The Federal Housing Finance Agency reported that U.S. house prices rose 0.6% in November and 1.9% year-over-year, with regional monthly changes ranging from 0.0% to 1.1% and annual changes from -0.4% to 5.1%. The next House Price Index report, using data from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, is scheduled for release on February 24, 2026.
The National Credit Union Administration announced its executive leadership team, including Chairman Kyle S. Hauptman and other key appointments, to support credit union resilience. The update also detailed Central Office and regional leadership roles, highlighting positions such as Director of Consumer Financial Protection and Acting President of the Central Liquidity Facility, and regional directors for the Western and Eastern regions.
The National Credit Union Administration proposes regulatory changes under its Deregulation Project, seeking comments on four rulemakings to clarify guidance and remove burdensome requirements for federally insured credit unions. Key proposals include eliminating certain board plan requirements, repealing notice rules for supplemental share insurance, removing borrowing authority provisions, and revising nonmember account disclosure requirements.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) participated in a tree-planting exercise in Mpanda, Katavi Region, as part of the national Green Campaign, involving stakeholders from the insurance sector and marking the birthday of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) planted 200 trees as part of Tanzania’s national Green Campaign and to mark President Samia Suluhu Hassan's birthday, with Insurance Commissioner Dr. Baghayo Saqware urging stronger mobilisation for Universal Health Insurance. The initiative highlights TIRA's commitment to environmental stewardship and expanding public education on health insurance access.
Morocco's ACAPS and Madagascar’s CSBF signed an MoU to enhance cooperation in supervising insurance activities. It emphasizes dialogue and understanding of supervisory practices, focusing on financial soundness, risk management, and policyholder protection. This partnership is part of South-South collaboration to strengthen capacity and adapt supervisory frameworks to evolving markets.
The Central Bank of Colombia published its "2025 Management and 2026 Action Plan," detailing its 2026 work programme and reporting on 2025 project deliveries, investment budget distribution, and management indicators.
The Central Bank of Colombia's evaluation of its internal control system for the latter half of 2025 confirms full compliance and effectiveness, with no control failures identified. The report outlines governance enhancements, including updates to risk management frameworks, cyber security controls, and monitoring activities, all supported by a three lines model and external oversight.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a 4.6% increase in the Monthly Economic Activity Index (IMAE) for November 2025 compared to the previous year, with notable growth in manufacturing, hotels and restaurants, and construction, while declines were observed in fishing, public administration, forestry, and agriculture. Key drivers included increased gold and silver extraction, higher livestock slaughter, and manufacturing gains in petroleum derivatives and automotive wiring harnesses.
The European Banking Federation is seeking a Head of Communications and Public Affairs in Brussels to lead its communications team, manage media relations, and oversee advocacy campaigns, with applications due by 15 February 2026.
Bulgaria's Ministry of Finance, via Deputy Minister Metodi Metodiev, emphasized at the Sofia Economic Forum that adopting the euro would bolster growth and stability, with inflation expected to align with the government's forecast of 3.5–3.6%. Metodiev outlined comprehensive preparations for the euro transition, involving legislative and logistical efforts by the Bulgarian government and the Bulgarian National Bank, and projected a slight decline in inflation next year.
The Central Bank of Libya has opened subscription for commercial banks to Issue No. 3-2026 of Unrestricted Mudaraba Deposit Certificates. The offer follows the same procedures and controls as previous issues and the maturities and due dates specified in the subscription announcement.
The Bank of the Lao hosted a workshop with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on transitioning from a "Positive List" to a "Negative List" under the ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement (ATISA), focusing on the financial sector. The session addressed the Negative List mechanism, drafting considerations, and its benefits and challenges. A work plan through 2027 was reviewed to ensure timely submission of an action plan related to Negative List commitments.
The National Bank of Georgia announced that Governor Natia Turnava met with Arnaud Ventura of Gojo & Company to discuss the group's investment plans in Georgia, where they hold a 33.23% stake in Credo Bank. As of November 2025, Credo Bank's total assets exceeded GEL 3.7 billion, with a loan portfolio of GEL 3.0 billion.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) issued an ESG update on "fair sustainability claims," urging financial firms to improve sustainability communication and announcing intensified supervision in 2026. The AFM found many claims by banks, insurers, investment firms, and pension administrators were vague, unsubstantiated, and potentially misleading. The AFM identified four improvement areas: ensuring claims are accurate, specifying their meaning, making evidence accessible, and explaining terms like climate neutrality and ESG ratings.
Peru's Superintendence of Banking, Insurance and Pension Funds (SBS) and the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) of the World Bank are developing a project to enhance Peru's digital finance ecosystem. The initiative focuses on responsible digital finance, balancing innovation with risk management, and was discussed at an SBS event with over 80 stakeholders. Key topics included strengthening user trust, promoting innovation, and improving financial education, with input from the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, Yape, and Visa.
Open Banking Limited (OBL) has proposed to facilitate the design of the Future Entity (FE) for the UK open banking ecosystem, following the Financial Conduct Authority's request for industry-led facilitation. The proposal aims to ensure neutrality, transparency, and proportional representation, with governance structured around an FE Design Working Group and an independently chaired FE Steering Group, while funding is tiered and fully covered.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic announced that metal DOP 5 coins dated 2024 will begin circulating from 2 February 2026. The new coins are identical in characteristics to existing DOP 5 coins apart from the minting year and will remain legal tender for all public and private payments.
The National Bank of Romania reported December 2025 provisional monetary statistics, noting a 3.5% monthly and 7.2% annual increase in broad money (M3) to RON 795,408.3 million, with net foreign assets decreasing by 2.1% and net domestic assets rising by 9.5%. Credit to the non-government sector slightly increased by 0.1% month on month, while government credit rose by 6.0%.
The Central Bank of Poland released the voting results of the Monetary Policy Council members for December 3, 2025.
The National Bank of Moldova shared remarks by Governor Anca Dragu at the “Never Again – Lessons of History” event in Bucharest, emphasizing Holocaust remembrance as a collective responsibility. The event featured Holocaust survivor Otto Fülöp, who received the “Queen Maria” commemorative coin, and included discussions on testimony and memory with representatives from various communities.
The Bank of Albania hosted the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's launch of its Transition Report 2025–2026, emphasizing demographic change's impact on economies. Governor Gent Sejko highlighted Albania's challenges with population ageing and emigration, noting improved labour market conditions and the role of monetary policy in maintaining stability.
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) issued a warning regarding five websites not authorized to provide investment services under Article 5 of Law 87(I)/2017. The sites include extlimited.com, networkfinancialservices.com, gmx-trading.com, eighttoro.com, and upfrontfoundation.net. CySEC advises investors to verify the licensing status of entities on its website before engaging in business.
The World Bank's Board approved USD 350 million for Lebanon, targeting support for vulnerable households and enhancing public services through digitalization. The USD 200 million Social Safety Net Project focuses on cash transfers and social protection, while the USD 150 million Digital Acceleration Project invests in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to improve government services and economic opportunities.
The International Monetary Fund's 2026 Article IV mission to the Slovak Republic highlights concerns over slower growth and a high fiscal deficit, complicating debt sustainability efforts. Recommendations include a multi-year fiscal strategy, productivity reforms, and maintaining tight financial oversight, with specific measures such as VAT and property-tax reforms, better-targeted social spending, and pension changes to meet deficit targets.
The IMF and Liberian authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the policy package for the third review under Liberia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and a new arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) focused on climate-shock vulnerability and pandemic preparedness. The ECF provides SDR 155 million (USD 210 million) over 40 months, while the RSF proposes SDR 193.8 million (USD 265 million) through end-2027, with reform priorities including fiscal policy, monetary policy effectiveness, and banking-sector stability.
The International Monetary Fund's research indicates that removing policy-driven barriers to goods, services, and labor mobility across Canada's provinces could boost real GDP by nearly 7 percent, or about CAD 210 billion. The study highlights that internal trade barriers equate to a 9 percent tariff nationally, with significant costs in services, and suggests mutual recognition and transparent exceptions as key strategies.
The Bank for International Settlements released Working Paper No 1327 by Ko Munakata, introducing a state-dependent “menu cost” pricing model with a negative drift in aggregate markup, aligning with moderate positive trend inflation. The model, featuring a Phillips curve responsive to productivity and monetary policy shocks, highlights asymmetries in pricing thresholds and markup distribution, offering insights into non-linear inflation dynamics.
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) released a report on the growth of private debt and loan-originating funds (LOFs) in Europe, driven by harmonised loan origination requirements under the revised Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD). LOFs accounted for two-thirds of private debt commitments from 2020 to 2024, with new EU rules on loan origination set to take effect in April 2026.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority issued a scam alert regarding the website https://horizonmarketsplc.com, which falsely claims association with Horizon (SC) Ltd and FSA authorization. The FSA clarified that the entity is unlicensed and unregulated, advising the public to verify legitimacy before engaging with the site.
Ghana's Ministry of Finance announced the start of an on-site mutual evaluation of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing regime, emphasizing implementation and effectiveness. The ministry noted reforms including enhanced coordination, operational independence, and collaboration, with evaluators engaging with institutions to refine systems in line with international standards.
Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani met with Marc Nachmann, Goldman Sachs’ Global Head of Asset and Wealth Management, to discuss recent financial and investment developments.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has launched the DIFC Zabeel District, a major expansion with a gross development value exceeding AED100 billion, aimed at doubling its capacity to over 42,000 businesses and a workforce of more than 125,000. The project, covering 17.7 million square feet, includes an Innovation Hub, AI Campus, and expanded DIFC Academy, with completion expected by 2040.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) released third-quarter 2025 results of its Index of User Service Performance (IDATU), evaluating financial sectors' handling of customer complaints. Scores ranged from 9.1 to 9.3, with Casa de Bolsa BBVA México achieving a perfect score of 10, while Caja Popular San Juan Bosco scored the lowest at 5.51. CONDUSEF emphasized IDATU's role in promoting transparency and informed choice.
Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Finance reviewed the 2025 budget execution and set 2026 priorities focused on sustainable public finance, social and economic support, and efficient budget resource use, with key officials agreeing to collaborate on these goals.
Estonia's Ministry of Finance announced that savers can increase their Pillar II pension contributions, with around 100,000 opting for a higher rate since 2025, primarily at 6%. Applications are open anytime, with the new rate effective from 2027.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has initiated the Mills Review and released an engagement paper to gather insights on the impact of advanced artificial intelligence on consumers, retail financial markets, and regulation, with a focus on developments through 2030 and beyond. Feedback is due by 24 February 2026, and while the FCA does not intend to introduce AI-specific regulation, it will continue to apply its principles-based framework.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority will implement a revised four-level risk classification scale for anti-money laundering supervision from 1 April 2026, aligning with EU Directive 2024/1640 and European Banking Authority practices. This change, which does not alter the substance of risk assessments, may result in some firms being reclassified, with the new scale applied to inspection reports published after the effective date.
Finland's Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment updated on a roundtable led by Minister Sakari Puisto, focusing on enhancing international investors' participation in Finnish private equity funds to boost growth financing. Discussions addressed Finland's strengths, challenges, and potential measures to attract capital, including fund legislation and taxation, as part of the government's growth initiatives.
State Bank of Vietnam Governor Nguyen Thi Hong outlined priorities for Region 3 Branch, emphasizing credit allocation to priority sectors, digital transformation, and enhanced supervision. The region reported deposits of over VND 80,000 billion and loans of VND 98,000 billion, with a focus on agriculture and hydropower, while supporting disaster-affected customers and promoting policy credit for ethnic minorities.
The State Bank of Vietnam appointed Mr. Trinh Cong Van as Director of its Region 3 Branch for a five-year term starting 19 January 2026, following his tenure as Acting Director. The appointment was announced at a conference in Son La, where the Governor emphasized the branch's management responsibilities across three northern provinces and Van committed to aligning with Party and State directives.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) highlighted an amendment by Switzerland’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research to the ordinance on measures concerning Guatemala, updating the Swiss sanctions database SESAM. Financial intermediaries must implement prohibitions, freeze assets of sanctioned entities, report to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and comply with the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The Angola Insurance Authority (ARSEG) released its report on sanctioning activity for the second half of the 2025 financial year.
The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority reported a significant increase in 2025 licensing and approvals, with numbers rising to 3,170 from 1,272 in 2024. Assets under management reached approximately USD 470 billion, and locally domiciled investment funds grew by 322%. New federal decree laws regulating capital markets and the Authority came into force in 2026, strengthening the regulatory framework.
The People's Bank of China reported a 6.4% year-on-year increase in the balance of RMB loans at financial institutions for Q4 2025, totaling CNY 271.91 trillion, with notable growth in enterprise lending and green loans, while RMB real estate loans declined. Methodological changes in 2024 and 2025 affect comparability of inclusive small and micro loans and green loan data with previous years.
The People's Bank of China held its 2026 Anti-Money Laundering Work Conference, reviewing 2025 progress and setting 2026 priorities, including implementing the revised Anti-Money Laundering Law and preparing for the fifth international AML assessment. Key focuses are enhancing supervisory capabilities, improving beneficial owner information, and establishing mechanisms to combat money laundering, with Vice Governor Xuan Changneng chairing.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and the United Arab Emirates’ Capital Market Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cross-border regulatory collaboration on digital asset-related matters, marking the SFC’s first agreement with an overseas regulator for this sector. The MoU establishes a framework for consultation and information exchange to support supervision of cross-border regulated digital asset entities.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails linked to press releases by The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, and Chong Hing Bank. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not request sensitive information via SMS, email, or phone and advised affected individuals to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) announced that Elite Insurance Company Limited has closed its Italian establishment and terminated all policies. The Gibraltar-based insurer, placed into Administration in 2019, is preparing a reorganisation plan under Gibraltar proceedings. A Practice Statement Letter guides policyholders and creditors on the proposed Scheme of Arrangement, requiring approval from the Gibraltar court and creditors.
The European Commission released a Q&A on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, detailing expected tariff cuts, market access expansion, and potential doubling of EU exports to India, with significant tariff reductions on industrial goods and selected agri-food products. The agreement includes simplified customs procedures, digital trade provisions, and a dispute settlement mechanism, but requires further EU procedural steps and India's ratification before taking effect.
The European Commission released a Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda, endorsed at the 16th India-EU Summit, to enhance cooperation in prosperity, sustainability, technology, security, and connectivity, replacing the EU–India Strategic Partnership roadmap to 2025. It emphasizes timely implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement, and enhanced financial services regulatory cooperation, with no financial commitments or legally binding obligations.
The South African Reserve Bank reported the composite leading business cycle indicator rose by 1.4% in November 2025, driven by gains in eight of ten component series, notably real M1 money supply and job advertisement space. The coincident indicator increased by 0.3% in October 2025, while the lagging indicator fell by 0.4% in the same month. Negative contributions to the leading indicator included a narrowing interest rate spread and a slowdown in new passenger vehicle sales.
The Philippine SEC issued Memorandum Circular No. 7, Series of 2026, imposing stricter term limits on independent directors of listed companies. Directors are now barred from re-election after a cumulative nine-year term, with non-compliance resulting in penalties. Transitional provisions allow current directors exceeding the limit to serve until the 2026 annual stockholders’ meeting.
The Central Bank of Cuba announced Banco Metropolitano's (BANMET) initiative to establish a training and discussion forum for Havana branch managers to align with new regulations, including a 2025 mechanism for foreign currency account management. The inaugural session, led by President Yelegni Fernández Castro, addressed adapting account opening processes to the updated mechanism.
The National Bank of Moldova announced that Governor Anca Dragu attended Romania’s Excellence Gala, presenting awards for contributions in economic policy, public health education, and energy-sector development. Recipients included Cosmin Marinescu for economic dialogue, Alina Epure for health education, and Claudia Griech for energy sector advancements.
The National Bank of Moldova outlined its supervisory priorities for the insurance sector for 2026-2027, focusing on governance, underwriting risk, solvency and asset sufficiency, and information and communications technology risk. This agenda is driven by an annual risk assessment and considers the partial liberalisation of mandatory motor third-party liability pricing.
The Albania Financial Services Authority met with insurance company management to discuss aligning with EU standards, focusing on Solvency II and IFRS 17 to enhance financial sustainability and risk management. The meeting emphasized strengthening regulatory cooperation and expanding the insurance market through increased uptake of voluntary products.
The Japan Financial Services Agency summarized Finance Minister Katayama's press conference after a G7 Finance Ministers' meeting, highlighting priorities on global imbalances, critical minerals supply chains, and support for Ukraine. Katayama emphasized the need for economic security measures to address non-market policies and enhance resilience in critical minerals, with a ministerial meeting scheduled next week and conclusions expected by May.
The Bank of Mozambique issued a circular detailing reporting templates and submission rules for credit institutions and financial companies under Notice No. 5/GBM/2025. Reporting is primarily monthly via the Banking Supervision Application portal, with ATM transactions reported daily. Effective 28 January 2026, the circular mandates a 90-day parallel reporting period before transitioning exclusively to the new regime, repealing previous circulars.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance, with the Bank of Thailand and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, announced readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group, focusing on public-private cooperation and a "Safe and Inclusive Digital Finance" framework to enhance digital financial system resilience. The first public-private engagement discussion is set for 6 February 2026.
Qatar’s Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, outlined future economic policies focused on sustainability, diversification, and growth aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 during a lecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. The event emphasized the need for ongoing policy development to bolster Qatar's regional and international economic standing.
De Nederlandsche Bank reported that Dutch pension funds' funding ratios improved in Q4 2025, with the average funding ratio rising to 129.1% due to a EUR 37 billion decrease in liabilities driven by higher interest rates. Total investments fell by EUR 11 billion to EUR 1,614 billion, and the policy funding ratio increased to 122.9%.
The Central Bank of Estonia's statistical release shows an increase in corporate deposits in December, detailing movements in banking and leasing data such as assets, loans, leases, deposits, and interest rates. The next statistics release is scheduled for 26 February 2026.
The Central Bank of Estonia reported strong lending growth by banks in 2025, with the aggregate loan portfolio increasing by 7% or EUR 1.9 billion, driven by housing loans. Despite slower domestic deposit growth, banks increasingly rely on non-resident deposits and other funding sources, while net profit for 2025 was EUR 652 million, about 20% lower than in 2024, due to stable Euribor rates and a low share of overdue loans.
The Bank of Lithuania approved Checkout Payments Group Limited's acquisition of BLUE EMI LT, UAB, facilitating Checkout.com's entry into the Lithuanian market. The central bank emphasized its licensing support framework, including the Newcomer Programme and access to the CENTROlink payment system for SEPA instant payments.
The Moroccan Capital Market Authority (AMMC) outlined its 2026 priorities to enhance capital market development, investor protection, and market integrity. The strategy focuses on five pillars, including sustainable finance, innovation, financial literacy, risk-based supervision, and internal efficiency. Key 2025 milestones include significant increases in bond issuance, equity capital raising, and securitisation funds.
Bank of Indonesia reported that the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) found fiscal, monetary, and financial sector conditions stable in Q4 2025, supported by interagency coordination. As global financial market volatility rises in January 2026, the KSSK will continue monitoring and implementing coordinated mitigation measures.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission's Consumer Protection and Insurance Participation Committee approved measures to enhance consumer protection, including accelerated remedies for policyholders, improved accident victim protection, and increased inclusion for people with disabilities. The committee also agreed to expand compulsory insurance coverage, enhance public communication on insurance knowledge, and promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the insurance sector.
The Chile Financial Market Commission clarified under Exempt Resolution No. 1,274 that securities trades solely to defer payment breach Article 53 of Law No. 18,045, which prohibits fictitious transactions. Stockbrokers must prevent clients from engaging in operations involving acquiring securities to execute successive forward sale and purchase transactions to postpone payment. The CMF will evaluate other potentially fictitious transactions individually for compliance with Article 53.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway fined Olav Thon Eiendomsselskap ASA NOK 750,000 for breaching the Prospectus Regulation by trading bond loan extensions without a valid EEA prospectus. The breach involved two tap issues totaling NOK 1.1 billion, admitted to trading after the base prospectus expired. Finanstilsynet deemed the breach negligent, stressing the issuer's responsibility for prospectus compliance.
The Central Bank of Barbados is expanding public outreach to prepare for the 31 March launch of BiMPay, the national instant payment system, with recent engagements at local events focusing on educating vendors and small business owners about its features and benefits.
The Central Bank of Egypt and New Giza University have launched the first specialized Artificial Intelligence Diploma for Bankers under the "Digital Academy" initiative by FinTech Egypt. This program aims to enhance banking professionals' skills in AI and FinTech, supporting Egypt's digital transformation goals. The diploma includes five training modules on AI fundamentals, techniques, data management, governance, and implementation in banking.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, has approved a roadmap to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its policies and operations. An internal training program was conducted to educate staff on ESG fundamentals and international practices, emphasizing social responsibility and resource efficiency.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic maintained its discount rate at 11.00 percent to sustain tight monetary conditions aimed at returning inflation to its 5–7 percent target range, amid strong economic activity and persistent inflationary pressures. The central bank will continue monitoring inflation risks and may adjust policy if necessary, with the next rate decision scheduled for February 23, 2026.
The Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand has initiated a public consultation on proposed amendments to regulations for the sale and redemption of mutual fund units in tokenized form, aiming to enhance transaction speed and regulatory clarity. The proposals include defining "Tokenized Fund," setting compliance standards, and allowing timeframe exemptions for adjusting investment units, with the consultation open until 11 February 2026.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported that in the fourth quarter of 2025, approvals and registrations for spillover-effect insurance products reached 305, with new contracts increasing by 9% and first-year premium income rising 61% to TWD 44,652.07 million. In contrast, in-kind payment insurance products saw a 74% increase in new contracts but a 50% decline in first-year premium income to TWD 872.38 million.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported December 2025 insurance industry figures, highlighting a pre-tax profit of NT$193.7 billion, with life insurers' profits declining by 50.3% to NT$156.9 billion and non-life insurers' profits increasing by 41.5% to NT$36.8 billion. The New Taiwan Dollar appreciated 4.27% against the US Dollar, impacting life insurers' foreign exchange valuation reserves, which rose to NT$613.7 billion, while overseas investments yielded net gains of NT$518.5 billion.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported that as of end-November 2025, new-policy premium revenue for foreign currency denominated products in Taiwan's life insurance industry reached approximately TWD 376.638 billion, marking a 34% year-on-year increase. Investment-linked insurance products accounted for TWD 62.513 billion, a 47% rise, while traditional insurance products totaled TWD 314.125 billion, up 32%.
The Central Bank of Myanmar provided an update on interbank foreign exchange market activities for January 27, 2026.
The Central Bank of Myanmar released its Foreign Exchange Market Online Trading Platform data for January 27, 2026.
The Philippines Department of Finance announced the launch of the Registered Business Enterprise Taxpayer Service (RBETS) by the Bureau of Internal Revenue to enhance tax administration for registered business enterprises under the CREATE MORE Act. RBETS aims to ensure uniform tax incentive application and strengthen revenue protection, featuring specialized offices and "RBE Express Counters" in key economic hubs.
Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa highlighted that the economic outlook is bolstered by domestic demand, with low inflation allowing growth without significant policy rate increases. Domestic factors account for about 90% of growth, with inflation at 2.9% and core inflation at 2.3%, while the government aims to enhance investment and optimize fiscal measures.
Indonesia's Ministry of Finance reported that the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) found fiscal, monetary, and financial sector stability through 2025, supported by strong policy coordination. Despite global volatility and a Federal Funds Rate cut to 3.50–3.75 percent, Indonesia's growth is projected at 5.2 percent for 2025 and 5.4 percent for 2026, with the state budget acting as a shock absorber and continued coordination with Bank Indonesia and the Financial Services Authority.
The IMF's Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with Bahrain, highlighting fiscal and macrofinancial vulnerabilities due to a worsening fiscal position and high public debt. Directors supported the exchange rate peg to the USD and recommended sustained fiscal consolidation, enhanced public financial management, and vigilance over crypto assets, while noting the need for stronger reserves and a developed local bond market.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its 2026 Article IV consultation with Liechtenstein, highlighting the country's strong fiscal buffers and resilient financial system amid global stress. The IMF advised vigilance and policy adjustments to address stagnant growth, potential fiscal pressures, and financial sector resilience, while also recommending pension reforms and enhanced financial oversight.
The IMF's Executive Board concluded the final review of Zambia's Extended Credit Facility, approving an immediate disbursement of SDR 138.9 million (approximately USD 190 million), despite delays in structural conditionality. The review highlighted satisfactory programme performance, with unmet targets on net international reserves and spending arrears clearance, emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline and policy credibility in 2026.
The International Monetary Fund concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with Bhutan, projecting 7.4% GDP growth in FY2025/26 and stable inflation around 4%, while recommending tighter fiscal and monetary policies to safeguard macroeconomic stability. The IMF highlighted risks such as hydropower project delays and crypto-asset valuation declines, emphasizing the need for fiscal consolidation, improved liquidity management, and enhanced financial sector oversight.
The U.S. Department of Justice sentenced Chinese national Jingliang Su to 46 months in prison for laundering over USD 36.9 million from a fraudulent digital asset scheme, with restitution set at USD 26,867,242.44. The scheme involved an international network targeting U.S. victims through fake cryptocurrency platforms, with funds routed via shell companies and converted to Tether (USDT) in the Bahamas; eight co-conspirators pleaded guilty.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed settled charges against Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) and former executives for accounting and disclosure fraud, resulting in a USD 40 million civil penalty and the establishment of a Fair Fund for investors. The SEC also brought a litigated action against former executive Vikram Luthar, seeking various penalties, while ADM agreed to cooperate fully with the SEC.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Division of Market Oversight has granted an 18-month no-action relief on the compliance date for the 2024 Part 17 large trader reporting rule, following a request from the Futures Industry Association. Concurrently, the Division of Data has updated the Part 17 Guidebook and initiated implementation testing, with technical calls starting on 18 February, aiming for compliance by 26 July 2027.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data have announced measures to enhance cooperation in combating fraud and protecting personal data in the banking sector, including joint risk-based supervisory work and expanded public education efforts. This initiative follows significant fraud losses in Hong Kong and involves collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force and industry stakeholders.
Indonesia's Financial System Stability Committee, including the Financial Services Authority (OJK), reported stable fiscal, monetary, and financial conditions in Q4 2025, despite increased global market volatility in January 2026. Key measures include special credit treatment for disaster-affected regions, a pawn industry roadmap, and enhanced regulations for insurance and crypto sectors, with ongoing efforts to combat illegal financial activities and implement Law No. 4 of 2023.
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau detailed Chief Executive John Lee’s meetings with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi and officials from the UAE and Türkiye, focusing on infrastructure finance and trade connectivity. The discussions emphasized Hong Kong's support for AIIB operations, its role as a connector under the “one country, two systems” principle, and its strategic position in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Hong Kong's Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau announced the inaugural Global Business Summit, co-organised with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, focusing on finance's role in business development and industrial upgrading. Financial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized trade, finance, and innovation as growth drivers, with incentives to attract technology enterprises to the Northern Metropolis, aligning efforts with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Uruguay's Ministry of Economy and Finance announced measures to counter the global weakening of the US dollar, including forward USD purchases and coordination with state-owned enterprises to bolster balance sheets. The Ministry will also advance competitiveness measures to February and deepen domestic financing through peso-denominated instruments.
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance released updated macroeconomic projections, forecasting GDP growth of 2.2% in 2025 and 2.0% in 2026, with key influences including stimulus measures, export dynamics, and trade challenges. The ministry emphasized the need to monitor global trade, geopolitical uncertainty, financial vulnerabilities, policy continuity, and climate-related risks, with an official announcement set for 16 February 2026.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance detailed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nititanprapat’s participation in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026, focusing on investment discussions and preparing for the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok. Key engagements included meetings with Big Tech executives to promote investment in Thailand's digital economy and AI, with plans for THB 500,000 million in cloud and AI centre investments and upskilling 100,000 workers.
The Central Bank of Bolivia mandates Financial Intermediation Entities to return US dollars in cash to small savers with deposits of USD 1,000 or less, starting 27 January 2026, using resources from a revised legal reserve requirement. This initiative, benefiting over 770,000 savers and 20,000 small companies, aims to restore confidence in currency availability and aligns with the Executive Branch’s Economic Cabinet's monetary policy framework.
The Japan Financial Services Agency released draft amendments to implement the 2025 revisions to the Payment Services Act, focusing on eligible backing assets, electronic payment instruments, and crypto asset service intermediaries, with updates affecting banks and insurance companies. Public comments are open until 27 February 2026, after which the agency will proceed with promulgation and enforcement.
The Japan Financial Services Agency has revised its Q&A on capital adequacy ratio regulations, offering updated guidance for banks using the internal rating method.