Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould, in remarks at the American Bar Association Banking Law Committee Meeting, discussed post-2008 financial crisis resolution planning requirements, their merits, and advocated for dialogue on potential reforms.
The Federal Reserve Board has approved Banco Inter, S.A.'s application to establish a state-licensed branch in Miami, Florida.
Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle W. Bowman supported the Federal Open Market Committee's 2025 easing pivot and emphasized proactive policy amid labor market risks, endorsing recent rate cuts to a 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent target range. She outlined supervisory and regulatory initiatives, including changes to financial institution ratings, leverage ratios, and stress test transparency, alongside ongoing work on stablecoins and mergers and acquisitions reviews.
The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Chairman Paul S. Atkins praised the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange's shift to a Monday through Friday trading week, aligning it with global markets, and emphasized the potential for enhanced liquidity and investment. He also highlighted Israel's market resilience during wartime and advocated for deeper U.S.-Israel market cooperation.
The People's Bank of China renewed its bilateral local currency swap agreement with the Bank of Canada, setting the swap size at CNY 200 billion for a five-year term to enhance financial cooperation and support bilateral trade.
The UK Parliament invites written evidence from experts and interested parties on the Finance (No.2) Bill 2024–26 for the House of Commons Public Bill Committee's scrutiny. The Committee will meet on 27 January 2026 and report by 26 February 2026, focusing on provisions not previously considered by the Committee of the Whole House. Amendments and their order will be published on the Bill’s publications page.
The Central Bank of Colombia issued Operational and Services External Circular DTE-187 regarding the COP 200 metal coin.
The Central Bank of Colombia released an Operational and Services External Circular regarding the 200 peso coin, identified as DEP-492 (Subject 11), without detailing operational requirements or changes in the accompanying text.
The Bank of Ghana's Governor Johnson Pandit Asiama outlined 2025 achievements and 2026 priorities, emphasizing macroeconomic stability and reform consolidation. Key 2025 outcomes included a significant drop in inflation to 5.4%, banking-sector reforms, and increased international reserves. For 2026, the Bank plans sustainable institutional adjustments and new initiatives like media training and a recognition program.
At the Governor’s New Year media engagement, the Bank of Ghana’s First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakari Mumuni, emphasized media coverage's impact on market behaviour and urged accurate reporting of the Bank’s operations. He highlighted the importance of context in reporting exchange-rate movements and central bank losses, noting Ghana's managed floating exchange rate regime allows normal small daily cedi movements. Dr. Mumuni linked currency stability to predictable prices and planning, citing the cedi's strength at the end of 2025 and reduced inflation.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission has opened consultation on draft interim rules for derivatives trading and related activities under its remit, covering swaps, forwards, non-standardized options and combinations. The draft sets requirements for contract development, trading rules, performance assurance, investor suitability, market monitoring, conduct restrictions and oversight of institutions and market infrastructures. It revises a 2023 draft and will be finalized after consultation.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission set a 2026 agenda focused on market stability, stronger enforcement, deeper capital markets reform and wider opening. Key measures include launching deeper ChiNext reform, continuing public fund reform, expanding long-term capital sources, and tightening action against fraud, manipulation and insider trading. The commission also cited 2025 enforcement and financing figures, including 701 cases, CNY 15.47 billion in penalties, and CNY 1.26 trillion in IPOs and refinancing.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan issued a consumer warning about fraudsters impersonating financial institution staff to obtain confidential data through payment cards, mobile banking, and online services. Consumers are advised to avoid sharing sensitive information, opening suspicious links, and granting remote access, and to contact their financial institution immediately if fraud is suspected.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance released a draft amendment to the tax enforcement decree for the 2025 tax system revision, detailing expanded R&D incentives, tighter employment tax credit parameters, and a new taxation regime for high-dividend companies. Key changes include increased eligible technologies for R&D incentives, specific employment increase requirements for tax credits, separate tax rates for dividend income, and various household tax relief measures and compliance updates.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance held the first 2026 Public Institution Investment Execution Inspection Meeting to review 2025 results and set a 2026 investment target of KRW 70.0 trillion, focusing on housing stabilization and infrastructure. The ministry will monitor execution weekly and conduct monthly inspections, emphasizing safety management at project sites.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance set a KRW 70 trillion investment target for 26 major public institutions in 2026, with a KRW 37.1 trillion plan for the first half, following a review of 2025 where investments exceeded targets. Key investments include KRW 25.1 trillion by Korea Land and Housing Corporation and KRW 10.9 trillion by Korea Electric Power Corporation, with the ministry planning regular inspections and prioritizing safety management.
The Bank of England has published research finding that green mortgage pricing emerged in the UK in 2018, when lenders began offering discounts for loans on more energy-efficient properties. Using transaction and offer-level data, the paper estimates discounts that rose to as much as 15 basis points in 2022. It also finds these mortgages are concentrated in new-build properties, suggesting an effect on housing investment.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance reports ongoing economic recovery driven by domestic demand and semiconductor exports, despite employment challenges and external trade uncertainties. The report emphasizes the need for proactive macroeconomic policies and sector-level efforts to bolster consumption, investment, and exports amid potential global tariff and geopolitical pressures.
The Financial Conduct Authority fined Russel Gerrity GBP 309,843 for insider dealing, using confidential information to trade shares in Chariot Oil & Gas Limited and Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Plc, generating GBP 128,765 in profits. The case, originating from Suspicious Transaction and Order Reports, involved breaches of Article 14(a) of the UK Market Abuse Regulations, with Gerrity receiving a 30% settlement discount.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance announced Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol met Khaldoon Al Mubarak in Seoul to discuss implementing measures from the Korea–UAE summit and enhancing bilateral investment cooperation, particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The discussions aimed at facilitating UAE investment in Korean firms, Korean entry into the UAE, and joint expansion into third-country markets.
The Central Bank of Ireland and Banca d’Italia have launched the Innovation Data Challenge 2026 to foster data-driven research in retail payments, involving universities from Ireland and Italy. Students will use secure platforms to access financial datasets, with selected projects presented to an international expert panel.
The Superintendency of the Securities Market of the Dominican Republic launched Ventanilla Exprés, a digital platform to streamline applications for authorisation and registration of public offerings. It enables issuers to submit and track filings through a single channel, enhancing review times. It integrates assessments by SIMV, the Superintendency of Banks, and the Superintendency of Pensions, aligning with the government's META RD 2036 initiative.
The State Bank of Pakistan has initiated the implementation of the Women Entrepreneurship Finance (WE-FI) Code, aiming to reduce financing barriers for women-led businesses through a national action plan. A workshop with the Asian Development Bank and other stakeholders focused on gender-intelligent product innovation, data collection, and credit practices tailored to women-led enterprises.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has issued a public warning about the fraudulent website www.forbesbank.co.uk, which falsely claims to represent "Forbes Bank" offering banking services from an Isle of Man address. The site is not connected to any legitimate Isle of Man entity, and users are advised to report suspicious activity and seek guidance due to potential fraud and identity theft risks.
The Bank of Spain reported that public administrations' debt under the Excessive Deficit Procedure was 101.5% of GDP in November 2025, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from the previous year. In nominal terms, debt reached EUR 1.698 trillion, a 4.7% increase year on year. State debt rose 5% to EUR 1,549 billion, while autonomous communities' debt increased 1.3% to EUR 339 billion, and local government debt decreased 3.7% to EUR 22 billion.
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) has implemented measures to enhance transparency and secure personal data processing under Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD). In 2025, PREVIC developed an internal model for managing data security incidents and launched resources like a dedicated portal and staff code of conduct. For 2026, PREVIC plans to review existing measures and introduce a Personal Data Privacy Governance Program to ensure compliance and data confidentiality.
Ukraine’s National Commission on Securities and Stock Market reported processing 7,024 document packages and delivering 2,444 administrative services in 2025, generating over UAH 38.2 million in state revenue. The Department of Licensing and Regulation in collective investment led paid services, contributing nearly 90% of total budget revenues.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has announced a Commission meeting on 19 January 2026 at 12:00 p.m., with the agenda available online.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission issued Notice 13/TB-UBCK requiring individuals on a specified list to pay a VND 1,000,000 fee for a securities practising certificate, as per Ministry of Finance 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 will result in certificate cancellation.
The Bank of Finland has set new interim climate targets for its investment activities, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, with specific goals for equities and corporate bonds to be achieved by 2030. These include a 60% emissions-intensity reduction for equities and a complete divestment from thermal coal and coal-based power generation in corporate bonds.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has updated guidelines for foreign venture capital investors and designated depository participants under the SWAGAT-FI framework, allowing combined registration for foreign portfolio investors and foreign venture capital investors with extended compliance periods of 10 years. The circular, effective 1 June 2026, mandates system changes for depositories, custodians, and DDPs.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has updated its Foreign Portfolio Investor Master Circular to introduce the SWAGAT-FI framework, streamlining onboarding and compliance for Foreign Portfolio Investors and Foreign Venture Capital Investors. The framework, effective June 1, 2026, includes eligibility criteria for trusted investor types, exemptions from certain provisions, and extends registration and KYC review periods to 10 years.
SEBI has introduced a phased framework for a Closing Auction Session (CAS) in the equity cash segment, transitioning from a last-30-minutes VWAP to an auction-based close for stocks with listed derivatives, effective August 3, 2026. The CAS will operate as a 20-minute session with specific order restrictions and price bands, while related changes include adjustments to stock futures price bands and enhanced surveillance requirements.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Securities Markets, hosted the Samvad 2026 symposium in Mumbai, unveiling the "Investor Survey 2025" report. The event featured discussions on capital formation, challenges for startups, and investor education, with participation from industry leaders and regulators.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued circulars to operationalize the Single Window Automatic and Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors (SWAGAT-FI) framework, streamlining registration and compliance for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs). Effective June 1, 2026, the provisions apply to eligible SEBI-registered entities, including central banks and sovereign wealth funds.
European Central Bank Executive Board member Philip R. Lane stated that the ECB's tightening cycle has aligned inflation with its 2% target, with 2026 expected to be a transition year towards sustainable inflation. He highlighted external risks such as global growth and geopolitical tensions, and noted that significant economic changes or global disruptions could prompt policy adjustments.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission published Dr. Kelvin Wong's speech on enhancing governance frameworks to leverage new market opportunities in 2026 and beyond, delivered at the Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute's Annual Celebration.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission warned about an unauthorised AI-themed investment product by Gold Fun Corporation Limited and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology Limited, suspected of breaching the Securities and Futures Ordinance. The product, promising high returns with low risk, is on the SFC’s Suspicious Investment Products Alert List, with reports of withdrawal difficulties and potential investor losses due to limited regulatory protection.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails linked to five banks, including The Bank of East Asia and Shanghai Commercial Bank. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information, advising affected individuals to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Central Bank of Chile (BCCh) issued a reminder about its free service for analyzing and reimbursing banknotes and coins that are burned or accidentally damaged. The service requires a submission form and delivery of items to the BCCh or authorized bank branches. The process covers damage from various events and includes guidance on preserving items for verification.
The European Central Bank released an events and speeches entry on 16 January 2026.
The Chile Financial Market Commission imposed additional Basel III Pillar 2 capital requirements on seven banks, including Banco Bice and Banco Santander, after a supervisory assessment. Adjustments varied: requirements decreased for three banks, remained unchanged for three, and increased for one, based on their business models. The Commission noted that banks' current internal targets already include buffers above minimum regulatory requirements, so no new capital injections are needed.
Chile’s Financial Market Commission (CMF) reported over 85% progress on its 2023–26 Strategic Plan, emphasizing regulatory oversight of over 8,000 financial institutions with USD 650 billion in assets. The CMF highlighted initiatives for a deeper capital market and public engagement, and identified challenges such as implementing the Fintech Act and the Consolidated Debt Registry by April 2026. It also plans to enhance AI use for risk monitoring and develop its supervisory technology model.
The Central Bank of Mongolia’s Monetary Policy Committee held an unscheduled meeting to amend consumer lending rules and tighten liquidity by resetting the debt-service-to-income ratio to 45% for consumer loans and increasing reserve requirements by 1 percentage point. These measures address elevated credit growth and associated risks, with further policy actions contingent on macroeconomic developments; minutes will be published in two weeks.
The European Central Bank's blog post analyzes the sharp steepening of the euro area yield curve in 2025, driven by an increase in the real component of rates while inflation expectations remained stable. The analysis highlights a strong global influence on the steepening, particularly at the long end, with variations across euro area sovereign curves linked to country-specific debt outlooks.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has finalized its 2024-2025 climate and nature plan, embedding climate and nature-related risks into its monetary policy, banking supervision, and portfolio management. Key priorities include enhancing readiness for climate impacts, integrating climate considerations into the operational framework, and assessing banks' transition plans and capabilities to manage physical and nature-related risks.
The Central Bank of the Philippines and the Department of Finance hosted the "Big Bold Reforms: The Philippines 2026" event, highlighting government reform priorities and economic agenda with over 300 participants. Key topics included infrastructure investment, tourism and agriculture reforms, digital transformation, and regulatory streamlining.
The Central Bank of Myanmar announced enforcement actions against illegal foreign-currency transactions and online financial scams, including USDT activities, resulting in account freezes, blocks, and prosecutions. Additionally, the bank reported significant foreign-currency sales through various platforms and warned the public against illegal FX trading, citing ongoing legal proceedings under relevant financial laws.
Democratic senators, led by Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, have requested information from 15 major banks about their involvement in the Trump Administration's efforts to sell Venezuela's oil and manage proceeds through U.S.-controlled accounts. The inquiry seeks details on the banks' participation, financial support, and communications with Administration officials, with responses due by 29 January 2026 and ongoing monthly document production requested.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's proposal to weaken disparate impact enforcement under the Fair Housing Act, asserting it would facilitate housing discrimination and vowing Democratic opposition.
The U.S. Financial Services Committee released a commentary by Capital Markets Subcommittee Chair Rep. Ann Wagner on the INVEST Act, a package of over 20 bipartisan bills aimed at expanding access to U.S. capital markets for retail investors and businesses, particularly in the Midwest. The legislation seeks to support job creation, improve retirement savers' opportunities, and open private-market investing by shifting eligibility from wealth to knowledge and experience, with Senate consideration pending.
The Central Bank of Taiwan's monthly report shows that as of 31 December 2025, 65 domestic banking units and 56 offshore banking units conducted renminbi business, with RMB deposits at RMB 115.36 billion and remittances for November 2025 at RMB 212.21 billion. The Taipei Branch of the Bank of China processed RMB 448 billion in settlements in December 2025.
The Anguilla Financial Services Commission is consulting on the draft Registrar of Companies (Compliance Measures) Bill to enhance supervisory and enforcement powers over registered entities. The bill proposes site visits, inspections, document production, compliance notices, and civil penalties. This initiative addresses deficiencies noted in Anguilla’s 2023 Supplementary Review on Exchange of Information on Request, which rated the jurisdiction as "partially compliant."
The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia is committed to maintaining monetary policy vigilance to stabilize the denar's exchange rate and control inflation, now around 4% but above historical and euro area averages. Vice Governor Mitreska highlighted regional factors like wage growth and the credit cycle affecting disinflation, with policy rate normalization paused since February 2025 and reinforced by macroprudential measures.
Moldova's Ministry of Finance announced that the January 2026 subscription of government securities via the eVMS.md platform garnered MDL 90,597,200 in investments, primarily in one-year bonds. The ministry has implemented monthly issuances for retail investors with fixed interest and semi-annual payments, with upcoming sessions in February and March 2026.
The IMF's working paper finds that while credit inclusion alone doesn't signal instability, it becomes a stronger warning when coinciding with credit booms. Using data from 96 countries, the study highlights that concurrent credit inclusion and credit booms predict higher financial distress and reduced GDP growth, whereas credit inclusion booms outside of credit booms are linked to improved stability.
The International Monetary Fund released a working paper analyzing how a large fiat-backed stablecoin could transmit liquidity stress into sovereign bond markets through redemptions and reserve asset sales, with design choices like capital buffers and cash reserves potentially mitigating these risks. The paper highlights that stablecoin issuers' reserves often comprise bank deposits and short-term sovereign bonds, and notes that continuous redemption against non-continuous markets can amplify contagion effects.
The International Monetary Fund released a working paper analyzing factors influencing emerging market and developing economies' access to international bond markets, highlighting the role of guarantees, collateral, and macro-contingent features when market access is constrained. The study uses data from 46 economies to predict issuance probabilities and finds that unconventional deals are more common and larger when spreads exceed 600 basis points.
The IMF's Working Paper analyzes fintech lenders' impact on Brazilian banks, showing increased competition reduced lending rates, compressed net interest margins, and decreased profitability. A 3.7 percentage point drop in lending rates and a 1.3 percentage point decline in net interest margins per standard deviation increase in fintech competition were noted, with fintech competition estimated to lower average lending rates by 2.7 percentage points from 2018 to 2024.
The OECD Economic Survey of Denmark projects GDP growth of 2.0% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, with inflation declining to 1.1% in 2026. It recommends managing public spending, improving housing affordability, strengthening family support, and enhancing climate adaptation. The survey highlights pressures from ageing, climate change, and defence needs, suggesting efficiency gains and savings to maintain low debt and high-quality public services.
The Bermuda Monetary Authority has released an updated Personal Declaration Form for director and officer appointments under the Insurance Act 1978 and the Investment Funds Act 2006, effective immediately, with previous versions no longer accepted after 1 February 2026. The revised form, which includes additional information requests, is available on the BMA website.
The Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago and the Inland Revenue Division have signed a 2026 Memorandum of Understanding to exchange financial intelligence and coordinate actions against financial crimes, replacing the 2010 agreement. The MOU facilitates collaboration under their respective Acts, linking FIUTT's intelligence functions with IRD's tax and money laundering investigations.
The Central Bank of The Bahamas is inviting Bahamian undergraduate and graduate scholars to submit original research papers for the 2026 T. Baswell Donaldson Research Competition, with a submission deadline of 30 April 2026 and a top prize of up to 20,000 USD. Papers must be original, unpublished, and meet academic standards, with submissions accepted only through the Central Bank’s Submittable portal.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) released a video on a decision against MWL Financial Services for inappropriate advice on an SMSF and investing in the Shield Master Fund, resulting in nearly AUD 96,000 in compensation. The adviser failed to act in the complainants' best interests, with MWL Financial Services partially responsible for the loss of trauma insurance. AFCA plans to continue publishing updates on related cases.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority and the Australian Banking Association have appointed Sean Hughes as the next Chair of the Banking Code Compliance Committee, effective early 2026, succeeding Ian Govey AM. Hughes, currently General Counsel for Vanguard Investments Australia, previously served as a Commissioner at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Madagascar's Ministry of Finance concluded an IMF technical mission to prepare for the next review of its Extended Credit Facility and Resilience and Sustainability Facility, focusing on economic policy objectives and public policy sustainability. Discussions included the 2025 macroeconomic framework, 2026 projections, and reforms such as JIRAMA’s recovery plan, with continuation of the IMF programme contingent on growth assumptions and revenue mobilisation targets.
Sierra Leone's Ministry of Finance held a three-day Strategic Management Retreat to review 2025 achievements, assess progress on the 2024–2026 strategic plan, and develop 2026 economic policies. Key priorities include accountability, budget credibility, debt management, revenue mobilisation, financial reforms, and impactful social spending.
Bulgaria's Financial Supervision Commission approved a board appointment at Select Asset Management, a EUR 23.5 million bond issuance by Future Capital Holding AD, and opened consultations on amendments to the Guarantee Fund's rules and FSC's fee ordinance. It also removed Alteron REIT's BGN 10 million bond issue and Intercapital Group AD's share issue from public registers.
The National Bank of Ukraine updated its list of benchmark domestic government debt securities for reserve requirements, effective 14 January 2026, removing ISIN UA4000227201 and adding ISIN UA4000238844. This change, allowing banks to meet up to 60% of reserve requirements with these securities, aims to boost participation in Ministry of Finance auctions to finance the state budget without monetary financing.
The National Bank of Belgium released updated data indicating that substantial amounts of Belgian franc banknotes remain in public circulation as of 1 January 2026.
The Bank of Japan released its December 2025 update on Japanese government bond settlement fails, detailing monthly statistics on the incidence of fails in delivery-versus-payment transactions and the use of buy-ins to resolve these issues, based on a survey of 246 institutions.
The Reserve Bank of India has mandated that payments banks with 10 or more outlets appoint an Internal Ombudsman to independently review unresolved or rejected complaints, with compliance required by 30 June 2026. The new Directions, effective immediately, include automated complaint management, governance oversight, and repeal the 2023 Internal Ombudsman Master Direction.
The Reserve Bank of India mandates Credit Information Companies to establish an Internal Ombudsman mechanism for grievance redress, requiring automated escalation of unresolved complaints and adherence to governance standards, effective immediately with full compliance by 30 June 2026. The new Directions replace the 2023 Master Direction on Internal Ombudsman for Regulated Entities, with prior appointments recognized under the updated framework.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission appointed J. Russell “Rusty” McGranahan as General Counsel, with Jeffrey Finnell continuing as Deputy General Counsel.
The European Central Bank has enhanced its short-term forecasting models for euro area real GDP growth by revising its bridge-equation toolbox and incorporating experimental machine learning methods to better capture volatility and forecast uncertainty. The updated models, which showed improved accuracy in real-time evaluations, will be regularly monitored and revised as needed, with exploration of new data sources and advanced techniques.
The European Central Bank published research examining the limitations of text-derived indicators in measuring trade policy uncertainty, titled "From text to trouble: understanding the limits of text-derived trade policy uncertainty measures".
The European Central Bank released research analyzing recent dynamics and underlying drivers of the household saving rate.
The European Central Bank released a research piece titled “Holding on: labour hoarding and firms’ expectations”, exploring the relationship between labour hoarding and firms' expectations.
The European Central Bank confirmed that its Governing Council kept key policy rates unchanged at the December 2025 meeting, maintaining a data-dependent approach without pre-commitment to a rate path. Eurosystem staff projections anticipate inflation around target over the medium term, with headline inflation dipping below 2% in 2026-27 before returning to 2% in 2028, alongside slightly stronger projected growth driven by domestic demand.
The European Central Bank has enhanced the European System of Central Banks’ statistical climate indicators, expanding the sustainable debt securities dataset and refining analysis of banks’ portfolio carbon intensity and physical risk indicators. Updates include new breakdowns of sustainable bond indicators, insights into inflation's impact on carbon intensity, and improved data for estimating windstorm losses, with further methodological refinements planned.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of Kazakhstan has developed a draft Board resolution to establish rules for granting permission to open banks or branches of non-resident banks and issuing banking licences, including for Islamic banking, to support the draft Law on Banks and Banking Activities.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan released a draft resolution outlining procedures for voluntary reorganisation, liquidation, and termination of bank activities, including transformation into Islamic banks and deposit return protocols.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan has drafted a Board resolution to establish rules for licensing certain banking operations, including qualification requirements and necessary compliance documentation, in line with the draft Law on Banks and Banking Activities.
Kazakhstan's Financial Market Agency reported 2025 developments, highlighting stricter consumer credit constraints, expanded anti-fraud tools, and enforcement actions with fines and licence losses. Key banking metrics included an 11% asset increase to KZT 68.3 trillion and a 17.9% rise in business loans to KZT 14.8 trillion, alongside new legislation efforts and supervisory activities.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan granted JSC Bank of China of Trade and Industry in Almaty a licence to operate in the securities market, effective January 13, 2026, under order No. B-6.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined three exchange offices in Bishkek KGS 55,000 each for breaching national legislation and the bank's regulations.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance updated on Vayupak One Mutual Fund’s Class A investment units, detailing a THB 150 billion offer, trading on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and a dividend payment of THB 0.4604 per unit on 22 January 2026. The fund focuses on yield-generating securities, stable business performance, and good corporate governance, with the SET Index noted at 1,259.67 points as of 30 December 2025.
Austria's Ministry of Finance warns of fraudulent emails impersonating the ministry, falsely claiming outstanding payments and urging money transfers to foreign accounts. Official communications are digitally signed and delivered by post or to the FinanzOnline Databox, and the ministry advises recipients to delete suspicious messages and not provide personal information.
The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) welcomed a High Court ruling affirming its authority to regulate payment systems, including capping cross-border interchange fees, following a legal challenge. This decision allows the PSR to continue evaluating appropriate fee levels to support competition, innovation, and service user interests.
The Bank of Italy released updated statistics on public finances, borrowing requirements, and debt as of November 2025.
The Bank of Italy released the financial accounts for Q3 2025.
The Bank of Italy released updated financial market statistics for November–December 2025.
Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) concluded its investigation into alleged fictitious transactions involving PT Sriwahana Adityakarta Tbk (SWAT) shares, transferring the case file to the Boyolali District Prosecutor’s Office. The offences, occurring between June and July 2018, involved collusion to manipulate SWAT’s share price, violating Articles 91 and/or 92 of Law No. 8 of 1995 on Capital Markets, with potential penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines up to IDR 15 billion.
The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) announced its 2026 supervisory priorities, including shifting some supervisory activities, such as Periodic Summary Meetings (PSMs), from an annual to a biennial cycle starting 1 March for larger firms. Additional measures include faster processing for senior manager applications and modernising reporting requirements, with plans for a new UK captive regime for insurers by 2027.
The Bank of Italy will host a seminar on "The Eurosystem’s payment systems and market infrastructures" in Rome on 15-16 January 2026, inviting central banks from selected new EU Member States, EU candidates, and other emerging economies.
The Bank of Japan's preliminary December 2025 Corporate Goods Price Index data indicates a 0.1% month-on-month rise in the Producer Price Index (PPI), with export prices up 1.0% and import prices up 0.6% on a contract currency basis. Year-on-year, the PPI increased by 2.4%, driven by nonferrous metals and agricultural products, while export and import prices rose by 2.6% and fell by 1.5%, respectively. The next report is due on February 12, 2026.
ECB Vice-President Luis de Guindos stressed central bank independence for optimal inflation and interest rate outcomes, highlighting ECB-Federal Reserve cooperation. He defended euro area bank capital levels and outlined the ECB's agenda to reduce regulatory burdens, including potential changes to stress testing and capital buffers, with engagement expected with the European Commission before its final report.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission seeks public input on proposed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) regulation amendments to enhance flexibility, reduce costs, and improve clarity. Key changes include maintaining a 35% borrowing cap of total asset value (TAV), potentially increasing to 50% if an interest coverage ratio (ICR) of at least 2 is maintained, expanded financial disclosures, and restrictions on leasing to tenants involved in illegal activities.
The Thailand SEC has mandated Techlead NPN Public Company Limited to clarify its disclosure on acquiring Nestifly Co., Ltd., addressing gaps in material information and shareholder rights, with a submission deadline via SETLink by 20 January 2026. This order follows an assessment of deficiencies in TL's initial disclosure, including investment decision analyses, share price assumptions, and alignment with investment criteria.
MONEYVAL's follow-up report indicates Montenegro has significantly improved its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework, addressing deficiencies from the December 2023 evaluation. Montenegro is now rated "largely compliant" on 12 Financial Action Task Force recommendations and "partially compliant" on others, with no non-compliant ratings. Montenegro will report back to MONEYVAL in one year on further progress.