Panama’s Superintendency of the Securities Market announced a temporary operating schedule adjustment for Carnival, including special working hours from 14 January to 4 February 2026, office closures on 16 and 18 February, and suspension of legal deadlines during these closures, with regular hours resuming on 19 February.
CDP's Corporate Health Check 2026, developed with Oliver Wyman, reveals 15% of over 10,000 companies reached "Leadership" in climate, water, or forests, achieving a 4% compound annual emissions reduction and identifying USD 218 billion in financial opportunities. Japan leads in climate Leadership with 22% of companies, and the report highlights governance, transition planning, and executive pay linked to environmental outcomes as common practices among leaders.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs minority released a transcript of Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren’s remarks at a Senate hearing, criticizing the Trump Administration's efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for increasing fraud risks to seniors. The Government Accountability Office identified the CFPB, FBI, and FTC as key entities for a governmentwide anti-scam strategy, noting that fragmentation across 13 agencies hinders effectiveness.
The U.S. Financial Services Committee's subcommittee reviewed CFIUS's use of FIRRMA authorities to assess foreign investments for national security risks, focusing on sensitive technology, infrastructure, and data. Discussions included the need for an efficient, transparent investment screening process, concerns over foreign ownership of agricultural land, and a proposal to add the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent CFIUS member for agricultural transactions.
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee announced the passage of an appropriations act that includes provisions to expand financing for overseas civil nuclear projects and authorize increased U.S. capital in the Inter-American Investment Corporation, enhancing U.S. competitiveness and private-sector development in the Western Hemisphere.
Indonesia's Ministry of Finance outlined early-2026 economic policy priorities focused on accelerating state spending, enhancing the investment climate, and improving coordination with the central bank to ensure fiscal and monetary policy alignment. Measures include a task force to expedite investment and potential subsidies or incentives, addressing an economic slowdown observed in late 2025.
The U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and AI held a hearing on integrating fintech into the U.S. financial system, emphasizing clear legal pathways and consumer protections. Key points included balanced regulation to foster innovation, concerns over regulatory ambiguity affecting digital assets and AI, and advocacy for a uniform national AI framework in payments and tailored federal rules for earned wage access and buy now pay later products.
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee's Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions held its annual oversight hearing on CFIUS, with testimony from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Subcommittee Chair Warren Davidson stressed the need for rigorous scrutiny of foreign investments, highlighted the Known Investor Portal pilot program, and discussed the COINS Act's role in preventing U.S. capital from supporting adversaries, particularly China, while urging for a streamlined outbound investment rule.
The Bank of Zambia announced that the cash exchange period for old banknotes will end on 31 March 2026, after which they will no longer be legal tender, following the introduction of a new currency family on 31 March 2025. Old banknotes can be exchanged at designated points, including commercial banks and NATSAVE branches, in accordance with the Bank of Zambia (Withdrawal and Exchange of Currency) Regulations, 2025.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs has delayed the markup of digital asset market structure legislation as bipartisan negotiations with industry stakeholders continue, aiming to establish clearer rules for digital assets with consumer protection and national security goals.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has ordered RD Media Earning Hub (Pvt) Ltd and two directors to stop accepting deposits and repay all deposit liabilities after finding they violated the Finance Business Act No. 42 of 2011 by accepting deposits from June 2020 to April 2021.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission announced a pilot for a responsibilities mapping system for large specialized credit finance businesses and savings banks, requiring submission to the Financial Supervisory Service by April 10, 2026. The pilot offers incentives such as consultation and non-accountability for internal control mishandling, with full compliance deadlines set for July 2, 2026.
South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service reported a KRW37.6 trillion increase in outstanding household lending for 2025, with a decline in the household debt-to-GDP ratio to 89.3% in Q3 2025. For 2026, authorities plan to maintain a consistent household debt management approach, with the Financial Services Commission adjusting housing finance rules, including contributions to a housing finance credit guarantee fund based on loan volumes.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reported slower growth in household loans in 2025, with a KRW 37.6 trillion increase from 2024, and a decline in the household debt to GDP ratio to 89.3% as of Q3 2025. The FSC highlighted debt management measures, including the third-stage stressed debt service ratio rule and plans to adjust housing finance rules, requiring financial companies to contribute to a housing finance credit guarantee fund based on issued housing loans.
Elena Grumeza has been appointed as state secretary of Moldova’s Ministry of Finance, effective 15 January 2026, to oversee digital transformation processes within the Ministry and its subordinated institutions.
The Central Bank of Estonia will release a silver collector coin dedicated to Estonian athletes at the XXV Olympic Winter Games, with 3,000 coins minted at EUR 95 each, available from 23 January. The coin, designed by Merilin and Priit Pedastsaar, features a boot-print in snow as a QR code and Braille text, and will be presented at an event in Tallinn.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has referred a case to the Attorney General regarding an alleged offence under Article 127(1) of Law No. 7 of 2010, involving a former Boursa Kuwait-listed entity's failure to provide access to data deemed important by the Authority in a whistleblowing investigation.
The Central Bank of the UAE and the Bank of Finland have expanded their partnership to focus on financial stability, FinTech, and digital transformation, with discussions on regulatory cooperation, green finance, and cross-border payment systems.
The Central Bank of Iraq reported a joint meeting with the National Team, Technical Committee for Sovereign Rating, and Oliver Wyman to enhance Iraq's sovereign and credit rating by engaging with S&P, Fitch, and Moody’s, focusing on institutional quality, financial strength, and governance. This initiative aligns with the government's broader efforts to improve Iraq's economic image and international confidence.
The IMF Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV consultation with St. Lucia, highlighting solid recent performance but weaker near-term growth, recommending a growth-friendly, revenue-based fiscal adjustment to reduce public debt. The report notes projected GDP growth slowdown to 1.7% in 2025, public debt stabilization at 77% of GDP, and calls for comprehensive tax reform, better spending control, and stronger financial stability measures.
The Bank for International Settlements released a working paper analyzing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) adoption in the United States and Italy, revealing higher usage in the US primarily due to socio-demographic differences. Despite lower usage, Italians have more optimistic expectations for GenAI's impact on well-being and financial wealth, with higher trust in government data handling compared to their US counterparts.
The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) highlighted a gap between regulatory and industry expectations on quantum computing risk preparedness, urging regulators to align post-quantum cryptography migration with immediate threats. A WFE survey revealed members prioritize generative AI risks over quantum preparedness, estimating a 5–10+ year window before quantum computers become a threat, while taking preparatory steps like monitoring developments and conducting risk assessments.
The International Monetary Fund's research highlights that artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping labor markets, with a growing demand for new skills and wage premiums, particularly in professional and technical roles. The study introduces a Skill Imbalance Index to assess future skill demand and supply, recommending policy measures to enhance education and innovation, while noting AI-related skills have not yet driven employment growth.
The International Monetary Fund released a Staff Discussion Note analyzing how emerging IT and AI skills are transforming labor markets, wages, and employment, proposing new metrics to assess skill gaps. The note highlights that demand for new skills can increase wages and employment but may exacerbate job polarization, with AI-related skills linked to weaker employment in certain occupations, and suggests policies to address skill imbalances.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) announced that the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) replaced the cancellation of Richard Ernest Auricht's liquidator registration with a five-year suspension starting 23 June 2023, following findings of unauthorized remuneration and non-compliance with reporting obligations. The ART deemed the suspension appropriate due to the absence of dishonesty and Auricht's clean disciplinary record.
Chile's Ministry of Finance announced that the Chamber of Deputies’ Citizen Security Commission has nearly completed voting on the bill to establish an Economic Intelligence System, with pending amendments on the Financial Analysis Unit's (UAF) authority to lift bank secrecy in specific cases. The approved measures enhance the UAF's sanctioning framework, introduce fines based on severity, and increase staffing in key agencies, while the commission continues to deliberate on remaining amendments.
The European Central Bank released research on utilizing satellite data to enhance nowcasting tools for real-time trade tracking.
The European Central Bank reported a decline in the euro area current account surplus to EUR 283 billion (1.8% of GDP) for the year ending Q3 2025, down from EUR 425 billion (2.8% of GDP) the previous year, while the net international investment position rose to EUR 1.72 trillion (11.0% of GDP). The surplus reduction was driven by a shift in primary income to a deficit and changes in secondary income and services balances, with notable surpluses and deficits recorded against the UK and China, respectively.
The European Central Bank released euro area sector accounts data for Q3 2025, highlighting stable household financial investment growth at 2.7% and non-financial corporations' financing at 1.6%. The report includes data revisions back to Q1 2022 and announces upcoming experimental Distributional Wealth Accounts results for February 2026.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper No 3171 introduces a VAR-quantile regression framework to assess how structural shocks impact the distribution of future euro area GDP growth and inflation. The study finds that demand and financial shocks significantly influence GDP growth risks, while supply shocks affect inflation volatility, with the model indicating that these shocks amplified GDP growth decline during the global financial crisis.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper Series No 3172 by Guido Wolswijk analyzes euro area fiscal policy reactions to monetary policy from 1999-2019, finding a generally substitutive relationship that weakened during quantitative easing. Using data from ten euro area countries, the study indicates a 1 percentage point tighter monetary stance correlates with a 0.5 percentage point GDP fiscal loosening, with muted responses during 2015-2019 and evidence of countercyclical behavior in recessions.
The European Securities and Markets Authority has adopted a new Digital Strategy for 2026–2028 and updated its Data Strategy for 2023–2028, focusing on smarter regulatory reporting and technology-driven supervision. Key initiatives include enhancing digital capabilities, streamlining supervisory reporting, expanding the ESMA Data Platform, and implementing the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) joint supervisory tool, with plans to unify these strategies by 2029.
The Bulgaria Financial Supervision Commission issued decisions, approving a Supervisory Board member for ZEAD BULSTRAD LIFE VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP EAD, removing BROCOM-2000 Ltd. from the insurance broker register, and requesting more information from EF Asset Management AD for a mutual fund permit. Iterium Ltd.'s application for a crypto-asset service provider licence was not considered due to incomplete documentation.
The Central Bank of Bolivia hosted Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Ilan Goldfajn and Vice President Anabel Gonzalez to strengthen institutional ties and discuss monetary policy, financing, and other economic priorities. This visit marks a new phase of engagement, emphasizing transparency and independence, with further meetings planned with government and business sector representatives.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission attended the Financial Action Task Force's first 2026 meeting in Lisbon, presenting progress on its action plan with the International Co-operation Review Group to enhance its framework against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. The meeting, attended by Director Helena Cambinda and other international authorities, focused on Angola's progress from September to December 2025 and aimed to strengthen international cooperation and adherence to global standards.
The Montenegro Capital Market Authority's president and deputy president are attending the FT Live conference "The Central and Eastern European Forum 2026" in Vienna to exchange supervisory experiences and discuss regional financial trends, regulatory frameworks, and capital market development.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved a regulation standardizing requirements for banks' financial recovery plans to enhance financial stability and protect depositors and creditors, as per Resolution No. 2025-P-12/70-5-(RLA) adopted on 26 December 2025.
The Bank of Israel will expand the identification code for banking corporations and nonbank entities connecting to Israel’s payment systems from two digits to three, allowing more participants, including fintech firms, to operate as direct participants. Implementation schedules will be published in 2026.
The Spanish Securities Commission (CNMV) is recruiting 32 permanent staff across various functions, with applications due by 13:00 on 12 February via the CNMV’s electronic office. Positions include roles in supervision, technology, and administration, with eight reserved for individuals with disabilities, and selection involves a competitive examination and merit-based assessment.
The Bank of Italy released updated "Banks and Money: National Data" statistics for November 2025.
The Bank of Italy released the January 2026 issue of 'The Italian economy in brief', detailing data and statistics on Italy's economic and financial system, including real economic activity, prices, foreign transactions, private-sector financial conditions, banking sector developments, public finances, and inflation and growth forecasts.
The European Central Bank, led by President Christine Lagarde, issued a joint statement with other central bank leaders supporting the Federal Reserve System and Chair Jerome H. Powell, emphasizing central bank independence for stability and democratic accountability. The statement, signed by governors from major central banks including the Bank of England and the Swiss National Bank, commends Powell's integrity and adherence to his mandate.
The Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK) amended its framework for finance, infrastructure finance, and venture capital companies to simplify regulations and recalibrate prudential and product rules, effective 22 December 2025. Key changes include streamlined ownership change mechanisms, shortened securities issuance recommendation timeframes, adjusted motor vehicle down payment rules, and relaxed digital financing service requirements.
The Bank of England released a joint statement from international central bank leaders supporting the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell, emphasizing central bank independence for stability and praising Powell's integrity. Signatories include leaders from the European Central Bank, Sveriges Riksbank, Danmarks Nationalbank, Swiss National Bank, Reserve Bank of Australia, Bank of Canada, Bank of Korea, Banco Central do Brasil, and the Bank for International Settlements.
The Bank of Japan published updated datasets for Q3 2025 on direct investment by region and industry, including separate files for direct investment income and flows.
The Bank of Japan released preliminary December 2025 data showing year-on-year changes in loans and deposits for major, regional, and shinkin banks, with loans totaling 6,606,626 JPY 100 million and deposits at 10,599,727 JPY 100 million, a 0.9% increase. The report also includes foreign banks' yen-denominated loans in Japan, totaling 63,773 JPY 100 million.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority announced a webinar on 27 January 2026 to discuss the updated Crypto Token Regulatory Framework and its impact on the Dubai International Financial Centre's digital assets ecosystem, following the framework's implementation on 12 January 2026. The session will address key changes, including firm-led Crypto Token suitability assessments, and implications for existing and new market participants.
Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) issued Regulation No. 31/2025 to enhance governance standards for self-regulatory organizations in the stock exchange, clearing and guarantee institution, and depository and settlement institution, effective 3 December 2025. The regulation outlines comprehensive requirements for governance, risk management, and compliance, with specific provisions from 2016 regulations revoked.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission issued an alert for holders of five Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited bond series, advising them to review information and exercise their rights before the electronic Bondholders’ Meeting on 16 January 2026. The meeting will address waivers on default events, amendments to principal and interest terms, and potential impacts, with the bondholders’ representative, Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, providing analysis and clarification.
MONEYVAL's follow-up report on Poland's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework noted strengthened safeguards in non-profit organisations but identified ongoing shortcomings, especially with new technologies. Poland largely addressed compliance with FATF Recommendation 8 and partly improved on Recommendation 15. Poland remains under MONEYVAL's enhanced follow-up, with a progress report expected in a year.
The Bank of Lithuania reported a sharp narrowing of the current account balance surplus to EUR 143.2 million in November 2025, primarily due to a shift in the primary income balance to a deficit and a reduced services surplus. The foreign trade deficit widened to EUR 523.5 million, while net financial account investment was positive at EUR 502.6 million, driven by a EUR 1.0 billion net inflow in portfolio investment.
Lithuania's Ministry of Finance announced memoranda of cooperation with the European Investment Fund and the European Stability Mechanism to enhance ILTE's risk management through international expertise, as part of its transformation into a national development bank. The initiative includes seconding risk management experts to ILTE's Advisory Risk Management Committee to reinforce its institutional structure and practices.
Lithuania's Ministry of Finance announced that Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas met with European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño to enhance cooperation on defence projects, involving the national development bank ILTE in a systemic co-financing model with the EIB Group. The meeting also addressed support for Ukraine, Lithuania's defence industry capabilities, and preparations for Lithuania's upcoming EU Council Presidency.
Lithuania's Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekunas met with Luxembourg's Finance Minister Gilles Roth to discuss economic conditions, defence funding, support for Ukraine, and the EU Savings and Investments Union initiative. Key topics included removing cross-border capital flow barriers, enhancing supervisory efficiency, and the EUR 90 billion EU-backed loan to Ukraine, with Vaitiekunas seeking support for Lithuania's ECB nomination.
Latvia's Ministry of Finance has outlined its 2026 priorities, focusing on sustainable public finances and an investment-friendly environment, with reforms in budget planning, transparency, procurement, and financial management. Key initiatives include a results-based state budget structure by 2027, a single licensing framework for consumer lenders by 2027, and EUR 1.4 billion in EU and Recovery Fund investments in 2026.
Angola's Ministry of Finance, via the Institute for the Management of State Assets, has introduced SEP360º, a digital platform in its final development stage to automate data collection and monitoring for public enterprises. Utilizing artificial intelligence and robotic process automation, SEP360º will streamline reporting, enhance data validation, and provide real-time monitoring and risk alerts, improving oversight and reducing reliance on manual processes.
A presidential decree in Angola has established the framework for issuing Treasury Bonds, empowering the Minister of Finance to determine issuance specifics and establish incentives. The decree outlines semiannual coupon payments, redemption terms, and placement methods, with further ministerial acts to detail issuance terms and public placement procedures.
The National Bank of Serbia's Cash Operations Division report for 2025 identified 1,832 counterfeit Serbian dinar (RSD) banknotes and 2,681 counterfeit foreign-currency banknotes, with euro counterfeits comprising the largest share. The RSD 2,000 denomination was the most counterfeited among dinar notes, while EUR 100 and EUR 200 were prevalent among foreign currencies, with the total nominal dinar equivalent of all counterfeits amounting to RSD 47,310,853.24.
The Bank of the Lao and the Bank of Korea presented the results of the 2025 Bank of Korea Knowledge Partnership Programme, focusing on enhancing financial literacy to promote economic stability in Lao PDR. The seminar in Vientiane included discussions on Lao PDR’s economic conditions, current financial literacy initiatives, and strategies aligned with the government’s 10th socio-economic development plan.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua's December 2025 Monetary Indicators note highlights increases in gross international reserves, net foreign-exchange purchases, and year-on-year growth in all monetary aggregates. Currency in circulation rose 15.9%, the monetary base 9.4%, public deposits 14.6%, and the broadest monetary aggregate (M3A) 14.9%, with strong demand for the central bank’s monetary instruments absorbing significant liquidity.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a 2025 profit of NIO 2,404.7 million, attributing the surplus to income from financial and monetary investments exceeding operational and financial costs. Profits will be used to bolster the bank's capital and reduce public securities obligations, aligning with its mandate for currency stability and payment system functionality.
Central Bank of Nicaragua President Ovidio Reyes announced that Nicaragua's economy exceeded 2025 growth expectations, now projected at 4.5% to 5%, driven by record exports and construction growth. Inflation is expected to end 2025 below 3%, with international reserves at USD 8,325 million, covering all national financial system deposits and equating to 35% of GDP.
Poland's Ministry of Finance announced that the Council of Ministers adopted a draft deregulatory bill for non-public closed-end investment funds, eliminating the need to register investment certificates with the National Depository for Securities (KDPW) and appoint an issuance agent. The bill, aimed at simplifying issuance and reducing costs while maintaining investor safeguards, will take effect 14 days after publication in the Journal of Laws.
The Central Bank of Poland reported a PLN 2.0bn current account deficit for November 2025, compared to PLN 1.2bn in November 2024, with a services surplus of PLN 12.3bn and deficits in goods, primary income, and secondary income accounts. Export growth slowed broadly, with goods exports at PLN 126.6bn and imports at PLN 131.2bn, while the primary income deficit narrowed to PLN 8.8bn.
Poland's Ministry of Finance reported retail Treasury savings bonds sales of PLN 5.35 billion in December 2025 and PLN 74.9 billion for the year, detailing interest terms for bonds available from 1 to 31 January. The ministry highlighted significant sales growth from PLN 3.2 billion in 2015 to nearly PLN 75 billion in 2025, with specific interest rates set for various bond types, including fixed-rate, floating-rate, and inflation-linked options.
The Central Bank of Poland has issued a new silver collector coin, "Stanislaw Konarski," as part of its "Treasures of the Medal-Making Art" series, available from 12 January 2026. The PLN 50 coin, minted in 999 purity silver, features an 18th-century medal design and is limited to 4,000 pieces.
The State Bank of Vietnam announced a VND 25,453 billion credit contract for the Hanoi Ring Road 4 Construction Project, funded by Agribank, Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam, and Vietnam Modern Bank Limited. The 113.52 km project through Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Bac Ninh includes a public-private partnership for highway construction with a total investment of over VND 53,553 billion, starting on September 6, 2025.
The State Bank of Vietnam reported to the Central Steering Committee on the banking sector's housing credit programmes, revealing a total outstanding housing-policy credit of approximately VND 41 trillion, with significant contributions from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies and commercial banks. The Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Construction and the Government Office with finalizing the notice of conclusions for unified implementation.
The State Bank of Vietnam engaged in the Vietnam-EU High-level Policy Dialogue, discussing the EU's assessment for a EUR 25 million disbursement under the Budget Support Agreement. The central bank reviewed the Law on Credit Institutions, 2025 monetary policy outcomes, and anti-money laundering efforts.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) held its Region 6 conference to outline 2026 banking priorities, focusing on capital availability for production, business, and priority sectors, while controlling risky lending. Key initiatives include expanding non-cash payments, digital transformation, system security, and administrative reforms, with Region 6 noted for its significant capital mobilisation and credit growth.
The New York State Department of Financial Services outlined Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026 State of the State package to reduce auto insurance premiums by combating staged-crash fraud, revising claims and litigation rules, and enhancing policyholder transparency. The plan includes coordinated enforcement, extended fraud investigation timeframes, discounted rates for safe-driving program participants, and potential legal changes affecting non-economic damages and no-fault injury thresholds.
The New York State Department of Financial Services released Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 affordability proposals, focusing on reducing auto and home insurance costs through enhanced anti-fraud measures, insurer profitability oversight, and increased rate transparency. Initiatives include targeting staged-crash fraud, requiring insurers to notify policyholders of rate changes, and implementing a first-in-the-nation check on home insurer profitability to ensure consumer benefits.
The New York State Department of Financial Services released Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State proposals, focusing on consumer and worker protections through a new Office of Digital Innovation, Governance, Integrity and Trust, and advancing legislation on data privacy, AI transparency, and election-related misinformation. Key measures include data broker registration, AI content labeling, deepfake bans, and various tax and lending reforms.
The New York State Department of Financial Services outlined Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 proposals to enhance services for older New Yorkers, focusing on aging in place, care access, and elder abuse prevention. Key initiatives include doubling investments in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities, a USD 35 million investment to reduce in-home service waitlists, and launching the CAPABLE program for in-home support.
The New York State Department of Financial Services will expand the Education Debt Consumer Assistance Program (EDCAP) to help student loan borrowers navigate federal loan policy changes and avoid delinquency, as part of Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State proposals. The initiative will include a new education program on predatory lending and enhanced consumer outreach, partnering with colleges to provide webinars, self-paced tools, and counseling.
The New York State Department of Financial Services outlined Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State plan, emphasizing a USD 425 million allocation for the Environmental Protection Fund and a five-year USD 3.75 billion water infrastructure modernization program. Key initiatives include a Smart Growth Water Grant Program, lead service line replacement funding, new landfill regulations, and various resilience and community support grants.
The New York State Department of Financial Services released Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State proposals to enhance New York’s health care system, focusing on hospital financing, health care transaction oversight, workforce policy, and health insurance reforms. Key initiatives include AI integration in health care, expanded transaction reporting, preserving coverage for 1.3 million people, and reforms to drug pricing and care continuity.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced its 2026 committee leadership, appointing chairs and vice chairs across eight standing committees to advance regulatory work under the state-based insurance system, focusing on consumer protection, market stability, and innovation.
The State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets in the Kyrgyz Republic revoked the licenses of five virtual asset exchange operators, including ESEIX LLC and Red Exchange LLC, due to breaches of virtual asset requirements and consumer risks. The action, under Order No. 727-p dated 29 December 2025, was based on violations of the Law “On Virtual Assets” and related regulations, emphasizing operators' compliance and reporting obligations.
The Kyrgyz Republic’s State Service for Regulation and Supervision of Financial Markets suspended GedEds Crypto LLC’s licence to operate as a virtual asset exchange for up to 90 days due to violations of virtual asset legal and regulatory requirements. The suspension, effective from 29 December 2025, was based on specific articles of the Law "On Virtual Assets" and related regulations, with the licence identified as series No 0099 and registration No 86.
The Federal Reserve Board approved Fifth Third Bancorp's application to acquire Comerica Incorporated, leading to the indirect acquisition of Comerica Bank in Dallas, Texas, and Comerica Bank & Trust, National Association in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has appointed Travis Hill as its 23rd Chairman, transitioning from his role as Acting Chairman. Hill, nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate, will serve a five-year term.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is conducting a comprehensive review of Regulation S-K, focusing on material information in filer disclosures, and is seeking public input on potential amendments by April 13, 2026, under File Number CLL-15. This follows earlier work on executive compensation disclosures, with over 70 comment letters received and under evaluation.
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) proposed regulatory changes under its Deregulation Project, seeking comments on four proposals aimed at clarifying guidance and removing outdated requirements. Key proposals include eliminating certain nondiscrimination and chartering standards, with the intent to reduce redundancy and confusion without altering compliance obligations under existing laws.
The Central Bank of Colombia released its Strategic Plan 2026-2029, outlining objectives across core functions, including climate change integration, digital asset regulation, and cash and payments innovation. Key priorities involve enhancing monetary policy analysis, improving liquidity support, and expanding international reserve management, with progress monitored semiannually.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF) issued an alert about fraudsters impersonating MEX-FACTOR, S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R. via unauthorized websites and a mobile app. Users are advised to verify the authenticity of financial institutions through the SIPRES registry and official channels before engaging in transactions.
The Ontario Securities Commission issued an investor warning that Fibovest, Horizon Gold, and CARFIS are not registered to deal or advise in securities in Ontario, urging investors to verify registration before investing.
The Central Bank of Russia reported a decline in the average maximum interest rates on Russian ruble household deposits among the top 10 credit institutions, from 15.63% in early December 2025 to 15.28% by the month's end. The rates, calculated as an arithmetic mean excluding special conditions, were monitored by the Bank of Russia’s Department of Banking Regulation and Analytics.
The Bank of Russia will issue two Saint George the Victorious investment coins on 14 January 2026: a RUB 3 silver coin and a RUB 50 gold coin, both legal tender with a mintage limit of 1,000 pieces each. The coins feature the national coat of arms and Saint George imagery, with specific details on weight, fineness, and dimensions provided.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan warned about illegal online trading platforms "Hillhouse Capital/Hillhouse Investment" and "S-169 Wharton," which falsely promise high returns and lack licenses. The SECP urged the public to avoid these platforms, reported them to law enforcement, and advised verifying broker legitimacy through official channels and licensed broker lists on the Pakistan Stock Exchange and Pakistan Mercantile Exchange websites.
The Brazilian Superintendence of Private Insurance (SUSEP) reported BRL 376.17 billion in revenues for the SUSEP-supervised sector from January to November 2025, a 4.67% nominal decrease from the same period in 2024. Claims and related payouts increased by 9.68% to BRL 243.01 billion. Revenues from property and casualty insurance and personal insurance, excluding VGBL, rose 7.28% nominally, with auto and life insurance showing notable growth.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has updated its banking sector guidance to enhance financial inclusion for vulnerable groups while managing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism risks, developed in collaboration with the local banking sector.
Open Banking Limited (OBL) celebrated the eighth anniversary of open banking in the UK by outlining a roadmap to scale its impact, reporting over 16.5 million user connections and nearly 33 million payments in November 2025. OBL emphasized its contributions to the UK economy, the creation of digital jobs, and its role in developing the UK Open Banking Standard, while highlighting open banking's potential to support Open Finance and the Smart Data agenda.
FINMA announced amendments to the sanctioned entities list under the Ordinance on Measures against Venezuela, effective 13 January 2026, requiring financial intermediaries to implement prohibitions, freeze assets, and report to SECO. Compliance does not exempt intermediaries from further clarifications or reporting to the Money Laundering Reporting Office if suspicions arise.
FINMA alerted updates to the sanctions list against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, effective 13 January 2026, requiring financial intermediaries to freeze assets and report to SECO. Reporting to SECO doesn't exempt entities from further checks under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and mandates immediate reporting to the Money Laundering Reporting Office if suspicions persist.
The Albania Financial Services Authority released its December 2025 periodical, summarizing regulatory, supervisory, and institutional activities. The publication aims to assist consumers and investors in understanding the markets under its supervision.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the Rule on Management of Market Risks in Banks, aligning with Basel III and the 2024–2026 Financial Sector Development Strategy. The rule outlines governance, framework expectations, and measurement methods for managing interest rate, foreign exchange, equity, and commodity risks. It also introduces advanced approaches for managing interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB).
The Central Bank of Nepal's Financial Information Unit published its annual report for fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), highlighting increased anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing activities, including a 31% rise in suspicious transaction reports and a 51% increase in report analysis. Future priorities include adopting a risk-based approach, enhancing technology use, and improving inter-agency coordination and international cooperation.
The Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority are consulting on a proposed Financial Services Compensation Scheme Management Expenses Levy Limit of GBP 113 million for 2026/27, comprising a GBP 108 million management expenses budget and a GBP 5 million unlevied reserve. The budget is 4% higher than 2025/26, mainly reflecting an GBP 18 million forecast cost for an enhanced GBP 3 billion revolving credit facility, with the additional cost allocated to the deposits class, and includes changes in cost mix and PRA/FCA funding allocations.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has scheduled a Commission meeting for 14 January 2026 at 12:00 p.m., with the agenda available online.