The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for International Finance held the eighth Hong Kong–Switzerland Financial Dialogue in Bern, focusing on bilateral collaboration in financial services, sustainable finance, fintech, and market connectivity. The event included a private-sector seminar on artificial intelligence in banking, digital assets, and cross-border opportunities.
The FDIC was appointed receiver for Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust, closed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and entered an agreement with First Independence Bank to assume most deposits. The FDIC estimates a USD 19.7 million cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund, with Metropolitan Capital Bank & Trust being the first U.S. bank failure in 2026.
National Credit Union Administration Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman has been appointed to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and will remain as NCUA Chairman until a successor is appointed and confirmed.
Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman supported the decision to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent, projecting three rate cuts in 2026 as policy approaches neutrality. Bowman emphasized the fragility of the labor market despite inflation nearing 2 percent, advocating for a cautious approach to policy adjustments amid recent data volatility and upcoming economic reports.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, issued a letter to Kevin Warsh, nominee for Federal Reserve Chair, inquiring about his stance on the Department of Justice's criminal investigations into current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Governor Lisa Cook, as well as President Trump's statements on Powell's independence. Warren requested Warsh's responses by February 6, 2026.
Madagascar's Ministry of Economy and Finance held a regional forum in Toamasina as part of a series to develop a national economic recovery plan and strengthen public-private partnerships. The discussions, supported by the World Bank and European Union, covered corruption, taxes, infrastructure, finance access, and investment climate, with outputs contributing to a National Economic Recovery Pact.
France's Financial Markets Authority announced that the Paris Criminal Court convicted five individuals and five legal entities for private corruption, organised market manipulation, and insider dealing related to Casino and Rallye securities. The court imposed prison sentences, fines up to EUR 40 million, and professional bans, with the decision subject to appeal.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance released the January 2026 Thailand Regional Economic Sentiment Index, forecasting continued regional economic expansion, particularly in the Eastern and Northeast regions driven by the services sector. The report highlights the positive impact of the Blue Flag Expo and Blue Flag Border initiatives on reducing living costs, with the Eastern Economic Corridor showing the highest future confidence reading at 83.7.
The Japan Financial Services Agency released a summary of key supervisory issues discussed with industry groups, organized by month for Reiwa 7, covering various financial entities and noting an update related to U.S. tariff policy in the Japan Securities Dealers Association entry.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic's Chairman M. Turgunbaev and Holger Flörkemeyer, Director of the IMF Regional Capacity Development Center for the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia, discussed cooperation prospects, focusing on technical support and capacity development through training activities.
The Bank of Italy issued a warning about fraudulent loan agreements promoted on social networks using its logo and senior officials' names, clarifying it does not offer financing services. The public is advised to avoid engaging with these scams, not to share personal data, and to consult the Bank's official website for accurate information.
The Bank of Italy published Deputy Governor Paolo Angelini's opening remarks from the Soft Power Club’s Seventh Conference in Rome, focusing on the theme of "A Soft Power Index in a Changing World" and the role of central banks in soft power.
The Japan Financial Services Agency ordered a JPY 4,020,000 surcharge payment to the national treasury for insider trading violations involving EPS Holdings Co., Ltd. shares, following a Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission recommendation and trial proceedings under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
The Japan Financial Services Agency ordered FISCO Co., Ltd. to pay a JPY 15 million surcharge to the national treasury for false statements in securities reports, following a Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission recommendation. The decision, adopted after trial proceedings and a draft decision by an adjudication judge, requires payment by 30 March, Reiwa 8.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has ordered Kusim Co., Ltd. to pay a JPY 12 million administrative surcharge by 30 March 2026, following the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission's findings of false statements in the company's securities reports.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has ordered a JPY 580,000 surcharge payment for insider trading by contractors' employees at Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., following a Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission recommendation, with payment due by 30 March 2026 under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo released December 2025 financial statistics for non-bank financial institutions, noting a 0.42% increase in other financial intermediaries’ assets to EUR 747.04 million and a rise in gross loans to EUR 551.88 million. Insurance companies' assets remained stable at EUR 357.69 million, while pension fund assets reached EUR 3.77 billion, with equities comprising 80.11% of total assets.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo reported a 5.27% increase in commercial banks' total assets to EUR 9.71 billion in December 2025, with gross loans rising to EUR 6.67 billion and customer deposits reaching EUR 7.82 billion, resulting in a loan-to-deposit ratio of 85.22%.
The Central Bank of Luxembourg reported that the consumer confidence indicator remained unchanged at -8 in January 2026. While expectations for Luxembourg’s general economic situation improved, expectations for personal financial situations declined, with other components remaining stable.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has referred a case of suspected insider trading involving the National Cleaning Company to the Attorney General, citing violations under Article 118 of Law No. 7 of 2010, with trades occurring between 12 August 2025 and 9 November 2025 by two insiders with access to undisclosed material information.
The Croatian National Bank has released gold and silver collector coins commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Samobor Carnival, with limited mintages and sales starting on 5 February 2026. The coins, designed by sculptor Karlo Gross, feature Princess Magpie and other carnival figures, with prices subject to market fluctuations.
The National Bank of Angola reported significant growth in the KWiK instant payments solution, with 35 million transfers totaling AOA 590 billion in 2025, marking over 100% growth from 2024. The system, involving 22 financial institutions, plans to enhance functionality with QR-code payments and other services to align with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy's 2025–2027 objectives.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup and Greece’s Minister of National Economy and Finance, will meet with leaders of the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank, and Deutsche Börse in Frankfurt to discuss monetary policy, the digital economy, and the international role of the euro. The agenda includes meetings with ECB President Christine Lagarde, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel, and Deutsche Börse CEO Stephan Leithner.
The Angola Insurance Authority (ARSEG) has published its 2026 Activity Plan on its official website.
The National Bank of Ukraine has initiated an interest rate easing cycle, reducing the key policy rate from 15.5% to 15% to align with its inflation target of 5% over the policy horizon while maintaining foreign exchange market stability. Inflation is projected to decline to 7.5% by end-2026, with GDP growth revised to 1.8% for 2025 and 2026, supported by EU financial assistance and an IMF program.
The Bank of Italy released a Transition Plan for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 with interim targets for 2035, including a 67% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 40% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from a 2019 baseline. The plan includes electrification, energy efficiency improvements, and renewable energy use, with progress integrated into strategic planning and reported annually.
The French Financial Markets Authority published a study recommending good practices to enhance the readability and comprehension of structured products for retail investors in France, based on discussions by its consultative commissions. The study is not AMF doctrine and does not amend existing guidelines on promotional communications for structured debt securities.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) announced measures to enhance transparency, governance, and integrity in the capital market, aligning with Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) requirements. Key actions include comprehensive share-ownership data disclosure, a minimum free float rule, and strengthened oversight, with ongoing market monitoring and potential refinements based on MSCI feedback.
Central Bank of Ireland Governor Gabriel Makhlouf emphasized the Bank's role in informing policy through research and analysis, adapting its toolkit to address geopolitical changes, and aligning its research agenda with strategic themes. He highlighted model changes to account for security concerns affecting economic decisions and noted the Bank's ongoing engagement with external experts.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand, urged holders of Thai Polycons Public Company Limited’s TPOLY253A bonds to review information and exercise their rights before a bondholders' meeting on 3 February 2026, where they will vote on extending the bond's maturity to 30 October 2026 and revising the principal repayment schedule. The SEC also mandated the bondholders’ representative, KPM Securities Co., Ltd., to provide a detailed analysis of the proposals' implications.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has updated its disclosure of entities issued warning letters for unregistered financial instruments trading, listing both domestic and overseas operators. The update includes an HTML summary and directs readers to related guidance and reporting channels, noting that inclusion does not necessarily reflect current status.
Belgium's Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) reported increased use of its reporting channels in 2025, with 306 whistleblower and 4,674 consumer reports, mainly on unlawful or fraudulent offers. The FSMA emphasized these channels' importance for early infringement detection and supervisory actions, also noting a banker’s oath regime affecting about 30,000 individuals, including disciplinary measures and a certificate requirement.
ASIC took enforcement action against 28 SMSF auditors in the first half of 2025–26, resulting in disqualifications, registration cancellations, and additional conditions due to professional breaches. ASIC highlighted increased scrutiny on "in-house audits" and confirmed that disqualified auditors can seek review of registration decisions through ASIC and the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The National Bank of Denmark reported that Danish households' foreign securities holdings reached DKK 667 billion in 2025, surpassing domestic holdings due to US equity price increases. New datasets, DNVP1 and DNVP2, now include foreign securities and exchange-traded funds, offering detailed ownership and holdings data for households and the insurance and pension sector.
Japan's Ministry of Finance released its Regional Economy Trends report, noting a gradual economic recovery with upward revisions in two regions and unchanged assessments in nine. The report includes a special survey on artificial intelligence usage and summaries from various regional finance bureaus.
The Superintendency of Banks of the Dominican Republic, led by Superintendent Alejandro Fernández W., highlighted its role in financial stability and institutional transformation during a lecture at Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña. Key points included strategic planning, risk culture enhancement, sustainability, and integrating technology for improved supervision and public services. The presentation emphasized the importance of clear communication, leadership, and a technically proficient team.
Uruguay's Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the Commission for the Promotion and Defence of Competition, has initiated a public consultation on a new Guide to the Economic Analysis of Economic Concentrations, set to replace the 2020 version. The draft, informed by COPRODEC's case experience and supported by the World Bank and OECD, is open for stakeholder feedback until 13 February 2026.
The U.S. Treasury's semiannual report found no major trading partner manipulated its currency against the U.S. dollar, with no economy meeting all criteria for enhanced analysis. The report added Thailand to its Monitoring List and introduced strengthened analytical approaches, highlighting China's lack of transparency on exchange-rate policies and potential future designation as a currency manipulator if evidence of intervention arises.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced Project Crypto, a joint initiative with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to align crypto asset market regulation and reduce regulatory friction, anticipating forthcoming bipartisan market structure legislation. The project aims to harmonize standards across trading, clearing, custody, and risk management, with recent SEC efforts providing clarity on digital assets, including memecoins and stablecoins.
The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services linked its bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's priorities, focusing on expanding housing supply and modernizing federal programs. Key discussions included manufactured housing reforms and the removal of regulatory barriers to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The Federal Reserve Board appointed four new members and reappointed three to its Insurance Policy Advisory Committee, which advises on domestic and international insurance issues.
Tomislav Coric has assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Croatia, succeeding Marko Primorac, who is nominated for a Vice President position at the European Investment Bank. Coric emphasized continuity in fiscal policy, citing Croatia's macroeconomic performance and highlighting cross-government coordination as a key challenge.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has initiated a public consultation on its proposed 2026-27 budget plan, with feedback accepted until February 9, 2026. This consultation includes additional input on the Statement of Priorities and Strategic Framework, which are integral to FSRA’s Annual Business Plan.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market announced the approval of the Taxonomy UA IFRS XBRL 2025 (v1.0) for electronic financial reporting, applicable to 2025 annual and 2026 interim statements. The taxonomy, approved on 2 December 2025, is available online, with submission start dates to be confirmed post system setup.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market adopted rule-making measures, including amendments for financial statement submissions in XBRL format and updates to its 2026 rule-making plan. The Commission also addressed asset-blocking sanctions, classified certain investment projects as dubious, and undertook various registration and licensing actions, including share issues and compliance appointments.
Finland's Ministry of Finance is consulting on a draft bill to amend the Act on Keva, enhancing governance and operational requirements for the public-sector pension institution. The proposal includes leadership fitness and independence standards, detailed investment activity requirements, and expanded Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority oversight, with comments due by 12 March 2026 and implementation from 1 January 2028.
Peru's Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS) reported a rise in financial inclusion in the Junín region, with account and mobile wallet usage increasing from 42% to 63% between 2019 and 2024. SBS also engaged with savings and credit cooperatives, delivering training on cooperative education and financial management to over 70 members from Huancavelica, Junín, and Pasco.
France's Ministry of Economics and Finance announced changes effective February 2026, including adjustments to regulated savings rates, reduced electricity subscription charges, and mandatory mediation for air travel disputes before court action. Eligible recipients can apply for an energy cheque until 28 February 2026, with other updates covering winter sales end-dates, retail tobacco price changes, and February tax deadlines.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission have relaunched Project Crypto to clarify digital asset market regulations, aligning with forthcoming bipartisan legislation. This initiative focuses on harmonizing definitions, coordinated oversight, and secure data sharing to streamline agency registrations. It includes implementation roadmaps for new requirements, regulatory on-ramps, and modernized surveillance tools, tailored to material risks and statutory authorities.
The Portuguese Securities Commission (CMVM) issued an anonymised decision in an administrative infraction case against a financial intermediary for failing to collect necessary information for assessing portfolio management service suitability. A EUR 25,000 fine was imposed, with execution suspended for two years.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation updated its implementation Q&As for part 328 to reflect January 2026 amendments to its signage rule for insured depository institutions’ digital deposit-taking channels and ATMs. The amendments narrow where FDIC and non-deposit disclosures must appear, provide more flexibility in sign design and placement for websites, mobile applications and ATMs, and permit additional disclosures while keeping required notices at key customer decision points.
The IMF's analysis suggests India could enhance productivity growth by supporting innovation and removing barriers limiting firm size, potentially increasing growth by nearly 40%. The report highlights uneven sectoral performance, with strong service gains but weak manufacturing and agricultural productivity, and suggests labor code reforms and increased R&D investment could further boost productivity.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick marked Unclaimed Property Day by urging residents to use FundsFinderNB to locate unclaimed monetary property. Since 2023, over 700 individuals and businesses have reclaimed $3.4 million, with millions still unclaimed, and businesses must report unclaimed funds annually if owners cannot be contacted.
Payments Canada appointed Lisa Ford as Chief Legal and Policy Officer, effective February 17, 2026, to enhance organizational oversight and agility by consolidating legal, compliance, and policy functions. Ford's extensive experience includes payments policy advocacy, regulatory affairs, and advising on significant legislative implementations.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is creating a Credit Risk Management Guideline to consolidate expectations, incorporate international best practices, and address evolving risks like non-bank financial intermediation and counterparty credit risk. Feedback is invited by 29 July 2026, with draft chapters on overarching principles, wholesale credit risk management, and real estate secured lending to follow.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has launched a nine-month consultation on a principles-based senior leader accountability regime for federally regulated financial institutions, aiming to modernize suitability and accountability standards. The consultation, part of OSFI's broader corporate governance efforts, will run until October 31, 2026, and feedback will inform the final guidance.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) released its final 2026 Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline, effective May 1, 2026, refining deposit classification and liquidity treatment for federally regulated entities. Updates include criteria for retail funding classification, consolidation of retail structured note categories, and clarification on maturity measurement and contingent funding obligations, aligning with Basel Committee standards.
Canada's OSFI finalized updates to its Liquidity Adequacy Requirements Guideline and began consultations on consolidating credit risk management and enhancing governance for boards and senior leaders. OSFI will maintain loan-to-income limits for residential mortgage lending and set consultation periods of six months for credit risk guidelines and nine months for governance issues.
The House of Lords Financial Services Regulation Committee has launched an inquiry into stablecoins and the UK's regulatory approach, seeking written evidence from stakeholders. It will assess opportunities and risks to the UK economy, financial services, and retail customers, and evaluate proposed regulatory frameworks by the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority. Submissions should address the global stablecoin market, the UK's position relative to the US and EU, and impacts on monetary policy and financial intermediaries.
The European Banking Authority has opened a public consultation on draft amendments to its Guidelines for applying a systemic risk buffer to sectoral exposures, focusing on climate change-related risks. The revisions aim to enhance sectoral and geographical classifications and improve the design, monitoring, and reciprocation of systemic risk buffer measures, with comments due by 30 April 2026.
The Central Bank of Armenia's Board maintained the countercyclical capital buffer at 1.75% of risk-weighted assets and released its fourth quarter 2025 decision rationale with an update on financial stability indicators and risks.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority confirmed that Two Atoms Capital Company has fulfilled the requirements to begin advisory activities in the securities business, following a licence approval on 06 September 2022.
The Central Bank of the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BEEAH to enhance cooperation in recycling shredded banknotes, aligning with circular economy policies and sustainability goals. The collaboration will adhere to regulatory requirements and waste management best practices, focusing on transparency and security.
Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defence of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) reported MXN 118.9 million recovered from financial-services complaints in the State of Mexico, with 53.3% handled electronically. Key complaint causes included unrecognized purchases and debt-collection misconduct, with commercial banks accounting for 64.1% of complaints.
The Central Bank of the Philippines forecasts January 2026 inflation to range between 1.4% and 2.2%, with upward pressures from food, fuel, taxes, and peso depreciation, partially offset by lower electricity charges and stabilizing vegetable prices. The bank will maintain a data-dependent approach to monitor inflation and growth.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) engaged with the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program to explore cooperation on developing an early, out-of-court corporate dispute resolution system, potentially establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre in Pakistan. Discussions included international models like Singapore’s Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre, with SECP highlighting its vision to expand frameworks for efficient dispute resolution.
Bank Negara Malaysia imposed a MYR 460,000 penalty on Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad for delayed submission of suspicious transaction reports, citing inadequate staff awareness of reporting requirements. SME Bank has since enhanced its anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism policies and staff training, and paid the penalty on 3 December 2025.
Bank Negara Malaysia fined Boardroom Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. RM46,000 for failing to promptly submit a suspicious transaction report and conduct enhanced customer due diligence, citing inadequate awareness of reporting responsibilities and noting remedial actions taken.
Bank Negara Malaysia fined Ilham Secretarial Services RM8,625 for failing to promptly submit a suspicious transaction report, violating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations. Following an on-site examination, Ilham implemented a reporting mechanism to enhance compliance, and BNM emphasized its commitment to enforcing AML/CFT requirements.
Bank Negara Malaysia imposed a RM560,000 penalty on MBSB Bank Berhad for not submitting a suspicious transaction report despite meeting internal "red flags," citing inadequate staff awareness. The penalty, imposed on 20 November 2025 and paid on 3 December 2025, considered the breach's severity and the bank's compliance history, with MBSB Bank taking steps to enhance its anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism measures.
The Central Bank of Comoros has published the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2025-2030, targeting 75 percent financial inclusion and 70 percent broad banking penetration by 2030. The plan focuses on tailored financial products, digital payments and infrastructure, financial education and consumer protection, and regulatory reform. Implementation will be led through a dedicated governance structure headed by the central bank.
The Republic of Serbia Securities Commission announced that the Ministry of Finance visited the new shared premises of the Commission, the Belgrade Stock Exchange, and the Central Securities Depository and Clearing House, aimed at improving coordination and market efficiency. Discussions with the Athens Exchange Group and Euronext focused on enhancing cooperation and integrating Serbia’s capital market with European markets.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority announced the de-registration of Finlaw IOM under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015, effective 29 January 2026.
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission has issued a policy statement supporting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within its principles-based regulatory regime, allowing firms to implement AI without specific approval. Firms must adhere to existing governance and financial crime rules, and the Commission encourages discussions on potential rule adaptations for technology trials.
The Bank of Greece reported December 2025 statistics showing an acceleration in annual growth of total credit to the domestic economy to 5.5% and total deposits to 5.4%, with private-sector credit leading the increase. Monthly net new credit rose to EUR 4,632 million, while total deposits increased by EUR 6,020 million, driven by corporate and household deposits despite a decline in general government deposits.
The Central Bank of Türkiye reduced the one-week repo auction rate by 100 basis points to 37% and adjusted the overnight interest rate corridor, maintaining a tight monetary policy stance until price stability is achieved. The Committee noted a decline in the underlying inflation trend and stated it would tighten policy if inflation deviates from targets, with potential additional macroprudential measures if needed.
The Dominican Republic's Superintendence of the Securities Market has joined the Biodiversity Finance Advisory Committee, led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources with UNDP support, to integrate environmental criteria into financial decisions. The committee aims to align public policy and financial system rules with nature conservation and develop the country's first National Biodiversity Financing Plan between 2025 and 2027.
Norway's Department of Finance announced that the Fiscal Policy Committee will present its annual statement to Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference on 3 February 2026, with the event streamed live. The minister will address press questions following the presentation, and a video recording will be available post-broadcast.
The Bank of Spain is publishing experimental quarterly Households’ Distributional Wealth Accounts (DWA) to show net wealth distribution across household groups, consistent with National Accounts. Using a harmonised European System of Central Banks methodology, the DWA includes net wealth, debt, housing wealth breakdowns, and inequality indicators like the Gini index. This initiative, previously managed by the European Central Bank, enhances international comparisons and is available with interactive charts on the Bank of Spain website.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) proposes overhauling Brazil’s pension fund solvency framework by introducing a Solvency Index with target, floor, and ceiling levels to manage deficits and surpluses. The proposal addresses recurring deficits, includes a three-year tolerance for economic volatility, revisits off-balance sheet mechanisms, and sets a 35% cap on contributions. The National Supplementary Pension Council (CNPC) will discuss this proposal in March.
Bank of Indonesia's Annual Investment Forum 2026 introduced a new investment paradigm for managing foreign exchange reserves, emphasizing adaptability and prudence amid global uncertainty, supported by technology. Deputy Governor Aida S. Budiman highlighted its role in exchange rate stability and economic transformation, focusing on synergies in macroeconomic stability, industrial downstreaming, financial market development, and digitalization.
The Central Bank of Jordan's Open Market Operations Committee maintained its main policy rate and other interest rates unchanged, citing strengthened monetary stability and alignment with regional and international markets. By end-January 2026, foreign reserves exceeded USD 26 billion, covering 9 months of imports, while banking indicators showed robust growth with total deposits and credit facilities increasing year-on-year.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are consulting on a proposal to standardize annual calculation periods for Hong Kong’s over-the-counter derivatives clearing regime, effective 1 March 2027, to enhance operational efficiency and certainty. Comments are due by 27 February 2026.
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of two websites for unlawfully offering insurance services. This action increases the total number of blocked abusive websites to 342 since November 2023. IVASS advises consumers to be wary of policy offers via instant messaging or phone texts and to verify counterparties against its official lists.
The Philippine SEC announced that the DOJ recommended criminal charges against Opsytech Corp., its president Carl F. Chao, and agents Jeffrey Lopez Perez and Brent Bendaña for allegedly illegal investment solicitation. The charges involve violations of the Securities Regulation Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Opsytech allegedly offered unregistered investment contracts with returns of 2% to 9% on a minimum PHP 100,000 investment. The DOJ found prima facie evidence of conspiracy and misrepresentation, with 16 complainants reporting investments totaling PHP 14.95 million.
The Bank of Uganda has authorized Finance Trust Bank Limited to transition from a Tier I commercial bank licence to a Tier II credit institution licence, effective 1 April 2026. The bank will phase out Tier I-specific services, such as current accounts and new overdrafts, while maintaining core services like deposit-taking and lending. The transition, supervised by the regulator, aims to ensure service continuity and protect depositor interests.
The Albania Financial Services Authority and the Bank of Albania met to enhance cooperation, focusing on financial stability amid growing banking and non-banking linkages. They discussed a framework for coordinated supervision of financial groups, aligning with European standards. The meeting emphasized coordinated supervisory approaches and effective information exchange to address risks and support Albania's European integration.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted an online meeting with approximately 70 representatives from payment and electronic money organisations to discuss new requirements from recent amendments to operational rules. Key topics included accounting of payment service users' funds, aggregate capital calculation, foreign currency operations, and revised reporting forms. Participants' questions were addressed during the session.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan will conduct a mobile public reception in Barda district to enhance consumer and investor protection in financial services. Representatives will address citizen applications and provide support during the event.
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) published a study on adopting the Twin Peaks regulatory model, shifting from a sector-based to a dual-objective framework of prudential oversight and market conduct. Developed with contributions from the EVOLUA study group and supported by ANBIMA, it reviews international experiences and identifies 16 challenges, including enhancing regulators' autonomy and defining macroprudential leadership. The conclusions are presented as technical views, not the CVM's institutional stance.
The International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation has released the IFRS Accounting Standards—Required 2026 and Annotated Required 2026 editions, incorporating amendments effective from 1 January 2026, including changes to six IFRS Accounting Standards and revised management commentary. These editions are accessible in various formats, including ePub and IFRS Digital subscription.
The Qatar Financial Centre announced reciprocal data protection adequacy recognition with Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre, facilitating simpler cross-border data transfers and reducing compliance burdens while maintaining regulatory standards.
Estonia's Ministry of Finance is drafting legislation to enhance banks' ability to prevent scam-related payments, amid rising fraud losses of nearly EUR 29 million in 2025. The draft bill aims to improve information exchange on suspected fraud and empower banks to halt suspicious payments, alongside a nationwide awareness campaign and collaboration with telecom operators to block scam calls.
The Financial Conduct Authority released interim findings from its competition review of pure protection insurance, urging the industry to address a protection gap and improve consumer access to coverage for critical illness, death, or loss of ability to work. Feedback is due by 31 March 2026, with a final report expected in Q3 2026.
The Central Bank of Türkiye released its 2025 oversight results for payment and electronic money institutions, revoking seven licences, suspending 14, and imposing TRY 373.2 million in fines on 72 institutions under Law No. 6493. It also addressed 331 cases of suspected unauthorised providers and handled 2,167 public information requests, affirming ongoing supervision to ensure compliance with regulations.
The Central Bank of Russia announced a slowdown in annual money supply growth to 10.6% by end-December, attributed to a more balanced distribution of budget expenditures and weaker corporate lending growth, despite moderate retail lending expansion driven by mortgages.
The Austrian National Bank's updated Residential Property Price Index shows a 2.1% nominal price increase for condominiums and single-family houses in 2025, but real prices fell due to 3.8% inflation, with market stabilization signs post-interest rate changes. Regional data indicates stronger price growth in Vienna compared to the rest of Austria, with differences in price dynamics between new and existing apartments, and a significant drop in new-build transactions since the European Central Bank's policy rate adjustments.
Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research expanded the Swiss sanctions on Haiti, aligning with EU measures to curb gang violence by extending financial and travel restrictions to 10 more entities, effective 28 January 2026. Financial intermediaries must implement these prohibitions, freeze assets, notify the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Vietnam’s State Securities Commission is seeking price quotations and capability dossiers from firms for a tender to provide consulting and supervision services. The project aims to replace solutions ensuring the security and safety of the Commission’s IT system.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission announced a VND 1,000,000 fee for re-issuing a securities practice certificate, as per the Ministry of Finance’s Circular 25/2022/TT-BTC. Payment can be made via bank transfer or directly at the Commission. Failure to complete the procedure within one year of notification will result in cancellation of the re-issued certificate.