The Central Bank of Algeria announced that Acting Governor Mouatassem Boudiaf participated in a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, alongside Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred and presidential advisers.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, at the 2026 AlUla Conference, emphasized that emerging markets can handle global trade changes but should focus on reforms for private sector growth and regional integration. She highlighted stronger policy frameworks, including independent central banks and fiscal rules, while noting growth challenges from depleted fiscal buffers and rising debt, stressing the importance of cutting red tape, deepening financial markets, and enhancing regional cooperation.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) imposed sanctions on PT Repower Asia Indonesia Tbk and PT Multi Makmur Lemindo Tbk for violations related to material transactions and financial statement presentations. Sanctions included fines, business licence freezes, and bans from capital markets activities, with specific penalties for directors and audit partners for failing to adhere to professional standards and due diligence requirements.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) issued Regulation Number 30 of 2025 and Circular Letter Number 34/SEOJK.07/2025 to enhance governance and risk management for Financial Sector Technology Innovation providers and standardize business planning for Digital Financial Asset Trading Operators. The regulation mandates governance structures, risk management frameworks, and reporting requirements effective from 1 July 2026, while the circular outlines business plan and reporting obligations with deadlines in late 2026 and early 2027.
Mexico's National Insurance and Surety Commission (CNSF) reported an information security incident involving intermediary certificates, mostly public in nature, on 30 January. The CNSF has activated security protocols and will extend the validity of existing certificates until 28 February. Legal action will be pursued for conduct potentially constituting offences.
Mexico's National Insurance and Surety Commission (CNSF) reported an information security incident involving intermediary credentials and activated its response protocols. The validity of existing credentials is extended until 28 February while new ones are processed. CNSF will pursue legal actions regarding potential offences related to the incident.
S&P Global Ratings affirmed Georgia’s sovereign rating at BB with a Stable outlook, citing strengthened fiscal and monetary policy, increased foreign exchange reserves, and banking-sector resilience. S&P highlighted a 38% year-on-year rise in reserves to USD 6.2 billion, driven by net foreign currency purchases, higher gold asset values, tourism revenue growth, and strong remittance inflows, with the banking system showing profitability, high capitalisation, and stable credit growth.
The State Bank of Vietnam has directed its units and financial institutions to ensure safe and stable banking operations during the Lunar New Year 2026, emphasizing proactive monetary policy, inflation control, and macroeconomic stability. Measures include enhancing cybersecurity, managing credit growth, strengthening fraud prevention, and ensuring efficient cash and foreign exchange services, with specific requirements for pre-holiday reviews and staffing during Tet.
The Egmont Group's Chair's statement from its annual meetings in Arusha, Tanzania, emphasized expanding secure financial intelligence cooperation among member FIUs through seven new memoranda of understanding and ongoing modernization of the Egmont Secure Web. Key outcomes included a new project on Joint Analyses between FIUs, recommendations for membership applications, and progress on guidance for FIU autonomy and operational independence, with further developments planned for the ECOFEL Certification Program and the plenary in Baku.
The Bank of Italy has warned about an unauthorised Threads profile misusing Governor Fabio Panetta's identity, advising the public to avoid interaction and rely on official channels for information.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft amendments to its Non-Banking Financial Companies Branch Authorisation Directions, proposing to eliminate the need for NBFCs to obtain prior approval or give prior intimation to open branches in India. Public comments are invited by February 27, 2026, with consequential amendments to related directions anticipated.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued draft revised directions for credit derivatives, seeking public comments by February 27, 2026, to support derivatives on credit indices and total return swaps on corporate bonds. The draft consolidates existing rules and aligns with the Union Budget for FY 2026-27 and the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies.
The Reserve Bank of India revised the Voluntary Retention Route framework for foreign portfolio investor investments in debt instruments, aligning VRR investment limits with General Route limits and easing exit conditions for longer retention commitments. Effective April 1, 2026, these changes require existing VRR investments to transfer to General Route limits, with updates reflected in the Master Direction on non-resident investment in debt instruments.
The Central Bank of Cyprus released the Governor's introductory remarks for the "Presenting the Digital Euro in Cyprus" event held in Nicosia, with the text provided in English.
The Central Bank of Cyprus released its January 2026 Statistical Bulletin, providing comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual economic statistics for Cyprus.
The Central Bank of Cyprus has issued an open tender for services related to Oracle software to enhance its database availability, with an estimated contract value of EUR 260,000 plus VAT. Bids must be submitted by 20 March 2026, based on the most economically advantageous offer.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined an exchange bureau in Jalal-Abad KGS 55,000 for breaching national legislation and the bank's regulations.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has granted a license to Closed Joint Stock Company Asman Bank for conducting banking operations in national and/or foreign currency, effective from a board decision on 4 February 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has released a draft Board resolution for public discussion, proposing amendments to regulatory legal acts concerning the licensing of exchange bureaus and microfinance organizations, with feedback due by February 20, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting public feedback on a draft Board resolution to establish a minimum working capital requirement for exchange bureaus, with comments due by February 20, 2026.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has opened a public consultation on a draft Cabinet Office Ordinance to amend the Enforcement Regulations of the Insurance Business Act, aiming to ease large credit regulations by excluding insurance subsidiaries' asset management from exposure calculations. Comments are due by 17:00 on 9 March 2026, with the ordinance set to be promulgated post-consultation.
The Bank of Italy released Working Papers Nos. 1514 to 1519 and its latest economic research Newsletter No. 81, covering topics such as climate information in banking, worker selection exams, oil-market shocks, statutory auditors' impact, risky firms and fragile banks, and high-speed rail effects on student mobility.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Yangi O‘zbekiston University to collaborate on education and research, including joint projects, academic publications, and conferences, as well as aligning academic research with the Central Bank's focus and providing internships and specialized training for staff.
Governor Ahmet Ismaili of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo highlighted the resilience of Kosovo's banking system at the “French Business Day” conference, emphasizing high capital, liquidity levels, and low non-performing loans. He outlined priorities including regulatory strengthening, financial innovation, and digitalisation, with initiatives like the TIPS Clone instant payments project and SEPA membership progress, alongside enhanced oversight and cybersecurity measures.
The Japan Financial Services Agency revised the Financial and Asset Management Special Zone Realization Package to update the name of the special zone covering Hokkaido and Sapporo City, following a request from Sapporo City. An updated package and comparison table were published, with references to Hokkaido Prefecture and Sapporo City materials for further details.
The Financial Services Superintendency of the Central Bank of Uruguay issued a warning about unregistered loan offers on social media by "Mi Crédito," highlighting fraudulent practices such as advance payment scams and the use of fake documentation. The public is advised to verify the authenticity of credit offers and avoid sharing personal information without proper verification.
The Central Bank of Montenegro and the UN Resident Coordinator’s office discussed enhancing financial stability, regulatory improvements, and payment system modernization, focusing on digital transformation and the green economy. Governor Irena Radovic noted full implementation of pre-accession obligations and alignment with EU standards, with the UN affirming support for Montenegro's development priorities and EU integration efforts.
The Dominican Republic’s Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN) awarded its “Here We Know About Pensions” seal to General de Seguros for training over 100 employees on the pension system, marking the 17th company to receive this certification. The program aims to address information gaps about the pension system, with General de Seguros committing to further staff development through ongoing training.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission advises holders of Chaoprayamahanakorn Public Company Limited’s CMC257A bonds to review information and exercise their rights before the bondholders’ meeting on 11 February 2026, where changes to bond terms will be voted on. The meeting will address amending the bond maturity date and a waiver regarding notification requirements, with Globlex Securities Co., Ltd. as the bondholders’ representative.
Preliminary data from the National Bank of Ukraine indicate that international reserves reached a record USD 57,660.3 million as of 1 February 2026, driven by external financing despite net foreign exchange sales and debt repayments. Reserves now cover six months of future imports, with significant contributions from World Bank accounts and valuation effects.
The European Central Bank released key insights from its latest interactions with non-financial companies.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority fined Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited USD 504,000 for inadequate systems to detect market abuse and failing to notify a proposed change in control, with the firm receiving an early settlement discount. Despite having tools to identify market abuse, the firm failed to assess alerts adequately, resulting in unreported trading instances, and did not notify the DFSA of a potential change in control, even though it didn't proceed.
The Bank of England announced updates to its International Banking Statistics, implementing new country grouping conventions effective from 2025 Q4 data, with changes reflecting updated classifications by the Bank for International Settlements and the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, Bulgaria will be reclassified as an Advanced Economy following its euro area accession on 1 January 2026, impacting data from 2026 Q1.
The Japan Financial Services Agency will hold an online meeting on 6 March 2026 to discuss the annual update of the EDINET Taxonomy, including planned changes for the 2027 edition and sustainability disclosures. Public comments on the 2027 edition are expected in August 2026, with an announcement in early November 2026.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Piero Cipollone discussed the digital euro's policy rationale, highlighting its role as a digital cash complement and reducing reliance on non-European payment infrastructures. He detailed Eurosystem initiatives for distributed ledger technology, cross-border payment improvements, and legislative progress for the digital euro Regulation, with a pilot exercise call for payment service providers forthcoming.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced that Moody's Investors Service has maintained Indonesia’s sovereign credit rating at Baa2, revising the outlook to negative from stable, citing solid economic fundamentals and resilience in the financial services sector. OJK emphasized its commitment to its 2026 Priority Programme, focusing on financial system stability, policy coordination, and supporting government financing priorities.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission cancelled the financial services and credit licences of Centre Capital Securities Pty Ltd effective 29 January 2026, due to unpaid industry funding levies outstanding for over 12 months. The firm can appeal ASIC's decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
State Bank of Vietnam Governor Nguyen Thi Hong reviewed 2025 sector results, outlining key changes: organisational restructuring, completion of a mandatory transfer programme for weak banks, and legislative advancements. The bank aims for sustained double-digit economic growth, prioritizing inflation control and system safety, with over 90% of transactions now digital and cross-border payment integration underway with regional partners.
At the Banking Times’ annual review conference, the State Bank of Vietnam outlined its 2026 priorities, emphasizing a stronger role for the publication as the SBV's spokesperson and policy-communication channel, alongside a comprehensive digital transformation roadmap. Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha highlighted the need for enhanced digital platform distribution, improved information quality, and strengthened internal management and human resource development.
The IMF Executive Board's 2025 Article IV consultation with Malta noted robust growth despite global uncertainty, with GDP growth slowing to 3.9% and inflation slightly above 2%. The Board emphasized fiscal consolidation, enhanced revenue mobilization, and vigilance in the banking sector, while highlighting structural priorities such as addressing labor shortages, investing in infrastructure and technology, and advancing digitalization and climate resilience.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third review of Equatorial Guinea’s non-financing Staff Monitored Program, noting solid implementation amid a reform agenda to adjust to lower hydrocarbon output. Economic activity contracted by 6.4% in 2025, with fiscal policy targeting a non-hydrocarbon primary balance of -17.8% of GDP, while public debt rose to 39.2% of GDP; further fiscal adjustments are planned to keep debt below 50% of GDP as hydrocarbon revenues decline.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Finance announced landlord registration with the Board of Inland Revenue for the new Landlord Business Surcharge will begin with downloadable forms available from March 1, 2026, and the registration deadline extended to May 30. Introduced in the 2025/2026 National Budget, the surcharge ranges from 2.5% to 3.5% of rental income and is creditable against the final annual tax liability, with penalties for late registration set at TTD 1,000 for individuals and TTD 2,500 for corporations every six months.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's Monetary Council will hold its 112th meeting on 13 February at ECCB headquarters in Basseterre, where Governor Timothy N. J. Antoine will present the Report on Monetary and Credit Conditions in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. The agenda includes discussions on The Big Push Initiative and reports from various committees, with a press conference by Council Chairman Gaston Browne scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation presented its 2025-2026 Corporate Plan in Parliament, outlining strategic goals to enhance depositor confidence, resolution preparedness, and internal capabilities through public awareness, workforce development, and infrastructure investment.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation extended the comment period for its proposed rulemaking on approval requirements for issuing payment stablecoins through subsidiaries by FDIC-supervised insured depository institutions from 17 February 2026 to 18 May 2026. The proposal outlines application procedures under the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, detailing evaluation, processing, and appeal processes for insured State nonmember banks and State savings associations.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Market Participants Division has revised CFTC Staff Letter 25-40 to include national trust banks as permitted issuers of "payment stablecoins" for the no-action position, which affects futures commission merchants accepting non-securities digital assets as customer margin collateral.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond announced director appointments and board leadership selections for 2026, including the reappointment of Lisa Lawson as chair and Halsey Cook as deputy chair of the Richmond Fed’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Frank Holding was selected to serve on the Federal Advisory Council, and several new directors were appointed across its Baltimore and Charlotte branch boards.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York appointed Daniel Cunha, Mario Harik, and Diego Suárez, Jr. to its Second District Advisory Council, which advises on business and economic conditions. Council members serve three-year terms, with the next meeting set for February 23, 2026.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas projects Texas employment will grow by 1.1% in 2026, adding 154,600 jobs, following near-flat growth in 2025. The forecast, based on models incorporating national GDP and oil futures, highlights weak 2025 hiring due to higher productivity, slower immigration, and policy uncertainty, with sectoral job losses and gains.
The Central Bank of West African States announced disciplinary actions by the Banking Commission of the West African Monetary Union against three banks in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, and Togo for regulatory breaches. The banks received reprimands and fines totaling XOF 151 million, XOF 300 million, and XOF 300 million, respectively, for governance, risk management, and compliance failures. These sanctions were issued under Instruction No. 006-05-2018.
Senate Banking Committee members, led by Elizabeth Warren, urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to withdraw a proposed "safety and soundness" rule, arguing it would weaken bank oversight by limiting enforcement tools. They highlighted concerns over the rule's definition of "unsafe or unsound practice" and its potential inconsistency with the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, citing past bank failures and the 2008 financial crisis as reasons for their opposition.
House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill and Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chairman Mike Flood support the Housing for the 21st Century Act, set for House floor consideration on 9 February 2026. The bill aims to expand housing supply by streamlining development approvals, updating HUD programs, and easing construction finance constraints. It addresses a national housing shortfall by proposing faster permitting, simplified processes, modernization of HUD standards, and reduced regulatory burdens to enhance banks' access to stable funding for housing-related lending.
The U.S. Financial Services Committee leaders endorsed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, aimed at addressing a national housing shortfall by expediting permitting, modernizing HUD programs, and reducing regulatory barriers for banks financing construction. The bill, which includes measures for faster approvals and updates to housing standards, is expected to be voted on in the House the week of 9 February 2026.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission noted that emerging technologies like tokenization and artificial intelligence are transforming the municipal securities market while maintaining existing legal obligations. The speech stressed the need for municipal advisors and underwriters to understand blockchain and digital assets, manage compliance risks, and ensure transparency and accuracy in disclosures under Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-17 and Rule 15c2-12.
De Nederlandsche Bank has imposed a penalty order on IDSG Group B.V. for failing to fully comply with its information request.
The Bank of the Lao marked the 22nd anniversary of International Anti-Corruption Day with an event attended by over 200 participants, including internal departments and commercial banks. Co-chaired by the Bank's Inspection Department and the State Inspection Authority, the program featured presentations on anti-corruption efforts, laws, and international cooperation, followed by a Q&A session.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will permit retail consumers to access crypto exchange traded notes (cETNs) on FCA-approved UK-based Recognised Investment Exchanges, reversing its previous restriction. Financial promotion rules and the Consumer Duty will apply, but investments will not be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FCA maintains its ban on retail access to cryptoasset derivatives and will monitor high-risk investments.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced 2026 growth measures focusing on UK-issued stablecoins, digitalisation of financial services, and SME lending. Key initiatives include a regulatory sandbox for stablecoin testing, the launch of PISCES for private share trading, and collaboration with the Bank of England on stablecoin regulation. The FCA also highlighted reforms like the Supercharged Sandbox with Nvidia for AI testing and simplifications to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime.
Poland's official reserve assets reached EUR 246.8 billion at January 2026's end, up EUR 15.7 billion from December 2025, with the US dollar value rising by USD 22.7 billion to USD 293.9 billion. The central bank prioritizes safety and liquidity in managing foreign exchange reserves, mainly investing in Treasury securities, non-government debt securities, and investment fund units, with a minor portion in short-term bank deposits.
The National Bank of Serbia has extended a measure to support cash foreign currency availability, requiring exchange offices to return cash to banks within 15 days instead of 30, effective from 11 February to 15 March 2026. During this period, the bank will monitor the exchange market and conduct targeted inspections for compliance with foreign exchange rules.
The National Bank of Moldova reported a decline in official reserve assets to EUR 5,080.70 million as of 30 January 2026, primarily due to exchange rate depreciation and external public debt service payments, with partial offsets from reserve management income and net inflows from banks' foreign-currency reserves.
The National Bank of Moldova reported on a meeting between Governor Anca Dragu and the France–Moldova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting discussions on economic and investment cooperation amid Moldova’s European integration. The meeting emphasized the central bank's role in maintaining macrofinancial stability and modernizing financial infrastructure, noted a 22% investment increase in 2025 as a growth driver, and reaffirmed France's support for Moldova's EU aspirations and financial reforms.
The National Bank of Moldova conducted meetings with licensed savings and loan associations to discuss supervision processes, regulatory changes, and consumer protection rules. The bank outlined plans for sector consolidation and reform, emphasizing transparency and public consultation in future legislative initiatives.
The Central Bank of Russia reported nearly 392,000 complaints from financial consumers and investors in 2025, with a decrease in complaints about tied selling in lending and a rise against banks due to stricter anti-fraud measures. Complaints against insurance companies and professional securities market participants declined significantly, while complaints against microfinance organizations increased by 13.2% due to issues like loan repayment holidays.
The Central Bank of Russia's Financial Market Risks Review highlights a significant increase in retail investor activity in the bond market in 2025, with record purchases of federal government bonds (OFZ) and corporate bonds totaling RUB 490 billion and RUB 1.26 trillion, respectively. Retail investors also led net share purchases in the secondary market, while household foreign-currency purchases remained stable at RUB 1.12 trillion.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a 36% increase in businesses accepting Faster Payments System (SBP) payments in 2025, reaching three million, with total SBP transactions amounting to 18.3 billion worth RUB 103 trillion. Transfers between individuals were the most common, while company-related transfers also saw significant growth.
Cyprus’s Ministry of Finance, at the “Presenting the Digital Euro in Cyprus” event, emphasized the digital euro as a tool to enhance European competitiveness and digital transition, stressing it should complement, not replace, the euro. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted its role in European market integration and the necessity for safeguards to maintain banking stability.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit, through the National Banking and Securities Commission, issued best-practice documents for money transmitters and general deposit warehouses to enhance Reports of Unusual Operations and Reports of Concerning Internal Operations. The guidance aims to improve information quality and timeliness, aligning with international standards and Financial Action Task Force recommendations.
The World Federation of Exchanges published two papers on sustainable finance taxonomies, emphasizing their role in supporting credible capital allocation and economic transition. The papers highlight the need for science-based, regularly updated taxonomies with clear guidance, interoperability, and integration with national strategies, while recommending transition taxonomies be anchored in national plans with sunset clauses and regular reviews.
The International Monetary Fund's Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura highlighted Burkina Faso's economic resilience amid challenges, crediting sound policies and export growth for sustainable public debt and controlled inflation. Priorities include fiscal discipline, resource mobilization, private sector revival, and reforms in fiscal governance, infrastructure, and diversification, with the IMF committed to ongoing support.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has denied the renewal of Sergiy Shchavyelyev's mortgage brokerage licence due to violations of the Mortgage Brokerages, Lenders and Administrators Act, 2006, including false statements and failure to maintain required coverage. Shchavyelyev did not challenge the decision or request a hearing.
The European Association of CCP Clearing Houses (EACH) responded to the CPMI-IOSCO consultation on guidance for financial market infrastructures, advocating consistency with Principle 15 while cautioning against new standards conflicting with European regulations. EACH highlights existing EU frameworks for managing non-default losses and raises concerns about potential conflicts with EU rules on capital requirements and risk management practices.
The European Commission proposed a 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting energy, financial services, and trade to restrict Russian oil and gas exports, tighten banking constraints, and broaden import and export controls. Key measures include a maritime services ban on Russian crude oil, listing additional vessels linked to Russia, targeting cryptocurrencies and third-country banks, and introducing new export and import bans, with Member States urged to endorse the package.
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic released information on insurance payments and premiums for 2025, as part of its annual insurance market reporting.
The Bank of Albania announced its Global Money Week 2026 programme, focusing on financial education for youth from 16 to 22 March. Coordinated by OECD-INFE and supported by local institutions, the initiative includes events and contests on personal finance and the central bank's role, marking the 100th anniversary of Albania's national currency. Activities feature a banknote design contest, a "100-Year National Currency" project, and competitions for different student age groups.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission joined four Chinese agencies in issuing a risk warning on illegal "proxy rights protection" content circulated through short-video and livestreaming platforms. The warning targets false claims on full insurance refunds, debt elimination, credit cleansing and investment advisory fee refunds used to sell paid rights protection services. Consumers and investors were told to verify information through official channels and report suspect content to platforms, regulators or police.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has opened an investigation into Shenzhen Yahuilong Biotechnology Co., Ltd. over a suspected misleading statement in the company's Jan. 7, 2026 announcement on signing a strategic cooperation framework agreement.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has opened its 2026 research program, inviting proposals on capital market reform and supervision priorities including AI, listed company governance, pension finance, enforcement and policies to attract long-term funds. Applications must be led by eligible institutions rather than individuals, and projects will generally run for six to 12 months. Applications close on March 31, 2026.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission said it completed 20 IPO applicant on-site inspections in 2025, including 16 random checks and four targeted inspections, and reported improved filing quality with no withdrawals among randomly selected applicants. It identified two companies suspected of major disclosure violations and opened investigations, while six others faced criticism or warnings for disclosure defects. Twelve additional applicants were required to rectify less material disclosure irregularities without formal regulatory measures.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission joined a multi agency notice that classifies virtual currency activity and unauthorized real world asset tokenization as illegal financial activity in China. The measures ban most onshore services, restrict offshore activity involving domestic parties, and tighten obligations on banks, payment firms, internet platforms and other service providers. The notice applies immediately and replaces the 2021 virtual currency risk notice.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission joined seven other authorities in issuing a revised notice that keeps virtual currency business in China classified as illegal financial activity and extends the framework to real-world asset tokenization. The notice also bars unapproved offshore issuance of virtual currencies by domestic entities, prohibits unapproved offshore issuance of renminbi-pegged stablecoins, and subjects offshore tokenization of domestic assets to approval, filing and compliance requirements.
SEBI has issued a consolidated master circular for Investment Advisers, integrating all relevant SEBI circulars and rescinding previous ones, while preserving prior actions and liabilities. Key updates include client-level segregation of advisory and distribution activities, a revised fee regime with caps, mandatory client agreements, enhanced compliance measures, and specific requirements for using Artificial Intelligence tools.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an updated master circular for research analysts, consolidating requirements and guidance into a single document. Key updates include conduct obligations, financial controls, client interaction records, and periodic reporting, with specific provisions for deposits, fees, and compliance audits under the oversight of the Research Analyst Administration and Supervisory Body (RAASB).
The Slovenia Securities Market Agency has issued technical instructions and specifications for information systems of individual investment account providers, focusing on compliance for potential providers from other EU member states. These requirements ensure lawful operation, reliable record-keeping, and effective reporting to the agency and the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia.
The Isle of Man Treasury updated its Russia sanctions list, amending the entry for BY INOVASYON TEKNOLOJI SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI due to its involvement in activities potentially destabilizing Ukraine, while removing Alexey Valeryevich Panferov from the list, lifting asset freeze and trust services sanctions. The notice emphasizes immediate asset freezing upon a sanctions match and requires firms to unfreeze assets for delisted individuals unless retained for other regulatory reasons.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market discussed regulatory policy priorities with the Professional Association of Capital Markets and Derivatives Participants, focusing on capital market development and launching personal investment accounts. Key topics included coordination with the National Bank of Ukraine, regulation of non-public issues, and reducing compliance burdens while increasing regulatory transparency.
Olaf Sleijpen of De Nederlandsche Bank stressed the need to accelerate the European Commission’s Savings and Investment Union to boost cross-border investment and competitiveness in Europe, citing fragmented capital markets and national barriers. He supported the Market Integration Package and urged member state action on taxation, insolvency law, and Banking Union advancements, highlighting the Netherlands' role in boosting retail investment.
The Superintendency of the Securities Market of the Dominican Republic launched ProInversionista's website to improve public access to securities market information. It offers resources for investor queries, complaints, and educational materials, including a Virtual Classroom. Superintendent Ernesto Bournigal emphasized plain-language content to promote responsible investing.
De Nederlandsche Bank's analysis of the Netherlands' planned defence spending increase highlights that while the country aims to allocate at least 3.5% of GDP to defence until 2035, the immediate economic impact may be limited due to higher imports and labour costs. The bank suggests focusing on "dual-use" domains like semiconductors and leveraging maritime expertise to enhance efficiency and reduce import dependence, noting that expanding European defence production is a long-term effort requiring stable government demand.
The Central Bank of the Philippines clarified enhanced due diligence (EDD) for large-value cash transactions, mandating EDD for withdrawals over PHP 500,000 per customer. Financial institutions may streamline EDD based on customer risk profiles and transaction patterns, with additional measures for deviations or heightened risks. Institutions must ensure EDD does not delay legitimate transactions, supported by streamlined processes and targeted staff training.
Bank Negara Malaysia's updated Operational Risk Reporting policy requires entities to submit Loss Event Data and Key Risk Indicators via the ORR system from 30 January 2026. Applicable to financial institutions and others, it mandates consolidation and validation of submissions, overseen by the Group Chief Risk Officer. Reporting includes operational risk events with financial losses in Ringgit Malaysia, with specific timelines for event-based reporting and KRI submissions.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) held the first 2026 meeting of the Commission for the Promotion of Closed Supplementary Pensions (COFOM) in Brasília, presenting proposals for a medium- to long-term development plan for the sector. Key topics include expanding risk coverage, simplifying procedures, enhancing communication, and promoting innovation. Deliberation on these proposals is deferred to the next COFOM meeting in late February, followed by a hearing.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission held the third meeting of its Digital Asset Consultative Panel to discuss regulatory developments for digital assets, focusing on enhancing liquidity and expanding offerings on licensed platforms. The SFC will continue collaborating with these platforms, aligning with its ASPIRe roadmap.
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued guidance due to Bulgaria’s Insurance Jsc Dallbogg: Life And Health failing to issue risk certificates for expiring motor liability policies. Dallbogg, banned since July 2025 from writing or renewing contracts in Europe, is supervised by the Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission. IVASS is collaborating with the Bulgarian authority, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and other supervisors, advising policyholders to seek coverage from Italian insurers and use substitute declarations if necessary.
The Kyrgyz Republic's State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets and the Asian Development Bank discussed disaster risk financing, focusing on grant support under the Emergency Financing Program and Development Related Bonds to enhance financial resilience against climate and natural disasters. They also explored launching an insurance pool for residential premises and demonstrated a disaster risk assessment interface.
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic reported a 94.3% increase in gross written premiums to KGS 10,076 million for 2025, with insurance payments rising 55% to KGS 1,387.7 million and a sector net profit of KGS 1.22 billion. The report highlights a 21.6% decline in insurance reserves and a 14.1% increase in premiums ceded to reinsurance, with the investment portfolio mainly in Kyrgyz commercial bank deposits, government securities, and real estate.
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam is collaborating with the Brunei Association of Banks to enhance security controls following ATM card-skimming incidents, emphasizing robust fraud prevention and response mechanisms. Expected actions include regular ATM inspections and enhanced monitoring, with banks implementing preventive measures and advising consumers on vigilance against unauthorized transactions.
The Central Bank of Armenia has initiated a public consultation to assess barriers to innovative financial products and services, seeking market input on the potential need for innovation facilitators like an innovation hub and regulatory sandbox amid the rising influence of fintech.
The Central Bank of Armenia's Governor Martin Galstyan, speaking at Amundi's "Investment Outlook 2026" forum, highlighted the need for central banks to adapt policy-making due to geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, citing Armenia's new monetary policy risk-management framework and increased transparency. Key risks identified include persistent inflation, slowing growth in advanced economies, and geopolitical polarization.
SEBI mandates Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to report the latest net asset value (NAV) for each ISIN of AIF units into the depository system by 1 May 2026 or within 30 days from the valuation date, to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. Depositories must develop infrastructure for NAV uploads, amend rules, and ensure dissemination of requirements, while trustees or sponsors must verify compliance in the manager’s Compliance Test Report.