The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported that economic activity grew 1.8% year over year in June 2026 and 3.6% in the first half. Strong growth in energy and water, construction, hospitality and livestock was partly offset by contractions in mining, manufacturing and fishing.
The Bank of Guatemala raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.3% and projects 4.0% growth in 2027. Inflation is expected to rise from 2.70% in July to 2.89% at the end of 2026 and 3.75% at the end of 2027. The current account surplus is forecast at 3.8% of GDP in 2026.
Chile's Ministry of Finance is consulting on a program for banks and securities intermediaries to provide firm bid and offer prices for selected government bonds. The framework would introduce dedicated trading and reporting infrastructure, support repo activity and assess market makers against predetermined rules. An indicative six-month pilot is planned before full implementation.
The Superintendency of Banks of Panama presented its Tu Balboa Con Sentido financial education initiative at the 2026 International Book Fair. Activities covered saving, budgeting and responsible money management, alongside a student workshop and the introduction of the new Balboíta character.
The New York State Department of Financial Services and Division of Consumer Protection warned consumers about investment scams using AI-generated content and fraudulent trading platforms. Reported U.S. losses exceeded USD 8 billion in 2025, up 38% from 2024. Consumers should independently verify investments and avoid offers promising guaranteed returns or requiring cryptocurrency or wire transfers.
The New York State Department of Financial Services supported an investigation that led to prison sentences for two men who orchestrated three staged highway crashes and sought fraudulent insurance payouts. The announcement also highlighted previously enacted auto insurance reforms, including broader liability for staged-accident organizers, damages restrictions and tighter oversight of insurance rates.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario reported that the median solvency ratio for defined benefit plans rose to 127% as of June 30, 2026, from 122% as of March 31. Its pensions update also clarifies post-annuity filing relief and target benefit conversion notices, with Actuarial Information Summary and Pension Services Portal upgrades expected in fall 2027. A tribunal decision upheld the use of summary administrative monetary penalties for late statutory filings.
The Canadian Securities Administrators and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization clarified that sports and entertainment event contracts should fall outside securities and derivatives regulation, and CIRO does not consider dealer-member trading applications for such contracts appropriate. Other event contracts remain under assessment, while authorized trading in contracts that are securities or derivatives continues to face applicable requirements and CIRO conditions.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation raised the reciprocal deposits exclusion from brokered deposit treatment to a tiered cap of up to USD 30 billion. The interim final rule also extends agent institution eligibility to well-capitalized banks with CAMELS ratings of 1, 2 or 3 and clarifies when reciprocal deposits are received and when institutions requalify.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation finalized uniform standards for unsafe or unsound practices and MRAs, focusing formal supervisory action on material financial risks and banking-related legal violations. The standards must be supported by objective facts and tailored to each supervised institution’s risk profile. Lower-level supervisory observations will not require corrective action or board presentation.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority approved Saudi Investment Bank’s capital increase from SAR 12.5 billion to SAR 15 billion through one bonus share for every five existing shares, subject to shareholder and regulatory requirements.
The Central Bank of Mexico and the National Banking and Securities Commission are consulting on updated payment network rules. The proposal would gradually reduce interchange fees and require all point-of-sale terminals to accept all cards, regardless of the issuer, acquirer or network.
The Central Bank of Mexico has launched a second consultation on proposed rules for card-payment clearinghouses. The framework would establish interoperability criteria, support competition and require stronger risk management, information protection and governance.
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force reviewed Palestine’s progress in strengthening its AML/CFT framework and implementing priorities based on updated risk assessments. The meeting also covered preparations for mutual evaluation and challenges to maintaining correspondent banking relationships.
The Central Bank of Argentina advised borrowers to compare interest rates, total financing costs, repayment terms and fees before taking out a loan. It also urged consumers to review contracts carefully and check the Debtor Registry if a credit application is rejected.
The National Bank of Ukraine reviewed its supervision of Sense Bank in 2022–2026 and found that its actions were consistent with the information available. The review covered more than 100 supervisory decisions, 12 inspections and 21 notifications to relevant authorities. The NBU called on the government to urgently reconstitute the bank’s Supervisory Board and address employees named in NABU materials.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reported moderate manufacturing growth in the Tenth District, with firms expecting continued expansion over the next six months. Technology improvements and reduced turnover were the main reported drivers of productivity gains.
The New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission has launched its Finfo financial education program and a searchable investor warning database. The database covers alerts about companies and individuals not registered to deal in or advise on securities or derivatives in New Brunswick.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario reported that the estimated median solvency ratio for defined benefit pension plans reached a record 127% as of June 30, 2026, supported by a 5.8% average net quarterly investment return. Its annual report also showed stronger going-concern and solvency funding levels in 2025, with 87% of plans fully funded on both measures.
The Central Bank of Russia detected 2,900 suspected illegal financial projects in the first half of 2026, down 31% year over year, while cryptocurrency-based schemes received more than RUB 1 billion. Loan shark offers doubled to 1,000 because of increased demand from overindebted borrowers and broader statistical coverage.
The Federal Reserve Board issued a consent prohibition order against a former Banco Popular de Puerto Rico employee for misappropriation of customer funds.
The Superintendency of Banks of Panama highlighted the need for stronger supervision and risk management as digitalization changes the financial sector’s risk profile. Its banking and trust conference examined cyber and operational risks, AI-enabled fraud, cryptoassets, financial crime, bank resolution and new obligations under Law 478 of 2025.
The Bank of Italy found that noncash transactions more than doubled between 2018 and 2025 to over 16 billion, with cards accounting for about 75% of the total. Instant transfers expanded rapidly and regional gaps narrowed, while cash remained important and accessible to most of the population. Public administration transactions were predominantly digital and centered on credit transfers.
The Swedish Ministry of Finance expects the economic recovery to continue through 2027, despite a near-term slowdown linked to global uncertainty and higher energy prices. It estimates SEK 50 billion in scope for unfunded reforms during the next electoral term, excluding new defense spending and support for Ukraine.
HM Treasury has extended Luke Jensen’s term as interim chair of the National Savings and Investments Board through October 31, 2026. The extension applies while the process to appoint a permanent chair is completed.
The Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority has standardized the format of rules for registered retirement funds, beneficiary funds and friendly societies. Effective Aug. 20, 2026, the directive provides templates covering key operational and governance provisions and requires compliance with applicable formatting, signing and certification standards.
Indonesia's Financial Services Authority launched a fintech startup accelerator and set priorities to deepen and widen the digital finance ecosystem while strengthening consumer protection and risk mitigation. It reaffirmed that digital financial innovation should follow the principle of same activity, same risk, same regulation. Indonesia had 22.93 million digital financial asset trading accounts as of July 2026.
The Brazil Securities Commission issued guidance on amended requirements for sustainability-related financial reports based on ISSB standards incorporated in Brazil. It addresses scope, prior voluntary adoption, pre-2026 disclosures, initial adoption relief and explanations for choosing not to file a report under the framework.
The New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission has urged residents to search FundsFinderNB.ca for unclaimed money and monetary property. Searches are free, and residents should be wary of anyone offering assistance for a fee.
The U.S. Department of Justice secured the extradition of an alleged Dominican Republic-based cocaine trafficking leader from Colombia. He faces drug charges in Puerto Rico and New Jersey and a money laundering charge in New Jersey, where prosecutors allege his organization distributed more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and laundered millions of dollars in proceeds.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan licensed BCC Life to manage investment portfolios without attracting voluntary pension contributions.
Mexico's Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and Pemex have signed an information-sharing agreement targeting money laundering, corruption, fraud and hydrocarbon theft. Pemex will supply corporate and financial information, while the Financial Intelligence Unit will provide intelligence to support risk identification and monitoring across Pemex and its subsidiaries.
The Central Bank of Syria and Saudi and Syrian business council representatives agreed to establish a joint Saudi-Syrian bank and an investor-backed banking partnership. They also discussed direct banking channels and transfer mechanisms to support investment projects, particularly in tourism and real estate.
The New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission warned that provincial health coverage may leave residents with medical expenses when traveling elsewhere in Canada. Travelers should review medical and trip disruption coverage, check limitations in credit card or employer plans and consider supplemental insurance where needed.
The Bank of Thailand appointed four expert members to the Monetary Policy Committee. Their three-year terms will begin Nov. 1, 2026.
The People's Bank of China added CNY 5 billion to its agricultural and small-business relending quota in Tibet to support businesses affected by the Gyirong Port landslide and finance disaster relief and reconstruction.
People’s Bank of China Deputy Governor Lu Lei reviewed progress in cross-border payment connectivity, including links with Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, a unified QR code gateway and a digital renminbi clearing platform. He urged payment providers to apply safeguards for AI agent payments, protect consumers and strengthen risk controls.
The Bank of Botswana unanimously held the Monetary Policy Rate at 5.5 percent, balancing inflation of 9.4 percent in July and upside risks against subdued growth. Inflation is expected to remain above the 3-6 percent objective range through the first quarter of 2027, while the pula framework’s equal currency-basket weighting and 2.76 percent downward crawl were retained.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, fake login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Customers who disclosed information or made transactions in response should contact their bank and report the matter to the police.
The Bank of Russia revoked Digital Solutions’ banking licence over repeated banking law violations and failures to meet anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing requirements. It appointed a provisional administration and suspended the powers of the institution’s executive bodies pending the appointment of a receiver or liquidator.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic extended banks’ permission to export worn and pre-2007 U.S. dollar banknotes until March 1, 2027. It also removed the restriction linked to setting the cash Kazakh tenge purchase rate against the Kyrgyz som.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic trained regional journalists on financial literacy, cybersecurity, money mule activity and protection against financial fraud. Participants also developed crisis communication protocols and approaches to countering false information.
The National Bank of Serbia found that dinar savings outperformed euro savings across short- and long-term horizons from June 2012 to June 2026. Dinar savings reached a record RSD 244 billion by mid-August, while foreign currency savings rose to EUR 17 billion and the dinar share of total household savings exceeded 10% for the first time.
The Central Bank of Poland published the minutes of the Monetary Policy Council's July 8, 2026 decision-making meeting.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority registered a government medical malpractice insurance fund and set its coverage and premiums. Participation is required for medical professionals and facilities to obtain or renew licenses, with compensation covering death, disability and bodily injury caused by medical errors. Premiums will be reviewed through an actuarial study based on the fund’s first three years of experience.
Central Bank of Cyprus data show total deposits rose by a net EUR 562.3 million in July 2026 to EUR 59.2 billion. Total loans declined by a net EUR 68.7 million to EUR 28.3 billion, although their annual growth rate remained 11.1%.
The Bank of Greece reported that annual growth in total domestic credit slowed to 3.4% in July 2026, while total deposit growth rose to 9.0%. Monthly credit and deposit flows turned negative, led by outflows in corporate credit and deposits.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has backed legislation introducing administrative and criminal liability for retaliation against financial crime whistleblowers. The protections form part of Ukraine’s effort to align its financial monitoring framework with the criteria for applying to join the Single Euro Payments Area.
The European Central Bank’s July meeting account showed unanimous support for holding rates after the June increase, although some members favored further tightening. Inflation had fallen to 2.8%, but energy-related risks remained tilted to the upside and another hike was considered likely unless the outlook improved significantly. The Council made no commitment to raise rates in September.
The Central Bank of Estonia will publish August 2026 statistics on credit institutions and leasing companies at 8 a.m. on Sept. 24, 2026. The data will cover assets, lending, leasing, deposits and interest rates.
Sveriges Riksbank finds that Swedish fiscal and monetary policy largely moved in the same direction from 2006 to 2025. Fiscal policy was generally countercyclical, while monetary policy responded more clearly to forecast deviations from the inflation target than to resource utilization.
The National Bank of Rwanda raised the Central Bank Rate by 50 basis points to 8.75% as inflation reached 14.5% in July 2026 and outlook risks increased. The move aims to anchor inflation expectations and return inflation to the target range in the second half of 2027.
UK Financial Conduct Authority research found that four in five less experienced investors aged 18 to 40 had used AI for investment support. However, 44% mistakenly believed AI-generated financial information was regulated, while 32% wrongly expected compensation if AI advice went wrong. General-purpose AI chatbots are not regulated, and the FCA urged users to verify sources and exercise their own judgment.
The Bank of France found that French SMEs and ISEs maintained solid profits, controlled debt and strong cash positions in 2025, but activity remained weak and repayment capacity deteriorated. Lower lending rates passed through more slowly to SMEs, whose apparent debt cost rose slightly, while ISEs experienced a sharp decline.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority confirmed that the securities dealer licence of Opal Markets Ltd and the representative licence of Diego Alvarez were surrendered effective Jan. 22, 2026.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority notified the public that Peter James Speros’s accreditation as the representative of XBTFX (SC) Limited was terminated effective July 9, 2026, and clarified that the notice does not constitute an enforcement action or adverse determination.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority has begun the process of striking 10 International Business Companies off the register for unauthorized virtual asset references in their names. The companies failed to make required changes after prior notification, and their breaches may also result in fines, imprisonment or both.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority briefed Utumishi SACCOS in Unguja on insurance and related business opportunities. The cooperative will explore establishing an insurance agency as an investment activity and additional income source.
HM Treasury plans to give the Bank of England a secondary objective to support innovation in systemic payment systems, including those using stablecoins and other digital settlement assets. Financial stability will remain the Bank’s primary objective, and it will report annually to Parliament on its progress.
The Bank for International Settlements Financial Stability Institute finds major differences across five stablecoin regimes in eligible issuers and permitted non-core activities. It highlights a group-level oversight gap for non-bank issuers, whose affiliates may conduct activities prohibited to the issuing entity.
The European Banking Authority has responded to the European Parliament’s 2024 discharge report, concluding that none of the nine observations directly mentioning it requires specific follow-up. It nevertheless identified a resource gap for 2027-2029, requested seven additional posts and reported that 15% of forthcoming mandates have been put on hold.
The European Central Bank reported that annual euro area M3 growth rose to 3.4% in July 2026 from 3.3% in June. Adjusted lending growth accelerated to 4.4% for non-financial corporations and edged up to 3.1% for households.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe is recruiting a Legal Manager to oversee legal advice, contracts, compliance, litigation and related corporate services. Candidates need at least five years of post-qualification experience, including two years in a similar managerial role, and must apply by Sept. 10, 2026.
The Central Bank of Taiwan reported that July check clearing volume fell 11.14% to 4.3 million, while value declined 1.21% to TWD 1.15 trillion, mainly because there was one fewer month-end peak day. Insufficient-funds checks represented 0.08% of cleared volume and 0.29% of cleared value.
The Central Bank of Russia found that two individuals manipulated OGK-2 shares through more than 10,000 transactions involving repeated price inflation, price suppression and coordinated trading. They were held liable and received cease-and-desist orders, while market intermediaries were ordered to suspend transactions in their trading accounts.
The South Korea Financial Intelligence Unit has outlined a four-part plan to improve financial-sector AML risk assessment, governance and detection systems. Firms are expected to prioritize resources based on periodic risk reviews and strengthen specialist staffing, technology and data controls. Industry bodies will launch AML task forces in the second half of 2026 to develop common guidance, detection rules, shared solutions and stronger oversight.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission has proposed allowing the planned Credit Union Asset Management Company to acquire and manage loan claims. The change would support the disposal of credit unions' nonperforming loans and is intended to take effect on Oct. 22, 2026.
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency has previewed its Sept. 3 Insured 360 conference, which will examine longevity-related financial insecurity and insurance’s role in closing the protection gap. The agenda also covers consumer protection, proportionate regulation, climate and catastrophe risks, insurance affordability, artificial intelligence and InsurTech.
The National Bank of Moldova issued a commemorative coin for the country’s 35th independence anniversary and reviewed advances in banking stability, payments and European financial integration. MIA has processed more than 31 million transactions worth about MDL 28.5 billion, while SEPA accounted for eight in 10 euro transactions and generated savings exceeding EUR 13 million in its first 10 months.
A Czech National Bank study finds that new corporate lending declined by about 12 percent in drought-affected regions. Banks appear to account for chronic physical climate risk mainly when originating loans, while existing credit exposures adjust more gradually.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus marked the launch of the Moneypedia digital portal with an article on responsible financial decision-making. He presented judgment, self-discipline and awareness of consequences as essential to financial literacy and economic resilience.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission published its securities market report for the second quarter of 2026.
Hong Kong’s financial regulators have selected 36 agentic AI use cases involving 30 financial institutions and 27 technology partners for the first GenAI Sandbox++ cohort. Trials will cover end-to-end financial processes and AI-based oversight of other AI applications, with testing due to begin later in 2026.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji and Fiji Development Bank have signed an FJD 50,000 partnership to support the second year of the Fiji Innovation Hub programme. The funding covers startup initiatives, incubation and ecosystem-building activities, while Fiji Development Bank is separately developing a financing solution for emerging businesses and innovators.
De Nederlandsche Bank found no clear wider inflation or wage effects yet from the rise in energy prices since February. First-quarter 2026 data showed a slight decline in the GDP deflator and little change in wage and profit contributions, although the 2022 experience suggests pass-through may occur with a delay.
The Arab Monetary Fund reported that its composite index for Arab capital markets fell 0.19 percent in July 2026, while market capitalization edged up to USD 4.31 trillion. Trading value declined 16.82 percent to USD 90.24 billion despite a 28.82 percent increase in trading volume.
The South African Reserve Bank has released two ZAR 2 coins honoring Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke and the women who marched against pass laws in 1956. They are South Africa’s first commemorative circulation coins to feature women and remain legal tender at face value.
The National Bank of Denmark reported that the average rate on Danish households’ housing debt rose by 0.11 percentage points in 2026 to 3.52%, including administration fees. Outcomes varied by loan type, while the average rate on bank housing debt fell by 0.02 percentage points in July.
Maldives Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Hassan Zareer highlighted that a new Maldives Islamic Bank ATM in Thulhaadhoo will allow residents to access essential banking services without traveling to another island. The facility is expected to support the island’s artisans, fishermen and local businesses.
The Maldives Ministry of Finance highlighted a new Maldives Islamic Bank ATM in Baa Kendhoo as a step toward extending financial services to remote islands. The facility supports the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026-2030, amid gaps in formal banking participation and internet banking use.
Maldives Finance Minister Hassan Zareer inaugurated Maldives Islamic Bank’s 62nd ATM in Baa Goidhoo. The facility will improve access to cash services and support the island’s growing tourism economy as the government seeks wider nationwide availability of Sharia-compliant finance.
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines raised the target reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 5.0% on August 26, citing broadening price pressures and upside risks from severe El Niño conditions and potential wage adjustments. Headline inflation is projected to exceed the 4.0% tolerance ceiling in 2026 and 2027 before approaching the 3.0% target in 2028.
The Bank of the Lao PDR reported that a biennial policy conference emphasized coordinated and adaptable policy tools, rather than reliance on monetary policy alone, to address global economic uncertainty. Participants also highlighted digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and blockchain as central to financial modernization, inclusion and stability.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority will continue investigating Interprac complaints related to the Shield and First Guardian fund collapses, but will generally pause loss assessments and determinations pending Federal Court proceedings. The hearing has been moved to Feb. 15-16, 2027, while complaints involving other firms continue through the usual process.
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands and the government have relaunched a credit guarantee scheme to reduce collateral barriers for micro, small and medium enterprises. The central bank will administer the scheme, which previously supported more than 160 businesses and will target underserved enterprise groups.
The National Reserve Bank of Tonga maintained a neutral stance for six months, holding its policy rate at 2% despite headline inflation of 9.3% in July 2026. Inflation is expected to fall below the bank’s 5% reference rate by the end of fiscal 2027. The bank remains prepared to adjust policy if demand pressures or second-round effects intensify.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji maintained the Overnight Policy Rate at 0.25% on August 27 to support economic activity while safeguarding foreign reserves amid supply-driven inflation. Inflation eased to 5.7% in July, while reserves stood at FJD 3.9 billion, covering 5.5 months of retained imports.
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas has outlined its risk-based supervisory model, under which all regulated persons receive baseline monitoring and higher-risk firms face greater scrutiny. The approach integrates licensing and ongoing supervision and applies a graduated response to non-compliance, ranging from remediation requirements to penalties, restrictions, suspension or revocation.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s Payments System Board endorsed an assessment that recognises ASX infrastructure initiatives but identifies continuing governance, culture and risk management challenges. It also backed a proposed consultation on RITS support for tokenised finance and flagged possible further action if industry cannot coordinate account-to-account payments modernisation. The board welcomed the new statutory backstop for cash distribution.
The Bank of Korea raised the Base Rate by 25 basis points to 3.00%, citing stronger-than-expected growth, persistent above-target inflation and financial stability risks. Further increases will depend on inflation, growth and financial stability developments, while the Bank Intermediated Lending Support Facility rate remains at 1.25%.
The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force reviewed Palestine’s progress on AML/CFT legislation, coordination, risk-based practices and capacity building. Discussions focused on implementing the national strategy, preparing for mutual evaluation and addressing risks to correspondent banking relationships.
The Taiwan Financial Services Commission reported decade-high first-half revenue of TWD 29.23 trillion and pretax profit of TWD 3.97 trillion among domestic listed companies. All companies subject to the August 14 filing deadline complied except Giantplus Technology, while semiconductors and other electronics industries led profit growth.
The Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering reviewed deficiencies in Thailand’s AML/CFT regime and potential reforms ahead of its 2028 mutual evaluation. The visit included guidance on the Financial Action Task Force’s Global Fifth Round standards and methodology.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji held its overnight policy rate at 0.25 percent as elevated supply-driven inflation was offset by positive economic activity and adequate foreign reserves. Inflation was 5.7 percent in July, while reserves of FJD 3.9 billion covered 5.5 months of retained imports.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance briefed global investors on electronic foreign exchange trading guidelines, securities settlement reforms and an international won settlement network. Settlement changes will be phased in from September, while the won network is scheduled for a September pilot and formal implementation in 2027. Authorities will monitor implementation and consider further reforms where difficulties persist.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance reported that household income rose 4.5% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, or 1.5% after inflation, with gains across all income quintiles. Consumption expenditure increased 3.4%, while disposable income rose 5.2% and the equivalized disposable income quintile ratio declined to 4.97.
The Bank of Korea raised its 2026 growth forecast by 0.7 percentage points to 3.3% as the semiconductor boom offsets Middle East uncertainty, with growth projected at 2.9% in 2027. It maintained its 2026 inflation forecast at 2.7% and expects inflation to ease to 2.3% in 2027. The semiconductor cycle and Middle East developments remain the main risks.
The Reserve Bank of Australia examines the input-cost drivers of recent consumer inflation and the gradual internationalisation of the Chinese renminbi.
The State Bank of Pakistan reported net profit of PKR 1,990 billion for 2025-26 and remitted PKR 1,932 billion in surplus profit to the federal government after required appropriations.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reassigned eight director-level officials across several policy and oversight functions. The changes include new heads for virtual asset policy and virtual asset inspections at the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit.