The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick issued a warning that Canada Crypto Fund is not registered to deal or advise in securities in the province. The Commission highlighted deceptive tactics on the firm's website and advised investors to verify registration status via the National Registration Search tool.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority approved two new voluntary carbon emissions-reduction projects, Oman Blue Carbon and India's Solar DC, expanding the supply chain for carbon emission reduction certificates. Oman Blue Carbon, an agricultural project, and Solar DC, a renewable energy project, are expected to significantly contribute to the voluntary carbon market platform. The authority also added Jordan-based Ampere to its list of verification and validation entities.
The Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway fined an individual investor NOK 25,000 for failing to disclose crossing the 5% shareholding threshold in EAM, as required by the Securities Trading Act. The investor's holding rose to 9.19% on 15 October 2024 and fell below 5% the next day, with neither change reported. The authority deemed the breach negligent, considering both mitigating and aggravating factors.
The Central Bank of Russia's March business monitoring update reveals a decline in the Business Climate Index to 4.8 points from 5.4, suggesting stable economic activity growth over the past six months. Companies showed more moderate assessments of current conditions but improved short-term expectations, while price expectations decreased significantly for the second month, aligning with early 2024 levels.
The Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB) approved amendments to expand disclosure of its regulatory assessment results. Audit committees must receive file-specific inspection results, and CPAB can publish individual firm inspection reports starting in 2025. Amended Rule 413 prohibits audit firms from publishing CPAB report excerpts without consent, while significant findings must be disclosed to the issuer’s audit committee.
The Central Bank of Russia has extended restrictions on money transfers abroad by non-residents from unfriendly states for another six months starting 1 April 2025. This measure applies to funds from brokerage and trust management accounts held by individuals and legal entities with Russian brokers and trust managers. Originally introduced on 1 April 2022, the restrictions aim to maintain financial stability.
Moldova's National Commission for Financial Markets concluded the bilateral screening process on Chapter 6 Company Law in Brussels, focusing on aligning Moldova’s legal framework with EU directives. Discussions covered company law, corporate governance, and transparency obligations, as part of Moldova's EU accession efforts to integrate approximately 200 EU acts into national legislation.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's Mortgage Metrics Report for Q4 2024 indicates a slight increase in current and performing first-lien mortgages and a decline in serious delinquencies compared to the previous year. Foreclosure initiations decreased from both the prior quarter and Q4 2023. The report covers 11.1 million mortgages, representing 20.2% of US residential mortgage debt, with 97.3% current and performing.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency shared Acting Comptroller Rodney E. Hood’s remarks at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ conference, emphasizing financial inclusion and the OCC’s Project REACh initiatives for affordable homeownership.
Li Yunze, head of China's National Financial Regulatory Administration, met with Blackstone's Stephen A. Schwarzman to discuss the macroeconomic and financial environment and Blackstone's investments in China.
China's National Financial Regulatory Administration has issued a draft decision for public consultation to repeal four existing banking and insurance regulatory rules. The aim is to unify the supervisory rulebook and enhance regulatory effectiveness. The draft includes withdrawing guidelines and procedures related to market risk management and regulatory formulation.
The National Bank of Moldova held online workshops for over 200 participants from non-bank financial institutions to enhance compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) regulations. The sessions covered risk assessment, internal programme development, know-your-customer policies, and monitoring and reporting suspicious activities. The central bank plans to continue AML/CFT training throughout 2025, focusing on non-bank financial institutions.
The Securities & Exchange Board of India has extended the suspension of trading in derivative contracts for certain agricultural and edible oil commodities until 31 March 2026. The affected commodities include paddy (non-basmati), wheat, chana, mustard seeds and its derivatives, soya bean and its derivatives, crude palm oil, and moong. This suspension was initially implemented in December 2021 and has been extended multiple times.
SEBI approved measures to raise the asset-size threshold for foreign portfolio investor disclosures, adjust Category II alternative investment fund rules, and update governance for market infrastructure institutions. SEBI deferred structural amendments for certain intermediaries and will form a high-level committee to review conflict-of-interest and disclosure requirements. The equity assets under management threshold for full disclosure by FPIs will increase to INR 50,000 crore.
The Central Bank of Taiwan released February 2025 statistics for the Taipei foreign exchange market, showing a total net trading volume of USD 895.6 billion and an average daily turnover of USD 44.8 billion. Customer transactions accounted for USD 234.5 billion, while interbank trading reached USD 661.1 billion, with significant activity in NTD/USD and USD/RMB pairs. Foreign exchange swaps dominated at USD 515.3 billion, and interest rate derivatives turnover included USD 8.7 billion in swaps.
The Isle of Man Treasury amended the Russia sanctions regime, aligning with the UK sanctions list update by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The update pertains to Tigran Oganesovich Khudaverdyan, maintaining asset freeze and trust services sanctions. Entities must freeze assets of designated persons, refrain from making assets available without exemption or licence, and report frozen assets and suspected breaches to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) participated in Global Money Week 2025, focusing on financial literacy and investor education under the theme “Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow.” Initiatives included a social media campaign, an Investor Education Community Outreach Roadshow, and a National Secondary Schools Investing Competition. TTSEC also joined a Financial Education Exposition by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Isle of Man Treasury announced four new entries to the UK Sanctions List under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime, subjecting Jagath Jayasuriya, Wasantha Karannagoda, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, and Shavendra Silva to an asset freeze. These individuals are designated for alleged serious human rights violations. Institutions must freeze assets immediately and report any suspected breaches to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago invites submissions for its 2025 Research Review Seminar themed “Navigating the Triple D’s: Implications of De-globalisation, Decarbonisation and Digitalisation for the Caribbean Region.” The seminar will prioritize papers with policy recommendations on monetary and fiscal policy, AI and productivity, climate change, and financial system modernization. The event will be held in a hybrid format from 3–5 September 2025.
The Central Bank of Barbados clarified that the Governor's role as an Independent Director on the African Export-Import Bank Board complies with the Central Bank of Barbados Act, 2020-30, and does not conflict with his duties. The appointment was approved by the Central Bank’s Board of Directors, and the Governor serves pro bono. Afreximbank operates outside the Central Bank's regulatory jurisdiction, which focuses on domestic financial institutions.
The Bank of Israel's 2024 Annual Report highlights that the rise in the government budget deficit, mainly due to war-related spending, contributed 0.5–1 percentage points to increased inflation expectations. The analysis underscores that expansionary fiscal policy can elevate inflation through heightened domestic demand and that a high deficit may raise inflation expectations if markets doubt future debt repayment feasibility.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority has approved Rawabi Marketing International Company's application to register and offer 1,000,000 shares, representing 6.45% of its share capital, on the Parallel Market. The offering is limited to Qualified Investors as per the Authority's regulations. The approval is valid for six months from 20 March 2025 and is not an investment recommendation.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Market Authority approved Wajd Life Trading Company's application to register and offer 2,500,000 shares on the Parallel Market, representing 20% of its share capital, restricted to Qualified Investors. The CMA emphasized that the approval is not an investment recommendation but confirms compliance with legal requirements. The approval is valid for six months from 20 March 2025.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) approved Afaq Al Arabiya for Transportation & Storage Company’s application to offer 900,000 shares, 10% of its share capital, in the Parallel Market for Qualified Investors. The CMA's approval confirms legal compliance, valid for six months, but is not an investment recommendation. A prospectus will be published, and investors should conduct due diligence and consult authorised financial advisers.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has licensed ALANNAYA AL-YATMANIA Company to offer finance aggregation services, bringing the total number of such licensed companies in Saudi Arabia to five. SAMA emphasized the importance of engaging only with authorized financial institutions, with a list available on its website.
The Bank of Israel's 2024 Annual Report attributes the decline in mortgage spreads to increased competition, narrowing spreads from interest rate hikes, and reduced demand amid consumer reforms and the Swords of Iron War. It notes new mortgage borrowing fell sharply from Q2 2022 as interest rates rose, with banks absorbing higher funding costs to limit lending contraction, and highlights September 2022 consumer reforms that improved offer transparency and comparability.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic concluded its 11th Economic and Financial Week, part of the Aula Central financial education programme, focusing on financial literacy for young students. The event saw participation from 51 institutions, delivering 166 activities to 7,951 visitors across multiple cities. A new southern extension in Baní included a specialist panel and guided museum visits, enhancing the programme's reach and engagement.
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has licensed ALANNAYA AL-YATMANIA Company to offer finance aggregation services, increasing the number of such providers in Saudi Arabia to five. This decision aligns with SAMA's goals to enhance financial sector efficiency and promote innovative solutions for financial inclusion. SAMA emphasized the importance of engaging only with authorized financial institutions.
The Central Bank of Peru reported a 5% year-on-year increase in total formal employment in January 2025, adding 283,000 jobs compared to January 2024. Formal private-sector employment rose by 6.7%, with significant gains in agriculture, services, and commerce.
The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye has introduced temporary measures for Borsa Istanbul AŞ, including a short-selling ban in the equity market, eased share buyback procedures for listed companies, and flexible equity ratio requirements for leveraged transactions. These measures are effective from 24 March to 25 April 2025.
The Central Bank of the Philippines urged BSP-supervised financial institutions to enhance surveillance to prevent election-related financial abuses, including vote-buying and vote-selling. Institutions should strengthen customer onboarding, fraud management, and transaction monitoring, especially for suspicious patterns during the 2025 elections. The BSP supports the Commission on Elections' efforts for the upcoming national and local elections.
At a workshop on bank capital, the State Bank of Vietnam's Permanent Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu reported that private enterprises accounted for 44% of total credit by end-2024, with outstanding credit reaching VND 7 quadrillion. Discussions focused on improving small and medium-sized enterprises' access to finance, addressing barriers like limited financial capacity and lack of collateral, and proposing solutions such as cashflow-based lending and using transaction data.
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh visited the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) to enhance cooperation for Vietnam’s capital market and establish financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Discussions included LuxSE’s support for Vietnam through bond issuance and securities market development, focusing on green bonds and tokenised assets. LuxSE offered assistance in capacity-building and training, emphasizing the need for legal infrastructure and investor incentives.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority activated updated rules for the Settlement Guarantee Fund, allowing members to settle securities trades with cycles shorter than T+2 up to six times their subscription amount. Effective from 23 March 2025, these changes follow FRA Board Decision No. 68 of 2024 and include provisions for adjusting the six-times limit based on market risk. Misr for Central Clearing implemented executive rules, increasing fund resources by 650% through a "waterfall" concept.
China Securities Regulatory Commission Chair Wu Qing met with Deutsche Bank Group Chairman Alexander Wynaendts in Beijing to discuss the China–Germany economic and financial situation. The meeting also covered the opening-up of China’s capital markets and Deutsche Bank Group’s business development in China.
State Bank of Vietnam's Deputy Governor Nguyen Ngoc Canh met with IMF’s Jochen Schmittmann to discuss enhancing cooperation through policy dialogue, technical assistance, and training. Nguyen emphasized the need for improved technical assistance and capacity-building projects, outlining plans for a proactive and flexible monetary policy in 2025. Schmittmann reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to supporting Vietnam with policy recommendations and technical support.
The State Bank of Vietnam's Governor reviewed a streamlined organisational model with Regional Branch 13 and credit institutions, issuing directives to address operational issues. The branch has largely completed restructuring and was instructed to enhance cash operations, inspections, and support for smaller entities. The Governor emphasized timely execution of monetary policies and directives on capital supply and interest-rate reductions to support businesses.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) held a conference in Hai Phong to boost bank credit for economic growth in Region 6 and launched its new regional operating model. Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha urged credit institutions to expand lending to priority sectors while controlling risks and simplifying procedures. The SBV set a 2025 credit growth target of 16% and reported a 1.24% system-wide credit increase as of March 2025, with Region 6 loans reaching VND 841.342 trillion.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and the World Bank (WB) discussed ongoing cooperation and WB support for Vietnam's infrastructure projects. The meeting highlighted legislative changes to facilitate foreign loan agreements and SBV's interest in WB input on regional policy planning. The WB reaffirmed its cooperation with SBV and invited its leadership to the upcoming Spring Meetings in Washington, DC.
Italy's Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti highlighted tariffs and cryptocurrencies as "economic weapons" threatening global stability. He emphasized tariffs' strategic impact on trade and alliances, and the challenge cryptocurrencies pose to traditional banking and sovereign currencies. Giorgetti called for measures to prevent these tools from undermining stability and stressed economic and financial security as a national priority.
The Central Bank of Bolivia will introduce BOB 1 coins with a new security feature of discontinuous ridged and smooth edging to enhance identification and tactile recognition. Previously issued BOB 1 coins will remain valid for transactions.
The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has issued an alert regarding two fraudulent websites impersonating AIA International Limited to obtain customers' personal details. AIA confirmed no connection to these sites, and the matter is under investigation by the Hong Kong Police Force. Affected individuals are advised to contact AIA Customer Service and report to the police.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo launched the WE Finance Code to boost women entrepreneurs' access to finance, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. The initiative includes a memorandum with the Business Registration Agency to exchange data on women-owned businesses and plans for public dashboards on financial inclusion indicators. The central bank amended its Credit Registry Guideline to improve gender-disaggregated data collection and will enhance supervisory information from financial institutions.
ASIC warns of scammers impersonating it via emails, texts, and calls to demand payments for releasing funds or assets, including in "recovery scam" schemes. ASIC does not collect payments for fund release or accept digital assets. Verify unsolicited ASIC communications through official channels and check licensing via ASIC Professional Registers. If scammed, contact your bank, notify digital asset exchanges, seek identity support, report to Scamwatch, and stay vigilant.
The Central Bank of Colombia released draft regulation PR-DSP-006 for public comment, aiming to amend External Regulatory Circular DSP-465 regarding interoperability of immediate low-value payment systems.
The Central Bank of Cyprus and the European Stability Mechanism held a conference to review the Cypriot economy's progress over the past decade and discuss future challenges. Key topics included post-programme economic risks, real estate sector trends, and public debt sustainability. The event underscored the importance of sustained dialogue between national and European institutions to address emerging risks and support financial stability.
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada published a report on two online interventions to boost financial confidence and knowledge among young women aged 16–25. Both interventions increased financial confidence immediately and one week after completion, with a smaller effect persisting at one month for the combined intervention. Recommendations include normalizing financial discussions, starting education early, and tailoring interventions to diverse groups.
Montenegro Capital Market Authority Chair Željko Drinčić emphasized integrating ESG principles into the financial system at the Sustainable Finance Forum. Drinčić announced plans to align national legislation with EU and global standards, develop a new Corporate Governance Code, and prioritize green financial products. The authority will also pursue educational and regulatory initiatives to enhance institutional capacity and promote sustainable finance.
The Federal Reserve Board released a research paper titled “Beyond the Streetlight,” highlighting the Division of Research and Statistics' (R&S) development of data and analytical methods to support the Board's mission. The paper, marking R&S's 100th anniversary, portrays the division as a key producer of economic evidence, showcasing its innovative measurement research across various economic aspects.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand received two Central Banking Awards 2025, winning the Green Award for its climate stress testing and the Corporate Services Initiative Award for its Information Management Uplift programme. The climate stress testing addresses New Zealand-specific risks, while the Information Management Uplift focuses on digital transformation and data consolidation.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority released its 2024 activity report, detailing supervisory efforts across banks, insurance, pension companies, and capital markets, with a focus on sustainability, anti-money laundering, and consumer protection. The report also addresses newer areas like cryptoassets and AI in finance. In 2024, the authority conducted 170 inspections, issued 723 orders, and opened 245 market abuse cases.
The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority's inspection of three investment managers revealed deficiencies in their sustainable investment processes. While sustainability was integrated into decisions, legal requirements were not fully met, risking investor expectations. The authority stressed that sustainable investments must contribute to environmental or social objectives, avoid significant harm, and involve companies with good governance.
France's Financial Markets Authority released an OpinionWay study during Employee Savings Week, analyzing employee perceptions of savings arrangements such as profit sharing and participation bonuses. The study also surveyed business leaders in companies with 11–49 employees, now mandated to implement at least one value-sharing mechanism since January 2025.
France's Financial Markets Authority has introduced the AMF Marie-Josèphe-Vanel law thesis prize, a biennial EUR 5,000 award for doctoral theses in French law relevant to the regulator. Eligibility for the 2025 edition includes theses defended between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024. The prize will be awarded based on the selection committee's recommendation, with results announced in the fourth quarter of 2025.
South Africa's National Credit Regulator launched a Consumer Rights Month campaign to educate consumers on their rights and responsibilities under the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. The initiative emphasizes informed credit decisions, scam awareness, and fulfilling obligations in credit agreements. It aligns with the 2025 theme of balancing consumer rights with ethical business practices and encourages compliance among credit market participants.
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has updated its telephone hotline procedure, now registered with the Ministry of Justice. The update details call handling, issue escalation, and appeal recording processes.
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador concluded Global Money Week 2025, engaging over 3,000 students nationwide through fairs and educational talks on personal finance topics. A fair in San Miguel attracted over 800 students, focusing on savings, budgeting, and investment, supported by various financial institutions. Additional talks across multiple regions benefited over 1,600 students, with preparatory visits reaching more than 700 students.
People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng met with Deutsche Bank Group Chairman Wei Lisi to discuss the global economic and financial situation, China's macroeconomic policy, and financial opening-up.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a current account surplus of USD 64.0 million for Q4 2024 and USD 817.6 million for the year. Goods exports totaled USD 6,836.6 million in 2024, with manufacturing leading at 62.4%, while imports reached USD 10,131.3 million, resulting in a trade deficit. The services balance showed a deficit of USD 7.9 million in 2024, with tourism as the top export, and net investment income was negative USD 988.9 million.
The Republic of Congo's Ministry of Finance and Economy reported on the National Economic and Financial Committee meeting, highlighting BEAC's provisional assessments of economic conditions. The report anticipates a rebound in real GDP growth to 4.4% in 2025, with projections of 4.6% in 2026 and 5.2% in 2027. The Committee also noted the IMF's approval of the final review of Congo’s Extended Credit Facility-supported programme.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners released its 2025 priorities, focusing on strengthening state-based insurance regulation and enhancing federal coordination. Key priorities include eliminating the US Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office, supporting natural catastrophe resilience, and preserving state flexibility in health insurance markets. The agenda also calls for extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and issuing federal guidance on nondiscrimination and mental health parity rules.
Norway's Ministry of Finance announced that the new Financial Supervisory Authority Act will take effect on 1 April 2025. The King in Council has delegated authority to the Ministry to appoint members of Finanstilsynet’s board and designate the chair and deputy chair.
Norway's Ministry of Finance announced that supervision of issuers’ ongoing disclosure obligations and delayed public disclosure of inside information will transfer from Oslo Børs to the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet) on 1 April 2025. This change aligns with the new Financial Supervisory Authority Act and amendments to the Securities Trading Act and Regulations. The Financial Supervisory Authority Appeals Board will handle appeals, replacing the Stock Exchange Appeals Board.
The European Banking Authority's Q4 2024 Risk Dashboard shows stable conditions for major EU/EEA institutions, with slight profitability improvements and stable asset quality. Return on equity reached 10.5%, while liquidity and funding metrics remained robust, with a liquidity coverage ratio of 163.4% and a net stable funding ratio of 127.1%. Loans to households and non-financial corporations increased, and sovereign exposures rose to EUR 3.64 trillion.
The Bank of Portugal released January 2025 balance of payments data, revealing a EUR 535 million external surplus, a EUR 397 million decrease from January 2024. The decline was driven by a EUR 254 million widening goods deficit and a EUR 223 million increase in the primary income deficit, partially offset by a EUR 322 million rise in the services surplus. Net lending was EUR 29 million, with banks and the government increasing foreign debt securities purchases.
The Bank of the Lao’s Deputy Governor, Sulisak Thanuvong, met with Kasai Katsuhiko, President of the Kawasaki Rotary Club, to discuss the club’s projects in Lao PDR and the country's economic conditions. The Deputy Governor emphasized the Bank's five-year financial sector development plan, focusing on green finance, and sought support for enhancing education and training standards at the Banking Institute.
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong announced the appointment of nine new members and the reappointment of 16 members to the Securities and Futures Appeals Tribunal (SFAT) for a two-year term starting April 1, 2025. The new chairmen are Mr. Michael John Hartmann, Mr. Michael Victor Lunn, and Mr. Ian Charles McWalters. The SFAT hears appeals against decisions by the Securities and Futures Commission, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and the investor compensation company.
The Office of Financial Research extended the compliance date for Category 2 covered reporters under its rule on data collection for non-centrally cleared bilateral repurchase agreement transactions by 90 days to June 30, 2025. This rule mandates daily reporting for brokers, dealers, and financial companies with significant exposures to these transactions. The final rule was initially published on May 6, 2024.
Peru's SBS has approved a new organisational design to modernise supervision, enhance digitalisation, and improve efficiency. The redesign grants greater autonomy to Deputy Superintendencies and centralises the sanctioning function under a new Deputy Superintendency for Regulation and Legal. The changes aim to standardise supervisory methodologies and better align departmental functions.
Peru's Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Private Pension Funds has updated its Accounting Manual, requiring financial entities to publish audit reports, audited annual financial statements, annual reports, and quarterly accounting statements online, replacing printed media. This applies to Banco de la Nación, Banco Agropecuario, Cofide, Fondo Mivivienda, and electronic money issuers, with specified timelines and content requirements for financial entities and pension fund administrators.
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission CEO Julia Leung and Executive Director of Intermediaries Eric Yip met with China's Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min in Beijing to discuss enhancing Hong Kong as an international financial centre. The talks focused on fixed income and currency markets and improving mutual market access between the two financial markets.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) emphasized insurers' governance, operational resilience, and customer outcomes following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. APRA highlighted the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and Prudential Standard CPS 230, effective in 2025, to boost resilience and accountability. APRA addressed consumer pressures from premium hikes, urging clearer coverage and pricing disclosure, and plans further guidance on underwriting and a Climate Vulnerability Assessment in 2025.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto urged the Philippines Insurance Commission to exceed its supervisory role by setting higher standards and promoting financial empowerment. He highlighted 2024 industry growth in assets, premium collections, net income, and benefit payments. Recto noted initiatives to ease business operations and enhance inclusion, including Takaful product approval, digitalisation efforts, and collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
The Reserve Bank of India clarified the regulatory capital treatment of right-of-use assets under Indian Accounting Standard 116 for regulated entities. ROU assets from tangible leased assets are not deducted from Owned Fund, Common Equity Tier 1, or Tier 1 capital but must be risk-weighted at 100 percent. These changes apply immediately to non-banking financial companies and asset reconstruction companies under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015.
The Ministry of Finance and Budget of San Marino and the Italian Embassy in San Marino hosted a bilateral conference on anti-money laundering rules and policies to map each country’s framework and identify areas for closer regulatory and operational cooperation. Discussions, involving authorities from San Marino, Italy and the European Commission, focused on supervisory coordination under the European AML framework, including challenges from new digital instruments and crypto-assets, and linked deeper Italy–San Marino cooperation to San Marino’s EU Association Agreement process.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued an alert regarding fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens linked to China CITIC Bank International Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send messages with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a public alert about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens reported by Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited. The HKMA stressed that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Individuals who provided personal information or conducted transactions on these sites should contact the bank and report to the Police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued an alert regarding a fraudulent website and internet banking login screen linked to OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send messages with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Individuals who interacted with the fraudulent site are advised to contact the bank and report to the Police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public alert following reports from The Bank of East Asia, Limited about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals are advised to contact the bank and report to the Police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued an alert regarding fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens linked to Chong Hing Bank Limited. The HKMA reminded the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Individuals who interacted with these fraudulent sites should contact Chong Hing Bank and report to the Police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority reported a rise in credit card circulation to 20.94 million by Q4 2024, with transaction volumes reaching 339.27 million and a total value of HK$271.4 billion. Debit card transactions for retail sales and bill payments increased to 55.50 million, though the total value remained largely unchanged year on year at HK$73.0 billion.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority released Q4 2024 statistics on stored value facilities (SVF), noting a 3.0% quarterly increase in SVF accounts to 79.78 million. Total SVF transactions rose 9.9% quarter-on-quarter to 2.2 billion, with transaction values up 18.5% to HKD 223.6 billion. Year-on-year, SVF accounts grew 11.7% and transaction values increased 35.9%.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority released a Q&A document post-Manx State of the Nation Conference, highlighting priority workstreams and the importance of collaboration for maintaining the Island's status as a well-regulated finance centre. The update also detailed progress on the National Risk Assessment and preparations for the 2026 MONEYVAL evaluation, alongside the Authority's remediation and enforcement strategies.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) released 2024 data on insurance agents and brokers, noting a 4.15% increase to 573,218 individuals. The OIC highlighted concerns over increased switching of life insurance agents between companies and urged insurers to review and manage such activities. The licensing process is being digitized through the E-Licensing system, incorporating Robotic Process Automation to enhance efficiency.
Mexico's National Commission for the Protection and Defence of Financial Services Users (CONDUSEF) reported a 7.5% decrease in complaints in Chiapas for 2024, with 3,851 complaints, representing 1.5% of national complaints. Recoveries in 2024 totaled MXN 21.7 million, a 41.2% decline from 2023. Debit cards, credit cards, and special credit reports were the most complained-about products, while commercial banking accounted for 50.2% of complaints.
The European Central Bank reported a EUR 35 billion current account surplus for the euro area in January 2025, down from EUR 38 billion in December 2024. Over the 12 months to January 2025, the surplus widened to EUR 408 billion, driven by larger surpluses in goods and services. The Eurosystem’s reserve assets increased to EUR 1,457.5 billion, primarily due to positive price changes.
The European Central Bank's blog post analyzes its Consumer Expectations Survey, revealing widespread AI use among workers in 11 euro area countries, with higher adoption among younger, university-educated, and male workers. Most expect AI to improve productivity and employment prospects, with positive perceptions highest in financial and professional services. The survey will continue to monitor AI's impact on euro area workers as part of the ECB's ongoing research.
The European Central Bank's weekly balance sheet data shows total assets and liabilities at EUR 6,274,268 million, a decrease of EUR 226 million from the previous week. Key changes include a EUR 1,780 million increase in lending to euro area credit institutions and a EUR 1,982 million decline in securities of euro area residents. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions rose by EUR 16,494 million, driven by a significant increase in the deposit facility.
Dr. Reto Degen, Head of Asset Management and Markets at the Liechtenstein Financial Market Authority, is departing to pursue new opportunities. Franz-Anton Steurer, Deputy Head of the Asset Management and Markets Division, will assume the role of Division Head on an interim basis.
SUSEP participated in the II CRSFN and CRSNSP Symposium, discussing administrative sanctions in regulated markets. Superintendent Alessandro Octaviani highlighted SUSEP's modernization of its sanctioning framework to enhance precautionary powers and strategic management, aligning with a competition-oriented policy. Jéssica Bastos addressed implementing Complementary Law 213/2025, aimed at expanding insurance penetration and strengthening consumer security.
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) has ordered Albi Corporation Ltd to suspend its public offering of securities intermediation services, citing unauthorized activities. The CVM's Superintendence of Market and Intermediaries Relations (SMI) found that Albi Corporation Ltd was soliciting funds from Brazilian investors without authorization. The suspension was enacted through Declaratory Act CVM 23.178.
Starting March 21, 2025, foreign residents in South Korea with registered IDs can use mobile foreigner residence cards to open bank accounts at six domestic banks. Recognized under the revised Immigration Act, the mobile card is valid for retail banking services. Authorities plan to expand its acceptance to other financial institutions.
The Philippines Insurance Commission celebrated its 76th anniversary by signing a Memorandum of Agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding to improve dispute resolution, insurance collaboration, and digitalisation. The agreements involve the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and DBP Data Center, Inc. Finance Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan-Tiuseco highlighted the Commission's focus on innovation and digitalisation.
The Bank of Tanzania announced new bid submission requirements for Treasury bond auctions to improve pricing transparency, effective 2 April 2025. Investors must specify the clean price, accrued interest, and resulting settlement price in their bids. Accrued interest details will be provided in the Call for Tender published a week before each auction.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario's Q3 2024-25 Sector Outlook Report highlights asset growth in Ontario credit unions, with total assets reaching CAD 98.7 billion, but notes pressure on profit margins due to higher interest paid on deposits. A 1.25% reduction in the Bank of Canada benchmark rate may aid profitability recovery, though a subdued economic outlook could impact near-term asset growth. Additionally, FSRA updated Q2 2024 financial highlights to adjust net interest income and net income for Dividend in Retained Earnings.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency stressed financial literacy's role in consumer protection during a lecture by Board President Ante Žigman at the Regional Financial Literacy Conference. Žigman noted progress since Croatia's first financial literacy survey in 2015 and ongoing initiatives like the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2021–2026, collaborating with the Croatian National Bank and the Ministry of Finance. Hanfa's efforts include educational competitions, awards, and distributing the Desitudo board game to primary schools.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency's February 2025 statistics show growth in pension and UCITS assets, despite weaker equity market activity. Insurance premiums rose 8.8% year-on-year, driven by non-life business, while the Zagreb Stock Exchange saw a 40.4% decline in turnover. Second pillar mandatory pension funds reported a 0.6% increase in net assets to EUR 24.0bn, with nominal monthly Mirex returns varying across categories.
The Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission approved revisions to net capital requirements for digital asset custodians to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Changes include lowering the net capital rate for cold wallets from 2% to 1% and increasing client assets in cold wallets from 90% to 95%. The proposals prohibit outsourcing client asset custody and exempt certain digital tokens from custody-risk requirements.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission filed a criminal complaint against XT.COM for operating a digital asset exchange without a licence, violating the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses B.E. 2561 (2018). The SEC alleges XT.COM facilitated digital asset trading and solicited Thai users, breaching licensing requirements. The SEC warns investors about risks associated with unlicensed exchanges and advises checking licence status through its website and application.
The Thailand SEC urges NR Instant Produce Public Company Limited’s NRF254A bondholders to review information and exercise their rights at the upcoming meeting. The meeting will address waivers to prevent default events and consider mortgaging assets for debt restructuring. Bondholders should seek detailed information from the issuer and representative before voting.