the alumni network and explore deeper cooperation in specialized finance and capital market development.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved Xie Zhibin's appointment to the Board of Directors of JSC Altyn Bank, a subsidiary of China CITIC Bank Corporation Limited.
The Bank of England's Staff Working Paper No. 1,176 examines the UK buy-to-let mortgage market's response to a significant interest rate rise, revealing that specialist lenders concentrated originations and adjusted pricing strategies to support credit availability. Specialists passed smaller rate increases to larger borrowers while raising fees, resulting in a lower effective annual cost. The findings underscore market segmentation and the strategic targeting of borrower types by specialist lenders.
The Bank of England's Staff Working Paper No. 1,175 examines inflation targeting's impact on expectations, finding realized inflation declines post-adoption, but professional-forecaster expectations show minimal adjustment. Using a model treating inflation targeting as a downward shift in the central bank's objective, the study analyzes survey data from 32 countries, revealing close-to-zero effects on one-year-ahead expectations. The paper is part of the Bank's staff working paper series and does not reflect official policy.
Argentina’s Superintendency of Insurance (SSN) introduced a digital consultation system to expedite judicial requests for information on supervised entities and motor insurance policies. The system allows courts to directly access data with a certificate valid for judicial use, replacing multiple platforms and the SSN’s intake desk. Access is secured through username and password to ensure traceability.
Argentina's National Securities Commission (CNV) held a technical exchange with about 70 capital markets participants to discuss upcoming Fondo de Asistencial Laboral (FAL) regulation. The meeting aimed to gather input on a regulatory framework being developed with the Ministry of Economy, focusing on scope, guidelines, and implementation challenges. Participants, including mutual funds and brokerage firms, agreed to maintain open communication for further analysis and rule-making.
At SEC Speaks 2026, deputy directors from the SEC’s Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation discussed simplifying capital raising for small businesses and invited feedback on regulatory issues. They emphasized the "Listen, Learn, Improve" strategy to incorporate market feedback into policy and highlighted resources on the SEC’s portal. Practitioners were encouraged to use these resources and provide input.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) issued a warning about fraudulent emails and impersonation attempts falsely claiming connections to the FSC. These emails, often with the subject line “AML/CFT 101 Financial Sanctions,” contain malicious links or attachments and originate from unauthorised domains. The FSC advises against treating these communications as legitimate and cautions against downloading attachments or clicking links.
The National Bank of Serbia reported a significant rise in remote financial contracts, totaling 518,200 in 2025, a 60% increase from 2024. Contracts using video identification surged by 75.4% to over 159,000, now comprising 30.7% of all remote contracts. Citizens increasingly utilized remote contracting for various banking services, with notable growth in cash loans, payment accounts, overdrafts, savings, and other services.
The Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) concluded its participation in the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic’s 2026 Economic and Financial Week with pension-system education sessions in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Activities included a presentation on the Dominican pension system for 320 students in Santiago and the launch of children and youth-focused educational tools by pension fund administrators Crecer and Siembra.
Sweden's Financial Supervisory Authority is consulting on amendments to align its regulations with the EU Regulation establishing the European Single Access Point (ESAP). The proposals aim to enhance the collection of financial and sustainability-related information and specify requirements for major shareholding notifications, including mandatory electronic submissions, aligning Swedish regulations with the EU Transparency Directive and related national legislation.
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) has proposed new and amended regulations following changes to the Capital Requirements Directive and the Investment Firms Directive. Updates include requirements for third-country branches, financial holding companies, management suitability assessments, risk management, internal governance, and ESG-related plans. Most provisions take effect on 1 July 2026, with some effective from 11 January 2027.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS), an Annex 1 business under FCA supervision for compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. MFS, which is not authorised for broader FCA regulation, entered administration on 25 February 2026.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) reminded regulated firms to conduct thorough checks with "Annex 1" firms, registered solely for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes. The FCA's powers over these firms are limited to AML compliance, and customers cannot access the Financial Ombudsman Service. Regulated firms must verify registration status, independently check information, and manage risks as outlined in the 2025 National Risk Assessment.
The Croatian National Bank marked Global Money Week 2026 with a broad financial literacy programme, centred on the 10th Great Student Debate on whether artificial intelligence can manage personal finances. Additional activities included museum-based education, lectures at the Visitors’ Centre, participation in financial literacy conferences and festivals, and workshops for children, with the central bank emphasising that its financial education initiatives for schools and universities run year-round.
BaFin has issued guidance on applying the German Securities Trading Act and the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act following the CJEU’s judgment in Case C-864/24 on acting in concert under the Transparency Directive. BaFin will narrow acting-in-concert attribution under section 34(2) WpHG to agreements obliging parties to pursue a long-term common management policy, cease applying attribution grounds in section 34(1) sentence 1 numbers 3 and 5 WpHG, but will continue to apply section 30 WpÜG unchanged. The notice applies until section 34(1) and (2) WpHG are amended in line with EU law.
The Central Bank of Colombia has revised the regulatory framework for Bre-B, the country's instant payments system, to enhance service continuity and transparency. The update mandates financial institutions to offer clearer and more timely communication regarding technological incidents and disruptions to users.
The Federal Reserve Board issued enforcement actions prohibiting former bank employees Lidia Estrada and Brenda Fuson from involvement in any insured depository institution. Estrada, formerly of Ally Bank, was banned for document falsification related to compensation requests, while Fuson, formerly of Regions Bank, was banned for misappropriating customer funds.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Market Participants Division and Division of Clearing and Risk issued responses to FAQs on registrant and registered entity activities related to crypto assets and blockchain technologies. This provides further clarity on topics from CFTC Staff Letter 25-39 regarding tokenized collateral and CFTC Staff Letter 26-05 concerning digital assets accepted as margin collateral.
China's National Financial Regulatory Administration released a draft for public consultation on handling financial consumer complaints by banking and insurance institutions. It emphasizes consumer protection, standardizing complaint handling, and diversified dispute resolution, requiring institutions to enhance systems and processes. It includes a chapter on dispute resolution through negotiation, settlement, or mediation, involving industry bodies and mediation organizations.
China's National Financial Regulatory Administration director Li Yunze met with Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan and a delegation to discuss economic and financial conditions. The meeting focused on enhancing mainland-Hong Kong financial market connectivity and supporting Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre.
The Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) is participating in the 2026 Employee Savings Week by publishing educational materials and hosting a public webinar to enhance understanding of employee savings schemes. In collaboration with the French Asset Management Association and others, the initiative aims to provide objective information on these schemes' mechanisms and benefits. The AMF will also review long-term investment options available through employee savings arrangements.
The Portuguese Securities Commission has launched Tailored Finance, a board game teaching financial concepts to children aged 10 to 15. It covers spending, saving, investment, risk and return through questions and simulated decisions, with a digital version also available.
The Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission is consulting on amendments to credit rating requirements for bonds issued by foreign entities and securitized bonds with foreign risk. The changes aim to align with international practices, requiring issuer and expected issue ratings from international agencies. New issuers must have investment-grade ratings, while existing issuers may receive waivers for rollovers, with detailed disclosure requirements for ratings and discrepancies.
China's Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with key financial regulators, has released a draft Financial Law to bolster the financial rule-of-law framework and enhance supervision. The proposal aims to address financial risks, with public feedback invited through various channels.
The People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange have issued measures to regulate offshore lending by domestic enterprises, introducing unified management for renminbi and foreign-currency lending under a macroprudential framework. The measures link the ceiling for an enterprise’s offshore lending balance to its owners’ equity and increase the macroprudential adjustment coefficient to 0.6, raising the overall lending balance cap. Management and use-of-funds requirements are set for domestic banks and enterprises to control risks.
The People's Bank of China outlined its 2026 strategy to enhance credit reporting quality, focusing on risk-based supervision and sector security. Key priorities include upgrading the public credit reporting system, diversifying product supply, and expanding consumer services through digital advancements. The bank also aims to strengthen credit rating credibility and improve data governance.
Bank of Russia cut its key rate by 50 bp to 15.00 %, noting moderating price pressures and balanced growth, but said policy remains tight after 600 bp of easing since March 2025 and further cuts will hinge on durable disinflation and external risk developments.
Switzerland's Federal Department of Finance released the Federal Council’s strategy on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, outlining a risk-based, coordinated defence framework. Key priorities include implementing a transparency register, enhancing criminal prosecution tools, and strengthening supervisory authorities. The strategy aligns with the national strategy for combating organised crime and emphasizes improved cooperation and asset recovery.
The Bank for International Settlements’ Financial Stability Institute published an Occasional Paper evaluating the European banking union’s resolution regime, highlighting procedural and regulatory complexities. The paper identifies issues like multi-step decision-making, unharmonised national insolvency regimes, and constraints on mutualised funding access. It suggests reforms to broaden resolution use, reduce resolution–insolvency boundary frictions, and strengthen common funding arrangements.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency reported that Board President Ante Žigman emphasized trust and emotions in financial decisions at the 4th Regional Financial Literacy Conference. He highlighted behavioural insights as crucial for effective financial education, noting traditional methods have limited impact. The conference focused on enhancing financial literacy and capability through collaboration among government, education, finance, and private-sector stakeholders.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency granted Kornelija-Branimira Bojanić authorization as a certified actuary and confirmed the cessation of B.I.G. CENTAR d.o.o.'s insurance distribution license as of 19 February 2026. The license, initially issued in 2006, was for services under the name B.I.G. CENTAR d.o.o. for insurance representation.
The Bank of Spain concluded its fourth annual Conduct Supervision Forum, outlining the Department for the Conduct of Institutions’ supervisory actions for 2025 and priorities for 2026. The 2026 focus will remain on responsible lending, pre-contractual loan information, and internal governance models. Governor José Luis Escrivá emphasized embedding a culture of fair customer treatment as a protective measure for both customers and institutions.
The Estonian Financial Supervision Authority and the Supreme Court held a joint meeting on consumer lending, addressing the high volume of consumer credit claims, limits on expedited payment order proceedings, and lenders’ non-compliance with responsible lending principles. The Supreme Court called for better practices by lenders and debt collectors and more effective supervision, while Finantsinspektsioon outlined its supervisory approach, reported crimes by illegal lenders, and discussed the proposed positive credit register and new EU consumer credit directive as potential mitigants.
The State Bank of Vietnam engaged with Luxembourg’s Ambassador and the Luxembourg Agency for the Transfer of Financial Technology to enhance bilateral cooperation in finance and banking. Discussions focused on continuing Luxembourg-backed training for Vietnam’s banking sector, emphasizing digital transformation, fintech, and Basel/IFRS-aligned risk management. The State Bank of Vietnam also sought more technical assistance in data science, AI, risk management, and sustainable finance.
The Pensions Regulator's Chief Executive, Nausicaa Delfas, urged the UK pensions market to align on delivering sustainable retirement income and innovate for long-term value amid evolving regulations. Delfas emphasized the need for fewer, larger schemes and highlighted priorities such as defined benefit endgame options, enhanced defined contribution investment strategies, and clearer retirement pathways. She also stressed strong governance and responsible AI use, with an AI action plan expected in May.
The Norwegian Ministry of Finance has amended the Central Bank Act, effective 1 April 2026, introducing a contingency mechanism for state liquidity in crises. The amendments allow Norges Bank to provide direct credit to the state under specific conditions and adjust disqualification rules for its governance bodies. Additional changes clarify the management of the Government Pension Fund Global and allow access to the National Population Register for central banking purposes.
Norway's Ministry of Finance has appointed an expert committee to evaluate potential amendments to the bank crisis management and deposit guarantee framework, aligning with upcoming EU/EEA rule changes. The review will cover crisis management for small and medium-sized banks, use of the deposit guarantee and crisis measures funds, and harmonisation of the deposit guarantee limit for temporarily high balances related to real estate transactions. A reference group will assist, with a report expected by March 2027.
Norway's Ministry of Finance proposes amending the Financial Undertakings Act to integrate the EU's revised Capital Requirements Directive (CRD6), streamlining information sharing to combat economic crime and research. The proposal harmonizes banking requirements, empowers Finanstilsynet with penalty imposition, and introduces management quarantine rules. It also allows companies to lend to affiliates without a licence if not funded by public deposits.
Norway's Ministry of Finance has proposed amendments to the Bookkeeping Act and other financial laws, mandating digital bookkeeping and e-invoicing for entities under Norwegian obligations by 2027 and 2030, respectively. The proposal includes changes to shareholder communication, accountant qualifications, and adjustments to the Financial Supervision Act and DORA Act. The socio-economic benefit is estimated at NOK 10 billion over 20 years.
Norges Bank will cease issuing commemorative circulation coins with special designs due to low demand and reduced attention. The decision, made by the Executive Board on 5 March 2026, means no further issues are planned through 2029. The bank will continue to issue anniversary and commemorative coins in precious metals in rare cases.
The National Bank of Moldova has implemented a national Open Banking standard, creating a secure framework for connecting bank accounts to external financial applications with user consent. Aligned with the EU's Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2), it mandates Moldova's 15 licensed payment service providers to offer authorised third parties regulated APIs. Open Banking will enable services like consolidated account viewing and direct payment initiation from third-party apps.
Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission transferred a securities fraud case involving illegal short selling to the District Court, marking the first prosecution under section 300 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance. Defendants Chan Hoi Shing and Li Po Ching are accused of a fraudulent scheme involving 28 Hong Kong-listed companies. Bail conditions include a travel ban, surrender of travel documents, regular police reporting, residence requirements, and cash bail of HKD 280,000 each.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority released Q4 2025 statistics on stored value facility schemes, indicating growth in active accounts, transaction volumes, and float. SVF accounts reached 86.4 million, a 3.6% increase quarter-on-quarter, with transactions totaling 2.3 billion, up 6.6% quarter-on-quarter. The total transaction value was HKD 272.4 billion, with notable contributions from point-of-sale and online spending.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority released Q4 2025 statistics on payment cards, highlighting a significant rise in credit cards in circulation, up 15.6% quarter-on-quarter and 38.4% year-on-year, with transaction volumes and values also increasing. Credit card transactions reached 393.96 million, valued at HKD 311.6 billion, while debit card transactions rose 2.7% quarter-on-quarter to 53.7 million but declined year-on-year.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails involving The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, and Chong Hing Bank. The HKMA reminded the public that banks will not send messages with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force's Crime Wing Information Centre.
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam updated its Alert List, adding Loan Adakami BDCB, to identify entities not licensed or regulated by the bank. The list aims to prevent public misconceptions about regulatory status and emphasizes the importance of engaging only with licensed financial institutions. The central bank reiterated that unlicensed services lack regulatory protection.
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam's January 2026 Business Sentiment Index showed slight optimism in current conditions at 50.2 and stable February expectations at 50.0. Investment sentiment was modestly positive, while employment and cost indices indicated subdued conditions and moderate cost increases. Health and Education sectors showed the strongest optimism, whereas Transport and Communication lagged, with sentiment varying slightly by business size.