The Central Bank of Russia has removed the Bulgarian lev from its official exchange rate list against the Russian ruble, effective 12 January 2026, following Bulgaria's adoption of the euro on 1 January 2026.
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority is investigating Ica Banken and Medmera Bank for potentially inadequate credit assessments in consumer loans, focusing on repayment capacity and living standards post-loan. This review is part of a broader supervisory effort on creditworthiness, following nine investigations from 2023 to 2025, amid rising consumer payment issues.
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission released a revised newsletter detailing euro exchange rates for the 12-month period starting 31 December 2025, accessible on its website under the Regulated Firms section.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) highlighted amendments to Switzerland’s Ordinance on Measures in Connection with the Situation in Ukraine, effective 12 January 2026, and reminded financial intermediaries to implement prohibitions, freeze assets of sanctioned persons, and report to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), while also fulfilling obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) issued guidance on managing risks in the custody of crypto-based assets, emphasizing the need for specialist expertise and robust infrastructure. The guidance addresses legal complexities in foreign custody, ensuring customer assets are protected from custodian insolvency, and underscores that responsibility remains with the authorized financial institution.
Taiwan's Ministry of Finance announced the National Financial Stabilization Fund will cease its market stabilization activities and revert to normal stock market mechanisms, following a decision at the Fund’s 127th Regular Committee Meeting. The committee concluded that intervention conditions are no longer present but will continue monitoring stock price volatility with the option to re-enter the market if necessary.
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) issued Resolution CVM 239 to amend its rules following Decree 12.787/2025, establishing two new superintendencies. The Superintendence for Intelligence Development will enhance supervision using advanced technologies, while the Superintendence for Market Supervision, Derivatives and Systemic Risks will focus on derivatives and systemic risks. The changes also create autonomous structures for the Ombudsman and Internal Affairs and increase technical advisory staff to expedite decision-making.
The Central Bank of Afghanistan reviewed plans with electronic money and payment institutions to implement the government’s electronic payments strategy and digitize revenue collection. An action plan has been developed, with coordinated implementation steps expected soon.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission announced updates to the Ministry of Finance’s Circular 115/2025/TT-BTC, amending Circular 118/2020/TT-BTC. The changes address public offerings, securities issuance, tender offers, share buybacks, and public company registration and status cancellation, effective 28 January 2026.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission announced a VND 1,000,000 fee for securities practising certificates, payable via bank transfer or directly at the Commission. The notice references Ministry of Finance Circular 25/2022/TT-BTC regarding fee management. Certificates will be canceled if the procedure is not completed within one year of the fee-payment notice.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission issued Notice 09/TB-UBCK mandating individuals on a specified list to pay VND 1,000,000 for securities practising certificates. Payment can be made via bank transfer to VietinBank or Vietcombank, or directly at the Commission. Failure to collect the certificate within one year will result in cancellation.
The Central Bank of Iceland issued a report to the Government after December 2025 inflation exceeded the 2.5% target by more than 1.5 percentage points, as required by their 2001 joint declaration. The report, published with a letter to the Prime Minister and related Monetary Policy Committee documents, outlines the reasons for the deviation and the Bank's response plan.
Bank of Indonesia's latest Retail Sales Survey forecasts continued growth in the Real Sales Index (RSI) for December 2025, with a 4.4% year-on-year and 4.0% month-on-month increase, driven by seasonal demand. November 2025 saw a 6.3% year-on-year RSI growth, with inflationary pressures expected to rise in the coming months, particularly ahead of Ramadan 1447 H.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the National University of Singapore appointed Professor Alan M. Taylor as the MAS Distinguished Term Professor in Economics and Finance from 12 to 16 January 2026, during which he will deliver a public lecture on global trade and engage with policymakers and economists.
The National Bank of Moldova released the 2026 regulatory reporting timetable for licensed banks, including links to previous years' submission schedules.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka amended interest rate ceilings for finance companies on deposits and debt instruments, linking them to Treasury bill weighted average yield rates (WAYR) with fixed add-on margins. LKR time deposits are capped at varying margins above the WAYR depending on the tenor, while debt instruments have a ceiling of 364-day WAYR plus 1.50% for under 1 year and plus 3.75% for 1 to less than 2 years. These ceilings will be reviewed quarterly based on the average WAYR from the latest four Treasury bill auctions.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and other scams linked to six banks, including The Bank of East Asia and DBS Bank (Hong Kong). The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send communications with embedded hyperlinks or request sensitive information, advising affected individuals to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Malta Financial Services Authority has implemented a revised regime for sponsors effective 1 January 2026, as part of its Capital Markets Strategy to enhance the regulatory framework. This framework introduces stricter requirements for sponsors, aiming to improve listing application quality, market discipline, investor confidence, and the sustainable development of Malta's capital markets.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway and the Norwegian Data Protection Authority will host a seminar on 6 February to present final reports from regulatory sandbox projects focused on data sharing to combat economic crime. The event will feature discussions on legal assessments and proposals to expand information sharing, with contributions from DNB, Nordea, and other key stakeholders.
The German Bundesbank reported a November 2025 current account surplus of EUR 15.1 billion, with a shift to net capital exports of EUR 36.7 billion. Key changes included a reduction in the goods trade surplus, a swing to a surplus in "invisible" current transactions, and significant portfolio investment inflows driven by foreign purchases of German debt securities.
The German Bundesbank's November 2025 securities market statistics reveal a decrease in gross bond issuance but a significant rise in net domestic issuance, with public sector issuers leading the increase in capital market debt. Foreign investors were the primary buyers of German bonds, while domestic investment funds experienced substantial inflows, particularly in institutional Spezialfonds.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a 10.3% year-on-year increase in outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks in November, with a 0.9% month-on-month rise in seasonally adjusted lending. Loans to residents grew by 10.7%, while loans to non-residents decreased by 4.5%, and the central bank emphasized its commitment to aligning domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions with its stability objectives.
The Central Bank of the Philippines reported a 7.6% year-on-year increase in domestic liquidity (M3) to PHP 19.4 trillion in November, with a 1.2% month-on-month rise on a seasonally adjusted basis. Claims on the domestic sector grew 10.6% year on year, driven by private sector lending and government borrowings, while net foreign assets increased 4.4%.
The European Central Bank released research analyzing the factors driving recent food inflation through an examination of the consumer food basket.
The European Central Bank released a Working Paper introducing a scenario-free method to detect emerging liquidity spirals using a shock transmission matrix, applicable to banks and non-bank financial institutions. The research highlights the importance of considering contagion channels and asset liquidation strategies, with findings suggesting that central bank liquidity injections can mitigate spirals if targeted effectively.
The European Central Bank's Working Paper No 3170 models Additional Tier 1 contingent convertible instruments (AT1 CoCos) and finds they create more value when replacing corporate debt rather than equity, though their coupon suspension feature increases financial distress risk. CoCos benefit senior debt through subordination and recapitalisation but are less favorable for governments due to tax implications and increased distress, with simpler Tier 2 CoCos showing superior performance.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs announced a "Fair Housing Under Fire" forum hosted by Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, focusing on the Trump Administration's enforcement of fair housing laws amid a housing crisis. The forum will feature testimony from former HUD civil rights attorneys and other experts, with an invitation extended to HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, has requested information from SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins on investor protections following an executive order allowing pension funds to hold cryptocurrency. Warren's letter, amid crypto market legislation negotiations, highlights concerns over a "tokenization loophole" and seeks clarity on SEC measures for fair valuation, market manipulation, and investor awareness, with responses due by 27 January 2026.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, urged President Donald Trump to support legislation capping credit card interest rates and to persuade House Republicans to pass the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which aims to increase housing supply and reduce costs.
Senator Tim Scott, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasized housing affordability during a tour of the Pointe Grand Beaufort workforce housing development in South Carolina, highlighting bipartisan efforts like his ROAD to Housing Act to reduce costs. The development aims to provide 328 new homes for working households, including teachers and nurses, to alleviate long commutes and improve family outcomes.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs released a bipartisan manager’s amendment to a market structure bill, aiming to clarify digital asset regulations and enhance retail protections while addressing misconduct and national security risks. This follows extensive negotiations and previous drafts, with Chairman Tim Scott planning a committee markup as the next legislative step.
National Bank of Hungary Governor Mihály Varga outlined 2025 for rebuilding and rationalising, with 2026 focused on strengthening stability, linking sustainable economic development to price stability, a stable forint, high reserves, and a well-capitalised banking system. He noted favourable exchange rate volatility, foreign exchange reserves exceeding EUR 50 billion, a stronger EUR/HUF rate, and record performance of the BUX index, alongside a robust banking sector enabling improved financial agreements.
Peru’s Superintendence of the Securities Market (SMV) launched the 27th Securities Market Specialisation Programme, a free annual educational initiative, with the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas organizing the in-person sessions for 32 participants until March 2026.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea said its board adopted the 2026 budget, with projected revenue of GNF 1,705.32 billion, expenditure of GNF 1,008.29 billion and a surplus of GNF 697.03 billion. It also reviewed first-half 2025 reserve management, noting gross foreign exchange reserves rose to about USD 1.8 billion and now cover around three months of imports. The board further adopted the 2023 financial statements and flagged delays in 2025 investment spending.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority issued a scam alert for the website https://suxxessfx.online/, clarifying it is not associated with any licensed or regulated entity by the FSA and advising the public to conduct thorough research before engaging with such platforms.
The Central Bank of Honduras published the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH 2023-2024), providing comprehensive data on household income and spending patterns. This survey, covering 8,746 households across all 18 departments, will inform the upcoming update of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket.
The Central Bank of Estonia reported a significant increase in fund units held by households in the third quarter, as part of its regular financial accounts statistics. The next release, covering the fourth quarter of 2025, is scheduled for 14 April 2026.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority imposed a KD 10,000 penalty on KPMG Consulting Company for breaching business ethics requirements related to valuation reporting and impairment analysis for 2024 financial statements, citing non-compliance with International Accounting Standard 36 and International Financial Reporting Standard 13.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority imposed a KD 10,000 penalty on National Investments Company for breaching business ethics by failing to comply with international accounting standards in valuation reports, specifically IAS 36 and IFRS 13. The violations included omissions of key inputs and assumptions, improper reflection of material changes, and failure to use declared market prices in fair value measurements.
The Qatar Central Bank Governor and Qatar Investment Authority Chairman met with the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.
The Central Bank of Kuwait's Diraya campaign received the Best Public Relations Campaign award at the Kuwait Public Relations and Customer Service Prize Awards.
The Central Bank of the UAE's November 2025 Monetary and Banking Developments summary reports a 1.7% contraction in narrow money (M1) to AED 1,048.1 billion, while broader aggregates M2 and M3 expanded by 1.5% each, with increases in the monetary base, bank assets, credit, and deposits. Notably, M2 rose to AED 2,669.3 billion due to growth in quasi-monetary deposits, and M3 reached AED 3,216.3 billion, reflecting higher M2 and increased government deposits.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission released the BVI Business Companies and Limited Partnerships (Beneficial Ownership) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025, further amending the beneficial ownership regulatory framework for BVI business companies and limited partnerships.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission released the Financial Services (Administrative Penalties) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission released the Financial Services (Limited Partnership Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, updating the fee structure for financial services limited partnerships.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission has included the BVI Business Companies (Amendment of Schedules) Order, 2025 in its legislation library under Corporate Structures, with the document accessible as a PDF.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is consulting on updates to Regulatory Guide 43, focusing on financial reports and audit relief under the Corporations Act 2001. The revisions aim to incorporate legislative reforms and existing guidance, with feedback due by 9 February 2026.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority announced the resignation of Carmen Beverley-Smith as Executive Director for Life Insurance, Private Health Insurance, and Superannuation, effective immediately. Peter Kohlhagen will serve as Acting Executive Director on an interim basis.
The State Bank of Vietnam outlined 2026 priorities focusing on sustaining growth, macroeconomic stability, and inflation control, with a proactive monetary policy and expansionary fiscal stance, while addressing four weak banks. The 2025 review reported an 8.02% GDP growth, a USD 514 billion economy, and progress on legal frameworks for new economic models, with 2026 targets including 10% GDP growth and continued reforms.
Lithuania's Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekunas will visit Luxembourg on 13 January to meet with senior leaders of the European Investment Bank, European Investment Fund, and European Stability Mechanism to strengthen the National Development Bank ILTE. The visit will focus on enhancing ILTE's governance, transparency, and risk management, with cooperation memoranda to be signed and discussions on ILTE's future bond issuance and alignment with international best practices.
The Central Bank of Afghanistan met with the Association of Electronic Money and Payment Institutions to coordinate expansion of electronic payments and shifting revenue collection to digital systems under a government-approved strategy. Discussions covered agency responsibilities, the role of electronic institutions in moving from cash to electronic transactions, and operational challenges. An action plan has been developed, with further steps to be taken in coordination with industry and supported by public awareness initiatives.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell responded to grand jury subpoenas from the Department of Justice, which he claims threaten criminal indictment related to his Senate testimony on Federal Reserve office renovations. Powell contends the subpoenas are retaliatory, emphasizing his commitment to evidence-based interest rate decisions and his duties focused on price stability and maximum employment.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus published an article in Phileleftheros discussing the outlook for the new year, emphasizing a positive start while cautioning against complacency.
The Qatar Financial Centre has appointed Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater as Chief Executive Officer, effective 11 January 2026, to lead its strategic objectives and align with Qatar National Vision 2030. Al-Khater, with over 28 years of experience, succeeds Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida.
The Central Bank of Egypt, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the UN World Food Programme updated on the "Transforming the Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers" project in Aswan. The initiative integrates farmers into the formal financial system with tailored products, support, and training, emphasizing women's empowerment and financial literacy. The second phase, from January 2025 to December 2026, involves EGP 120 million in funding, covering 11 new villages and introducing export-oriented cash crops.
The Central Bank of the Philippines' Monetary Board has extended regulatory incentives for banks to increase lending for eligible green projects until January 2028, allowing banks to exceed the 25 percent Single Borrower’s Limit by 15 percent and exempting sustainable bond funds from the 3 percent reserve requirement. The central bank plans to review market conditions and consider recalibrating risk weights and exploring blended finance mechanisms to enhance adaptation financing.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, accused President Donald Trump of attempting to remove Jerome Powell from the Federal Reserve Board to exert control over the Federal Reserve. She urged the Committee and Senate to reject any Trump nominee for the Federal Reserve, including for the Chair position.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's Quarterly Snapshot for Q4 2025 highlights continued disinflation and exchange-rate stability, with annual ZiG inflation at 15% against a 30% target and a stable interbank exchange rate. For 2026, the bank aims for over 5% growth and single-digit inflation, emphasizing conditions for a mono-currency transition under the National Development Strategy 2.
The State Bank of Vietnam's Region 4 branch conference outlined 2026 priorities, emphasizing tighter execution discipline, risk controls, and digital transformation. Key tasks include managing credit growth, directing capital to priority sectors, enhancing risk detection, improving credit quality, and promoting non-cash payments, with Region 4 overseeing currency and banking across Phu Tho, Lao Cai, and Tuyen Quang.
A Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam urged VietinBank to maintain systemic importance by aligning credit growth with quality controls, prioritizing funding for key projects, and managing costs to enable lending-rate reductions. Emphasis was on strengthening risk management, digital transformation, and adherence to international standards, with VietinBank reporting significant asset and credit growth, a low bad-debt ratio, and increased charter capital by end-2025.
The State Bank of Vietnam conducted a thematic training course for department-level planning resource officers on banking inspection, supervision, and institutional improvement, as part of its ongoing programme to prepare future leaders. The course covered macroprudential and micro-supervision, banking inspection, and institutional building, with sessions led by senior officials.
The State Bank of Vietnam’s Region 9 Branch held a conference in Da Nang to review 2025 banking activities and set 2026 priorities, emphasizing tighter discipline, enhanced state management, and improved risk control. Key focuses include digital transformation, non-cash payments, and supporting Da Nang’s Vietnam International Financial Center project, with significant growth reported in capital mobilization and loans by the end of 2025.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua's "Economic Report on 19 years" outlines economic developments, with a 2026 GDP growth forecast of 3.5–4.5%, unemployment at 3.0–3.5%, and inflation at 2.5–3.5%, supported by a zero exchange-rate crawl and government subsidies. The report highlights 2025 economic growth of 4.9%, improved central bank financials, increased international reserves, a shift to a current account surplus, and a reduction in public debt to 51.7% of GDP.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis announced its 2026 Board of Directors changes, appointing Jeff Harmening as a Class C director and Bernie Sinner as a Class A director, with Lakota Vogel reelected as a Class B director. The Board of Governors designated Paul Williams as chair and Jay Debertin as deputy chair for 2026. Harmening and Sinner replace outgoing directors Chris Hilger and Brenda Foster.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis announced the appointment of Chris Dahl to the Helena Branch Board of Directors for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026. Dahl, co-founder and chief revenue officer of Foundant Technologies Inc., was elected by the Minneapolis Fed's Board of Directors. The Helena Branch Board, comprising five members, provides economic insights and acts as a liaison between the Federal Reserve and local communities.
The Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan announced that President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the 2026 work plans for the economic, financial, and banking sectors, focusing on macroeconomic stability, State Budget execution, and digital system deployment. The plans include measures to enhance investment policy, business environment, sector financial performance, banking and insurance services, and cooperation with international financial organisations, overseen by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.
The Vietnam State Securities Commission has instructed 17 individuals to pay a fee of VND 1,000,000 each for the issuance of securities practising certificates. Payments can be made via bank transfer or directly at the Commission, with specific identification details required. A one-year deadline is set to complete certification procedures, after which issued certificates will be cancelled if not finalized.
The Central Bank of Barbados announced the winners of its 28th Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Competition, awarding Barbadian writer Brian Franklin the top prize of 10,000 for his fiction entry, “Steal the Fish from the Devil’s Cou-Cou”, which also received the Prime Minister’s Award. Professor Jane Bryce and Akim Goddard secured second and third prizes, while two finalists received developmental scholarships, and Cydni Celeste won the spoken word category.
In a keynote speech, ECB Executive Board member Philip R. Lane discussed how geopolitical, technological, and demographic shifts could reshape the euro-denominated monetary system, emphasizing the need for a resilient euro area financial architecture. He highlighted the euro's role as the second-largest international currency, the potential of the digital euro, and the importance of addressing the undersupply of euro safe assets through options like jointly backed borrowing and sovereign bond-backed securities.
The Reserve Bank of India has amended its commercial bank capital adequacy framework, revising risk weightings for claims on non-resident corporates and expanding the list of permissible credit rating agencies to include CareEdge Global IFSC Limited. The changes, effective immediately, specify risk weight mappings for ratings by S&P, Fitch, Moody’s, and CareEdge Global IFSC Limited, with unrated claims above certain thresholds attracting a 150% risk weight.
The Reserve Bank of India has amended capital adequacy directions for small finance banks, updating risk weightings for claims on non-resident corporates based on ratings from specified international agencies and introducing a dedicated mapping for claims originating at an International Financial Services Centre rated by CareEdge Global IFSC Limited. Effective immediately, the revised framework specifies risk weights for various rating categories and imposes additional conditions on unrated claims.
The Reserve Bank of India has amended its prudential capital adequacy directions for All India Financial Institutions, revising risk weights for claims on non-resident corporates and adding CareEdge Global IFSC Limited as an eligible credit rating agency for exposures at an International Financial Services Centre. Effective immediately, the amendments specify risk weights based on ratings from S&P, Fitch, Moody’s, and CareEdge, with unrated claims subject to higher risk weights under certain conditions.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will hold a final outreach event on January 22, 2026, to aid small firms in complying with amended Regulation S-P, featuring compliance guidance, a workshop, and a mock examination session. The hybrid event will take place at SEC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with virtual attendance available.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission has released its 2026 Financial Education Programme for consultation, focusing on initiatives to enhance financial capability and encourage household investment in securities to support national financial system stability.
The National Bank of Angola's Monetary Policy Committee will convene its 127th ordinary meeting in Luanda on 13–14 January 2026, with a press conference to present the results on 14 January at 15:00.
The National Bank of Angola's Governor Manuel Tiago Dias met with Japan’s Ambassador Sano Hiroani to discuss recent reforms for price stability and financial system modernization, as Angola and Japan approach 50 years of diplomatic cooperation in 2026.
A Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam emphasized priorities for Vietcombank's 2026 strategy, focusing on safe business practices, effective state capital use, flexible credit growth, and risk management. Vietcombank reported 2025 achievements, including a 20% asset increase and a non-performing loan ratio below 1%, while outlining 2026 goals such as digital transformation and green finance initiatives.
The State Bank of Vietnam reviewed 2025 banking activities in Region 2, highlighting significant credit growth and digital initiatives, and set 2026 priorities including accelerating online services, enhancing market monitoring, and developing an International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
The State Bank of Vietnam appointed Ms Truong Thu Hoa as Director of the SBV Region 4 Branch, effective 1 January 2026, following her tenure as Acting Director. The appointment was formalized by the SBV’s Department of Organization and Personnel and announced by Standing Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son.
The Financial Conduct Authority secured a £265,523.96 confiscation order against Andrew Currie for defrauding investors through Collateral (UK) Ltd, with funds to be redistributed to victims. Currie, sentenced in July 2023 for fraud and money laundering, must pay within three months or face up to three years in prison.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan granted SY Investment Company JSC a securities market license, effective 8 January 2026, under order No. B-2.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved Erlan Bulatovich Butin as deputy head of the executive body of Nurbank JSC, as documented in protocol letter No. 1/BVU/T dated 6 January 2026.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a consumer guide on loan considerations, emphasizing affordability assessment, loan term comparison, and documentation review. It details the Debt Burden Ratio limit of 50%, advises using the annual effective interest rate for bank offer comparisons, and recommends checking credit history via eGov.kz or the First Credit Bureau.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan is accepting electronic applications for accreditation of private business associations under the Entrepreneurship Code, with submissions due by 22 January 2026. Applications must include specific documentation in Kazakh and Russian, and evidence of prior accreditation by central or local bodies for indefinite certification.
Thailand's Ministry of Finance is expediting financial transaction data integration through the Data Bureau to enhance detection of suspicious activities and combat tech-enabled crime. The initiative involves linking identity, transaction behavior, and financial flows across channels, with agencies tasked to strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering Office's role, revise gold-merchant reporting requirements, and consider new digital asset regulations.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reviewed 2025 banking results and set 2026 priorities, emphasizing digital banking, non-cash payments, and enhanced controls over credit quality, foreign exchange, and cyber risks. Banks are directed to reduce non-performing loans, upgrade IT systems, and strengthen internal controls, while expanding lending and investment to priority sectors.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reviewed the 2025 insurance system performance and outlined supervisory and reform priorities, including non-cash insurance operations, updated financial reporting, and sector digitalisation. Key developments include amendments to the Law "On insurance activity," new regulatory acts, and the near-completion of a "Unified electronic insurance system."
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) confirmed financial stability as of 2026 and detailed new supervisory rules covering buy now pay later, insurance, and digital banking. Key market indicators showed strong performance, with the Jakarta Composite Index up 22.13% year on year, while enforcement actions included fines and banking licence revocations.
The Bank of Japan's Research and Statistics Department released updated Consumption Activity Index data, offering charts and downloadable data to assess private consumption in Japan more promptly than annual reports. The data, available monthly and quarterly, include various series and adjustments, with releases typically on the fifth business day each month.
In a keynote speech, ECB Executive Board member Philip R. Lane highlighted the impact of structural shifts like geopolitics and digitalisation on inflation volatility, advocating for a resilient financial architecture and a digital euro. He emphasized the euro area's need for higher euro invoicing, efficient market infrastructure, and more high-quality euro assets, while reaffirming the ECB's commitment to a 2% inflation target with context-specific policy responses.
The Bank of England outlined the UK's resolution regime for managing bank failures without risking financial stability or public funds, highlighting the updated minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) policy effective from 1 January 2026. The regime includes strategies like bail-in, transfer to a private sector purchaser or bridge bank, and insolvency, with strategy selection based on asset size and public interest, supported by safeguards and compensation.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has released principles for risk-based supervision, establishing a framework for ESMA and National Competent Authorities to consistently address supervisory risks across the EU. This initiative aims to enhance supervisory efficiency, focusing on investor protection, financial stability, and orderly markets, while supporting ESMA's simplification and burden reduction agenda.
The Dubai Financial Services Authority released a thematic review on conflicts of interest among 710 Authorised Firms in the Dubai International Financial Centre, highlighting both good practices and areas for improvement, and urging firms to enhance their systems and controls.
The National Bank of Denmark's lending survey for Q4 2025 indicates increased loan demand throughout 2025, driven by strong housing market activity and interest in buy-before-selling transactions, with expectations of continued growth, particularly among private customers and small and medium-sized enterprises, into early 2026.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission visited the Marion Williams Special Needs Association of Providenciales Centre, donating nutritional items and conducting a needs-based assessment for potential long-term collaboration. The FSC aims to explore sustainable partnerships with the centre while maintaining its financial oversight duties.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has initiated a public consultation on draft regulations for Green Investment Trusts (GIT), aimed at funding environmental projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions. The framework includes investment in projects registered under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program or other verified carbon standards, with a consultation deadline of 9 February 2026.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has filed criminal complaints against five individuals for allegedly operating an unlicensed digital asset dealing business involving Worldcoin (WLD) trading services, in violation of the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018). The SEC emphasized that users of such unlicensed services are not legally protected and may be vulnerable to fraud and misuse of funds.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe is recruiting a chief executive officer to lead strategy, operations, governance and compliance across the regulator. The role also covers capital markets policy input, oversight of prudential and AML/CFT/PF reporting, and external representation. Applications close on 23 January 2026.
Ecuador's Superintendence of Banks issued an enforcement alert regarding unauthorised entities conducting money-taking activities without legal authorisation, violating Article 254 of the Organic Monetary and Financial Code. The alert lists several entities involved, including PLATA PUNTUAL-PRÉSTAMO LISTO and CREDIALIANZA S.A.S., among others.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority briefed Ilemela District leaders on their roles in implementing the Universal Health Insurance Act, emphasizing local government supervision and community involvement. TIRA will oversee compliance with legal standards and fairness principles, maintaining a database of approved providers and conducting regular inspections.