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2025-01-30•Saudi Arabia•Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority fined Arabia Insurance Cooperative Co. SAR 10,000 for breaching the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations by disclosing inaccurate information in a market announcement. The breach pertains to paragraph (a) of Article 78 and involves the company's interim financial results announcement on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) for the period ending 30/06/2024.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Disclosures
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2025-01-30•Montenegro•Montenegro Capital Market Authority
Sara Pejovic from the Montenegro Capital Market Authority participated in the IOSCO–IFRS Foundation Capacity Building Program on Sustainable Finance in Budapest. The program addressed corporate issuer sustainability disclosure requirements, IFRS sustainability standards, ethical frameworks, and international sustainability assurance standards. Pejovic contributed to discussions on disclosure standards and transparency.
Institutional development Cooperation & capacity building Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
ASIC's Q2 FY25 update on enforcement actions (1 October - 31 December 2024) highlighted disqualifying four directors, charging one with misleading statements, sentencing another for false statements, and prosecuting 58 individuals for 107 corporate collapse offences. Key issues included record-keeping, tax lodgment, debt payment, and aiding liquidators. Ian Thomas Griggs was disqualified for two years over four hospitality company failures. ASIC imposed AUD 342,400 in fines and AUD 6,692 in costs, stressing ROCAPs and company records' importance.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Corporate governance
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2025-01-30•Bolivia•Central Bank of Bolivia
The Central Bank of Bolivia clarified that recent deliveries of monetary material in January 2025 consist of legal-tender coins, not banknotes, countering misleading claims about currency shortages. The coin acquisition followed an international public tender from 2023, in accordance with Law No. 1670 and Supreme Decree No. 0181, and is part of a regular process to replace deteriorated currency and incorporate technological updates.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Currency and cash management
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2025-01-30•Angola•Angola Capital Markets Commission
The Angola Capital Markets Commission conducted a financial education session at the Luanda Commercial Secondary Institute on "Fundamentals of the Capital Market and Investment Opportunities" for secondary school students. The session, held on 28 January 2025, was led by António Van-Dúnem from the Commission’s Department of Studies, Strategy, Development and Communication, and attended by approximately 80 students.
Financial literacy & education Financial literacy and education
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) urged superannuation trustees to improve their practices against scams and fraud. ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant's letter highlights the lack of an organisation-wide scams strategy among 15 reviewed trustees and underscores trustees' duty to protect members' savings. This is part of ASIC's broader effort to combat investment scams, following reviews of anti-scam practices at major banks.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Fraud and scams
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2025-01-30•Tanzania•Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) held the Second Meeting of its Fourth Staff Council in Dar es Salaam, emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and transparency to advance the insurance sector. Insurance Commissioner Dr. Baghayo Saqware highlighted customer service standards and internal cooperation as key to organizational efficiency. The meeting includes budget discussions and training sessions to enhance staff skills and capacity.
Institutional development Governance Other
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2025-01-30•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
Ukraine's National Securities and Stock Market Commission (NSSMC) and the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) participated in an Energy Community workshop on standardising energy products and contracts. The NSSMC emphasized standardisation as a means to enhance market safety and liquidity. This aligns with a prior cooperation agreement to bolster institutional coordination in Ukraine's energy market regulation.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-30•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank fined de Volksbank N.V. EUR 15 million for non-compliance with the Financial Supervision Act, citing structural shortcomings in risk management and governance from July 2018 to October 2023. Deficiencies included inadequate management of credit, counterparty, capital, and operational risks. The fine reflects the seriousness and duration of breaches, the bank's size, and delays in remediation despite supervisory pressure.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Prudential risks
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2025-01-30•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank reported that Dutch household savings reached a record EUR 600.5 billion by the end of 2024, with a EUR 24.2 billion increase in deposits compared to 2023. Savings accounts rose to EUR 487.1 billion, while payment account balances decreased by EUR 4.0 billion. Rising wages and precautionary saving amid inflation were cited as potential factors, alongside increased debt repayment by households.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2025-01-30•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank fined de Volksbank EUR 20 million for breaches of Dutch regulations on sound business operations and anti-money laundering controls. A EUR 15 million fine was issued for prolonged non-compliance with the Financial Supervision Act, and a EUR 5 million fine for inadequate customer monitoring under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions AML and CFT
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2025-01-30•Netherlands•Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets reviewed auditors' work on fraud risks in statutory financial statement audits, finding deficiencies in two-thirds of the 32 audits examined. The review highlighted insufficient audit evidence and inadequately tailored procedures for fraud risks, with incorrect or incomplete fraud paragraphs in 10 audit reports. The AFM urges audit firms to develop improvement plans and address behavioural factors affecting professional scepticism, emphasizing ongoing supervision of auditors' roles in fraud risk identification.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Auditing
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2025-01-30•El Salvador•Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador released additional results from the Seventh Population Census and Sixth Housing Census, highlighting demographic and economic shifts over 17 years. Key findings include a decline in fertility rates, changes in emigration patterns, increased remittances, and improvements in education and employment indicators. The results are accessible via the Bank's statistical geoportal.
Data & statistics Economic data and developments
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2025-01-30•Algeria•Algeria Market Authority (COSOB)
At the Algeria Fintech and E-commerce Summit, the Algeria Market Authority said its recent regulatory frameworks are designed to support fintech activity in the capital markets. Its president highlighted scope for trading platforms under Instruction 24-10 and encouraged firms to use Framework 23-01 to develop crowdfunding platforms.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Fintech and insurtech Market development
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2025-01-30•Pakistan•Securites & Exchange Commission of Pakistan
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has issued draft amendments to the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Regulations, 2022, for public consultation. The amendments aim to simplify REIT scheme establishment, enhance governance, ensure consistency across structures, promote earlier listing, and strengthen management and trustee roles. The proposals also address regulatory arbitrage and improve adherence to the Shariah governance framework.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Securities offerings and listings
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2025-01-30•Georgia•National Bank of Georgia
The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) reported a meeting between Acting Governor Natia Turnava and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to discuss Georgia's economic and financial developments. The NBG highlighted sustained inflation below target and adherence to international sanctions. Discussions included potential collaboration areas, notably technical assistance.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-30•North Macedonia•National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia
The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia has signed an annex to its memorandum with the Consumers Organisation of Macedonia to enhance consumer protection for users of banks and savings houses. The agreement includes experience exchange, expert support, and amicable dispute resolution for widespread consumer harm. The central bank also continues its consumer protection efforts through inspections and amendments to the Law on Banks.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•Italy•Bank of Italy
The Bank of Italy has partnered with the Italian Econometric Association to fund scholarships for women in economics and finance. The initiative will support ten female master's or PhD students, or junior researchers, to attend SIdE’s summer schools and postgraduate courses.
Financial literacy & education Diversity and inclusion
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2025-01-30•Luxembourg•Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier
The Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier announced that from 1 July 2025, internalised settlement reporting under the Central Securities Depositories Regulation Article 9 must be submitted via two specified methods. These submissions will be free of charge. The CSSF will also provide details on pre-production testing and a user guide.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Regulatory reporting
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2025-01-30•Lithuania•Bank of Lithuania
The Bank of Lithuania is soliciting feedback from financial market participants and stakeholders to assess whether national regulations, alongside European Union rules, impose excessive administrative burdens. Stakeholders are encouraged to identify specific regulatory issues and suggest improvements to enhance competitiveness while ensuring safe operations. Comparisons with regulations in other EU countries are also invited.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory burden
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
In a keynote speech, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) outlined its 2025 agenda for superannuation, focusing on trustee transparency, accountability, and member service outcomes. ASIC emphasized enforcement against service failures and misconduct, with five super trustees in court. Key areas include concluding work on death benefit claims, addressing superannuation scams, and assessing private market investments over AUD 400 billion. ASIC will publish a report on death benefit claims, a discussion paper on market settings, and conduct targeted surveillance on financial reporting and auditing. The initiative to enhance trustee member services will enter its second phase with increased monitoring and communication.
Supervision Supervision approach, priorities & toolkit Other
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2025-01-30•Laos•Bank of the Lao
The Bank of the Lao conducted an internal seminar on drafting legal instruments and modern document management to enhance consistency across departments. The session involved the Bank's Office and relevant departments, focusing on principles and processes for preparing legal texts and managing documents.
Institutional development Cooperation & capacity building Licence approval
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2025-01-30•Laos•Bank of the Lao
The Bank of the Lao's Management Council convened its first annual meeting for 2025, chaired by Deputy Governor Khan Keo Lamany Ngou, to review 2024 activities and set priorities for 2025. The council emphasized aligning plans with current conditions and intensifying efforts to meet monetary targets and address economic challenges.
Institutional development Governance Other
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Financial Complaints Authority
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority announced that Chief Operating Officer Justin Untersteiner will leave on 14 March to become CEO of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Untersteiner, who joined AFCA in December 2019, led the implementation of a new funding model and IT transformation, and managed a rise in complaints from 70,000 to 105,000 annually.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2025-01-30•United States•Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered Wise to pay nearly USD 2.5 million for misleading U.S. customers about fees and failing to provide required disclosures for remittance transfers and prepaid accounts. Violations included inaccurate advertising of ATM fees and breaches of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E. Wise must pay USD 450,000 in consumer redress and a USD 2.025 million civil money penalty to the CFPB’s victims relief fund.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•United States•Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its annual list of consumer reporting companies, now including those providing data to casinos and sports betting firms. The report highlights the use of non-obvious data sources, such as social media and driving behavior, and reiterates that security freezes are free by law. It also outlines access and pricing details, including free annual reports and a maximum fee of USD 15.50 for other requests in 2025.
Financial literacy & education Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•Gibraltar•Gibraltar Financial Services Commission
The Gibraltar Financial Services Commission released new Service Level Standards and details on Complexity Assessments to enhance regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Other
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2025-01-30•Kazakhstan•Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's Financial Market Agency advised borrowers struggling with loan repayments to apply for restructuring within 30 days of a missed payment, suggesting solutions like extending loan terms or reducing interest rates. If denied, borrowers should escalate to the bank ombudsman or seek refinancing.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Liquidity risk
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2025-01-30•Slovenia•Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency
The Slovenia Insurance Supervision Agency reported on Director Gorazd Čibej's participation in a Zagreb forum, emphasizing the impact of EU regulatory approaches on business and innovation. Čibej highlighted that excessive regulation, with around 21,000 rules in Slovenia, can stifle development and technological adoption. He advocated for a regulatory balance that supports innovation and sustainable practices in the insurance market.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Other
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2025-01-30•Global•International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation
The IFRS Foundation released a guide on applying IFRS S1 for climate-related disclosures under IFRS S2, emphasizing 'climate-first' transition relief in ISSB Standards. It clarifies that companies must adhere to IFRS S1 when reporting only climate-related information. This responds to investor demand for urgent climate data and stakeholder concerns about data availability for broader sustainability reporting.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
APRA's 2025 focus is on governance for regulated entities, emphasizing superannuation trustee spending and board oversight of risks. It plans to simplify governance standards across banking, insurance, and superannuation. APRA released 2024 expenditure data for trustees to identify outliers not serving members' best interests. A review found improvements but noted 12 trustees needing enhancements. Operational capability and risk management are priorities due to CPS 230. APRA will release a discussion paper to clarify governance standards and address accountability overlaps.
Supervision Supervision approach, priorities & toolkit Corporate governance
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released its 2024 superannuation statistics, now including fund-level expenditure and detailed insurance data. Total industry expenditure reached AUD 12.7 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. APRA is reviewing this data to assess impacts on member benefits and is collaborating with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on member outcomes. The new insurance dataset covers claims, coverage, premiums, and member engagement metrics. APRA will update its expenditure review findings soon.
Data & statistics Activity and performance reporting
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2025-01-30•Cyprus•Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission hosted a plenary meeting of the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ European Regional Committee in Nicosia, focusing on IOSCO priorities and supervisory issues. CySEC presented the “CySEC Investor Guide - The dangers of social media: Unveiling the world of finfluencers” to address retail investor risks. Discussions included online safety, supervisory technology, and regulatory initiatives, emphasizing sustainable finance and crypto assets.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-30•Australia•Reserve Bank of Australia
The Reserve Bank of Australia released a transcript of Assistant Governor Brad Jones' discussion on financial stability risks, highlighting traditional cyclical and newer structural risks like geopolitics and climate issues. The Bank is focusing on the superannuation sector's impact on liquidity, noting its growth and interconnectedness with banks, and is exploring the implications on FX swap markets, while expressing skepticism about unbacked crypto and retail central bank digital currencies.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Liquidity risk Prudential risks
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2025-01-30•Global•International Association of Insurance Supervisors
The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) adopted the final Insurance Capital Standard (ICS) as a capital requirement for internationally active insurance groups, shifting to implementation support under its Roadmap 2025-2026 and Strategic Plan 2025-2029. The IAIS confirmed the U.S. Aggregation Method for comparable ICS outcomes, identifying areas for further work. The Roadmap includes ICS implementation support, new Common Framework standards, and guidance on climate risk and artificial intelligence.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Prudential risks Financial stability and systemic risk
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2025-01-30•Isle of Man•Isle of Man Financial Services Authority
Nampak Insurance Company Limited has surrendered its authorization as an authorized insurer under section 8 of the Insurance Act 2008, effective 30 January 2025, as announced by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence withdrawal
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2025-01-30•Türkiye•Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency
Turkey's Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency released its Banking Sector Monthly Bulletin for December 2024. The bulletin provides key financial data from institutions governed by the Banking Law and related regulations, enhancing transparency and public information.
Data & statistics Supervisory data
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2025-01-30•Europe•European Central Bank
The European Central Bank reported a 7.4% increase in non-cash payment transactions in the euro area for the first half of 2024, totaling 72.1 billion transactions valued at EUR 113.5 trillion. Card payments dominated, accounting for 56% of transactions, with contactless payments comprising 79% of non-remote card payments. Credit transfers made up 93% of the total non-cash payment value, while e-money payments saw a decline in volume but an increase in value.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2025-01-30•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India has revised its framework for monetary penalties and compounding contraventions under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, effective immediately. It outlines contraventions that may trigger penalties, including unauthorized operations and non-compliance with Reserve Bank directions, with penalties up to INR 1 million or more. It also provides for compounding of eligible contraventions, with amounts payable within 30 days and mandatory disclosures in financial statements and Reserve Bank press releases.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements
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2025-01-30•Thailand•Thailand Office of Insurance Commission
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission reported on its response to a fatal collision in Ang Thong province, confirming insurance coverage for the involved vehicles and coordinating benefits access. Both vehicles had compulsory motor insurance, with the Bangkok-registered vehicle also holding a voluntary type 1 policy. The Office is working with insurers and associations to verify additional coverage and facilitate benefit distribution, while the case is under police investigation.
Supervision Interventions Other
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2025-01-30•Thailand•Thailand Office of Insurance Commission
Thailand’s Office of Insurance Commission reported its Secretary-General, Chuchart Pramoolpol, participated in the 29th Insurance Seminar focused on "Managing Emerging Risks." The event aimed to raise awareness of future risk factors and foster dialogue among industry leaders on risk management trends. The Commission emphasized its commitment to promoting a stable insurance sector and enhancing risk management in the digital era.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Risk management
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2025-01-30•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan has revoked Joint Stock Company KIWI BANK's licence as a payment system operator due to the termination of the CONTACT payment system. The Payment System Department has been instructed to update the relevant registers accordingly.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Licence approval
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2025-01-30•Tajikistan•National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan granted LLC RSM Tajikistan a licence to audit insurance and reinsurance organisations. The Insurance Supervision Department will record the firm in the registers of authorised audit organisations and licensing documents.
Supervision Authorisations & approvals Auditing
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2025-01-30•Middle East•Arab Monetary Fund
The Arab Monetary Fund's December 2024 Monthly Bulletin reports a 1.03% increase in its Composite Index for Arab capital markets, driven by declining interest rates, lower inflation, and increased investment activity. Gains were noted in ten exchanges, with the Dubai Financial Market leading at 6.42%, while four exchanges saw declines, with Damascus experiencing the largest drop at 7.64%.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Market development
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2025-01-30•San Marino•Central Bank of San Marino
The Central Bank of the Republic of San Marino joined a Sammarinese Banking Association roundtable on the EU Association Agreement, highlighting it as a pathway for San Marino’s financial system to access the EU single market. CBSM President Catia Tomasetti emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among financial institutions and expressed confidence in San Marino's readiness to meet necessary assessments for market access.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-30•South Africa•South African Reserve Bank
The South African Reserve Bank released its International Reserves Template for December 2024, detailing official reserve assets at USD 65,459 million. Other foreign currency assets totaled USD 23 million, with significant predetermined net drains on foreign currency assets within one year. The memorandum highlighted USD 62,340 million in SDR-basket currencies, including gold.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2025-01-30•Philippines•Central Bank of the Philippines
The Central Bank of the Philippines has implemented regulatory relief for banks affected by Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoons Leon, Ofel, and Pepito. Measures include a temporary grace period of up to six months for affected borrowers and exclude these loans from past-due and non-performing loan ratios, while maintaining prudential reporting. Thrift, rural, and cooperative banks will not face penalties for legal reserve deficiencies from 18 October 2024 for six months.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Other
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2025-01-30•Brazil•Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC)
The Brazilian Pension Funds Authority (PREVIC) issued Ordinance 84/2025, allowing associations representing pension plan participants and beneficiaries to be admitted as "interested parties" in administrative proceedings by PREVIC’s Licensing Directorate. This ordinance, implementing Article 152(2) of PREVIC Resolution 23/2023, aims to enhance access to information and participation during the licensing process. It became effective on 30 January 2025.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Licensing framework and process
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2025-01-30•Brazil•Brazil Securities Commission (CVM)
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) has updated its Open Data Portal to include new and revised datasets for investment funds, reflecting the transition to CVM Resolution 175. This includes expanded data on share class structures and share capital composition for listed companies. The update also introduces new datasets for private equity funds and enhances reporting for various fund types.
Data & statistics Regulatory reporting
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2025-01-30•Brazil•Brazil Securities Commission (CVM)
The Brazil Securities Commission (CVM) reported a record BRL 966.8 billion in securities issuance for 2024, a 49% increase from 2023, driven by fixed-income and securitisation issuances. CVM-regulated participants rose 3.7% to 89,771, and the investment fund industry expanded to 31,952 funds, adapting to CVM Resolution 175. The total regulated market value was estimated at BRL 40.32 trillion, with significant growth in secondary markets and crowdfunding issuances.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2025-01-30•Azerbaijan•Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted a currency auction where demand reached USD 47.4 million, fully satisfied at a volume-weighted average exchange rate of 1.7000 manat per USD.
Monetary policy Monetary policy instruments & operations Foreign exchange policy and markets
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2025-01-30•Azerbaijan•Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan has formed working groups within financial sector associations to enhance consumer rights and expedite dispute resolution. These groups, under associations like the Azerbaijan Banks Association and Azerbaijan Insurers Association, aim to ensure legal compliance and improve handling of citizen appeals. An online meeting on 27 January discussed their operations and future plans, including proposals for safeguarding financial services consumers and investors.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•Azerbaijan•Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan
The Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan announced the World Bank Group's approval of a new 2025–2029 Country Partnership Framework for Azerbaijan. The framework aims to support a transition to a greener, more inclusive economy by strengthening economic resilience, promoting sector reforms, and enhancing financial resource management.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-30•Malawi•Reserve Bank of Malawi
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has revoked Carrick Wealth Limited’s registration as an investment adviser, citing the firm's cessation of business activities in Malawi. The action was taken under sections 26(1)(c) and 27(1)(h) of the Financial Services Act. The Registrar cautioned that engaging with Carrick Wealth Limited is at one's own risk.
Enforcement Sanctions & designations Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-01-30•Paraguay•Central Bank of Paraguay
The Central Bank of Paraguay met with farm sector groups to review support measures for producers facing climate-related pressure ahead of the 2024/2025 crop season. It pointed to its Jan. 24 resolution allowing drought-affected producers to renew, refinance or restructure loans without harming their credit classification, subject to individual analysis in higher-risk cases. The bank said it may take further measures if conditions worsen.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Guernsey•Guernsey Financial Services Commission
The Guernsey Financial Services Commission announced the removal of Nikolay Ivanovich Bortsov from the UK Russia financial sanctions regime, lifting asset freeze, travel ban, and trust services sanctions. The UK consolidated list has been updated, and UK sanctions regulations continue to apply in Guernsey under the Brexit Regulations, 2020.
Enforcement Sanctions & designations Sanctions list update
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2025-01-30•United Kingdom•Prudential Regulation Authority
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) released its third Climate Change Adaptation Report, assessing banks' and insurers' progress in managing climate-related financial risks since October 2021. The report identifies areas needing improvement, such as governance consistency, risk management tools, and climate scenario analysis, and highlights the need for firms to integrate climate risks into capital adequacy assessments. A consultation on updating Supervisory Statement 3/19 is planned for 2025 to clarify expected outcomes for firms.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Global•United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative has launched the "Banking on Sustainability: From Principles to Practice" case study series and videos to aid member banks in implementing the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. Additionally, the "Responsible Banking Blueprint" provides a roadmap for action across climate, nature, biodiversity, and human rights, complementing UNEP FI’s strategy note by organizing responsible banking ambitions across seven key areas.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Seychelles•Seychelles Financial Services Authority
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority (FSA) issued a scam alert regarding the website https://www.worldinvest.org/#/ and the entity "Worldinvest Limited," which falsely claim FSA authorization and regulation. The FSA clarified that the entity is unknown to them and lacks a valid license. The public is advised to thoroughly research entities before engaging in business or sharing personal information.
Supervision Alerts Fraud and scams Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-01-30•Thailand•Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission has unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2025–2027, focusing on enhancing market confidence, digital technology, sustainability, long-term investment, and operational excellence. Key measures include stronger enforcement, improved investigative capabilities, and forthcoming share pledging regulations. The plan also emphasizes digital asset innovation, investor protection, and sustainability initiatives.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Canada•Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police charged a British Columbia resident with laundering CAD 47 million from illicit cannabis sales in Alberta and British Columbia. Charges include laundering proceeds of crime, failing to register with FINTRAC, and unauthorized possession of cannabis for sale.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions
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2025-01-30•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority issued guidance on avoiding "thought traps" leading to unnecessary purchases. Authored by economist Moa Langemark, it addresses invoice assumptions, impulsive buying, and reluctance to return goods. It advises spending within means, being wary of deferred payments, and recognizing sales tactics.
Financial literacy & education Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
In 2025, Sweden's Finansinspektionen will review if firms offering savings products comply with conduct rules, focusing on product suitability and "value for money." This follows numerous 2024 consumer complaints, especially about derivatives like CFDs, and concerns about alternative funds and unlisted shares. The assessment will also examine how firms manage conflicts of interest to prioritize consumer needs over compensation.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Consumer and investor protection
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2025-01-30•Sweden•Finansinspektionen
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) is reviewing banks' compliance with providing consumers payment accounts, following concerns about refusals and closures. The review involves Handelsbanken, Nordea, SEB, and Swedbank, focusing on their 2023 and 2024 practices and balancing this duty with anti-money laundering responsibilities. Finansinspektionen is also considering further measures, like enhanced statistics on account refusals and terminations.
Supervision Reviews, inspections & stress tests Financial inclusion
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2025-01-30•Canada•New Brunswick Financial & Consumer Services Commission
The New Brunswick Financial and Consumer Services Commission issued a warning that Wiser-Investment.co is not registered to deal or advise in securities in New Brunswick. The alert highlights the use of multiple names by the entity and advises investors to verify registration through the National Registration Search tool.
Supervision Alerts Unlicensed or unauthorized activity
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2025-01-30•Egypt•Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority announced reforms to modernize Egyptian Accounting Standards, aligning them with international practices. Updates include amendments to EAS 34 on investment property, EAS 13 on foreign exchange effects, and EAS 47 on financial instruments, plus a new interpretation for carbon emission reduction certificates. Chairman Mohamed Farid emphasized ongoing standards-setting efforts and the critical role of external auditors in maintaining corporate financial reporting integrity.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Accounting and financial reporting
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2025-01-30•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
Norway's Financial Supervisory Authority fined Interoil Exploration and Production ASA NOK 800,000 for errors in Q1 2024 financial reporting. The company wrongly recognized 100% of sales revenue from a joint operation instead of its 51% share, violating IFRS 11, and failed to meet IAS 8 and IAS 34 requirements in its half-year report. These errors significantly impacted reported revenue and profit figures, and the company did not respond to the authority's notice of proposed penalty.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Accounting and financial reporting
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2025-01-30•Norway•Norwegian Finanstilsynet
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet) will apply a Swedish macroprudential measure to Norwegian banks using the internal ratings-based approach with significant exposures in Sweden. This mandates a risk-weight floor of 35% for corporate exposures secured by commercial real estate and 25% for those secured by commercial residential property, applicable at both solo and consolidated levels for exposures exceeding SEK 5 billion. The decision follows a reassessment after Norwegian banks' exposures in Sweden surpassed the materiality threshold.
Supervision Interventions Macroprudential policy and tools
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2025-01-30•Italy•Italian Securities Commission (Consob)
The Italian Securities Commission (Consob) has ordered internet providers to block access to six websites offering unauthorised financial services in Italy, using its statutory powers. This action brings the total number of blocked websites to 1,211 since July 2019. Consob advises investors to ensure service providers are authorised and that a prospectus is available for financial products.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions Fraud and scams
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2025-01-30•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia and Moscow Exchange have launched a shareholder value creation programme for Russian public joint-stock companies, establishing a "benchmark issuer" group and a dedicated stock index. The initiative aims to support corporate best practices, with participation open to issuers on Moscow Exchange’s Level One and Level Two lists. A committee will assess applications based on governance, transparency, and financial indicators, with annual status reconfirmation required.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Corporate governance
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2025-01-30•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia has doubled the property-based asset threshold for qualified investor status from RUB 6 million to RUB 12 million, with a further increase to RUB 24 million effective 1 January 2026. This measure ensures individuals understand the risks of complex financial instruments and is part of broader reforms to expand qualification pathways based on knowledge and experience. The ordinance was registered by the Russian Ministry of Justice.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements
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2025-01-30•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia's December 2024 review shows cooling credit dynamics, with corporate and unsecured consumer loan portfolios contracting and modest mortgage growth. Corporate loans fell 0.2% due to foreign-currency repayments, while unsecured consumer lending dropped 1.9% amid macroprudential measures and higher rates. Banks' net profit decreased to RUB 187 billion, impacted by foreign-exchange revaluation losses and increased operating expenses.
Research Lending
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2025-01-30•Russia•Central Bank of Russia
The Central Bank of Russia reported a decrease in the current account surplus for Q4 2024, attributed to contracting exports and expanding imports. Export values fell due to declining global oil prices and reduced oil production under OPEC+ agreements, while imports increased year on year, driven by stronger domestic demand.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2025-01-30•Argentina•Argentina Securities Commission (CNV)
Roberto E. Silva, president of the Argentina Securities Commission (CNV), announced progress on regulating virtual asset service providers at the Pioneering Progress 2025 event in San Salvador. He also engaged with El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets to enhance technical cooperation. Discussions included PSAV registration, innovation-linked regulation, stablecoins, digital currencies, and tokenisation of real-world assets.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Fintech and insurtech Regtech and suptech
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2025-01-30•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
The SEC’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee will meet on 25 February 2025 to discuss capital-raising challenges for emerging fund managers and small public companies not listed on national exchanges. The meeting will feature an overview of the SEC Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation’s 2024 Annual Report and discussions with industry experts. The event will be publicly accessible via webcast on the SEC’s website.
Policy & regulation Other SME financing
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2025-01-30•United States•U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission appointed Natalia Díez Riggin as Senior Advisor and Acting Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Riggin brings extensive experience from the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and her expertise is expected to aid the SEC in capital formation and regulatory efficiency.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments
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2025-01-30•Malta•Malta Financial Services Authority
The Malta Financial Services Authority released a Strategic Update on its 2023–2025 Strategic Statement, highlighting milestones achieved by June 2024 and areas lagging. Key developments include enhanced supervision, regulatory process improvements, and increased engagement with policymakers and licensed entities. The update also covers sector-specific governance codes, supervisory guidelines, and advancements in sustainable and digital finance.
Institutional development Other
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) outlined its 2025 governance priorities for superannuation trustees, emphasizing scrutiny on member money expenditure and announcing a review to consolidate governance standards across banking, insurance, and superannuation. APRA released 2024 fund-level expenditure data and highlighted the need for improvements in valuation governance and liquidity risk frameworks among trustees, with plans to update Governance SPS 510 and Fit and Proper SPS 520 standards.
Policy & regulation Reform agendas & priorities Corporate governance
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2025-01-30•Australia•Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released its 2024 annual superannuation statistics, now including fund-level expenditure and detailed insurance data. Total industry expenditure reached AUD 12.7 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year, with APRA using this data to assess spending where member benefits may not be evident.
Data & statistics Activity and performance reporting
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2025-01-30•Global•Financial Action Task Force
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its 2023-2024 annual report, highlighting efforts to enhance the international financial system's integrity under the Singapore presidency. Key initiatives include risk-based mutual evaluations, strengthening beneficial ownership transparency, and addressing emerging risks like cyber-enabled fraud and terrorism financing. The report also notes a list of jurisdictions with significant virtual asset service provider activity and the transition of FATF presidency to Elisa de Anda Madrazo.
Policy & regulation International standards & recommendations AML and CFT Beneficial ownership
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2025-01-30•Denmark•National Bank of Denmark
The National Bank of Denmark reported that Danish private investors in equity funds earned a 19.7% return in 2024, driven largely by gains in US technology stocks like NVIDIA, Apple, and Amazon. Bond funds returned 4.3%, and mixed funds 10.6%, benefiting from falling interest rates that led to capital gains and positive bond returns.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Supervisory data
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2025-01-30•Europe•European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) recommends updating Solvency II standard formula calibrations for natural catastrophe underwriting risk, using recent climate data and advanced risk modelling. The proposals introduce new risk factors for perils like flood, hail, earthquake, and windstorm across 24 regions, with significant flood risk updates in ten countries. EIOPA submitted these proposals to the European Commission for consideration, following a reassessment mandated by the Solvency II Review.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Climate risk and sustainable finance
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2025-01-30•Europe•European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority
The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) advised the European Commission on implementing the amended Solvency II Directive's proportionality framework. The advice supports classifying insurance undertakings as small and non-complex undertakings (SNCUs) and outlines conditions for applying proportionality measures to other (re)insurers. Eligible undertakings can benefit from reduced requirements, with EIOPA endorsing a supervisory regime that adjusts proportionality measures based on specific risk and governance criteria.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Prudential risks Regulatory burden
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2025-01-30•Palestine•Palestine Monetary Authority
The Palestine Monetary Authority released the Residential Property Price Index for Q4 2024, showing a 0.46% quarter-on-quarter decline to 107.6 points, with an annual decrease of 0.38% compared to Q4 2023. The house price index fell by 0.79% while the apartment price index remained stable. The data exclude the Gaza Strip due to ongoing conflict, and the report highlights that property prices are influenced by specifications, land prices, and location.
Data & statistics Economic data and developments
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2025-01-30•Netherlands•De Nederlandsche Bank
De Nederlandsche Bank imposed a EUR 5 million fine on de Volksbank N.V. for significant anti-money laundering control failures under the Dutch Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act. The deficiencies, including inadequate customer monitoring and alert follow-up, persisted from July 2020 to April 2023, despite previous enforcement actions. The fine reflects the bank's size, breach severity, and ongoing remediation efforts.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions AML and CFT
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2025-01-29•Montenegro•Central Bank of Montenegro
The Central Bank of Montenegro and the World Bank are evaluating electronic payments in Montenegro, focusing on service acceptance and usage. Stakeholder discussions will inform recommendations to enhance digital payment uptake, alongside Montenegro's inclusion in the Single Euro Payments Area and a national instant payments system. This assessment is part of the World Bank’s Western Balkans Payments Modernization Project, which includes regional efforts on licensing harmonisation and cybersecurity.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots Payments and payment systems
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2025-01-29•Bahamas•Bahamas Securities Commission
The Securities Commission of The Bahamas announced that the Supreme Court approved a claim subordination agreement with the joint official liquidators of FTX Digital Markets Ltd, prioritizing customer and creditor recoveries over the Commission’s USD 221.55 million regulatory penalties claim. This ensures payments to customers and creditors, including interest, precede the Commission’s claim. The penalties relate to breaches of the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act and the Financial Transactions Reporting Act.
Enforcement Investigations & enforcement actions
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2025-01-29•Nicaragua•Central Bank of Nicaragua
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a 12.5% increase in remittance inflows for 2024, totaling USD 5.2431bn. The United States was the largest source, contributing 82.8% of the total, followed by Costa Rica and Spain. Managua received the highest share of domestic remittances at 25.4%.
Data & statistics Balance of payments and other external statistics
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2025-01-29•Nicaragua•Central Bank of Nicaragua
The Central Bank of Nicaragua's December 2024 Indicators of the Banking and Finance System reported strong performance with double-digit growth in credit and public deposits, improved asset quality, and profitability. Liquidity and solvency remained above regulatory limits, with a liquidity ratio of 32.4% and capital adequacy at 18.4%. Public deposits rose by 10.3% to NIO 239,015.6 million, and the credit portfolio grew by 19.3% to NIO 212,525.6 million.
Data & statistics Activity and performance reporting
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2025-01-29•Panama•Superintendencia de Bancos de Panama
The Superintendency of Banks of Panama plans to optimize the bank account opening process by analyzing the regulatory framework and market context with local banks. The initiative aims to align account opening and customer due diligence with a digital environment, adhering to international standards. This may lead to updates to agreements and operational guidance, ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements.
Policy & regulation Implementation, projects & pilots AML and CFT Financial inclusion
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2025-01-29•Cyprus•Central Bank of Cyprus
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported a significant rise in monetary financial institutions deposits and loans for December 2024, with deposits increasing by EUR 1,977.4 million and loans by EUR 503.2 million. The annual growth rates for deposits and loans reached 6.6% and 2.8%, respectively, influenced by seasonal factors. Cyprus residents' deposits grew by EUR 877.2 million, primarily from households, while loans to residents increased by EUR 150.7 million, driven by household and non-financial corporation lending.
Data & statistics Monetary data
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2025-01-29•India•Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India revised the framework for Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs) through private placements, aligning it with the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) framework. The updated guidelines replace the previous HFC-specific framework and apply to all new private placements from the circular's issuance date.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Securities offerings and listings
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2025-01-29•Greece•Bank of Greece
The Bank of Greece reported December 2024 statistics showing an increase in total credit growth to 5.3% and stable deposit growth at 4.6%. The private sector saw a net credit flow of EUR 3.048bn, with annual growth slowing to 8.9%. Total deposits increased by EUR 5.243bn, with private-sector deposits rising by EUR 5.654bn, though their annual growth rate slightly decreased to 4.5%.
Data & statistics Financial and market indicators Monetary data
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2025-01-29•Kosovo•Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo
The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, led by Deputy Governor Dardan Fusha, participated in the Central Banks and Sovereign Funds Forum in Luxembourg. The delegation held bilateral meetings to enhance reserve management and explore PayPal services in Kosovo. Discussions with Clearstream Banking SA and PayPal focused on establishing account relationships and enabling international payment access for Kosovo's citizens and businesses.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Cross-border cooperation
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2025-01-29•Australia•Australian Securities & Investments Commission
The Administrative Review Tribunal upheld the Australian Securities & Investments Commission's decision to disqualify MD Nazrul Islam as an approved SMSF auditor for failing to comply with auditing standards. It emphasized SMSF system integrity and auditors' critical role, warning that inadequate audits could lead to scrutiny and penalties. ASIC can disqualify auditors under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 if duties are not performed adequately.
Enforcement Sanctions & designations Auditing
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2025-01-29•Belgium•Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority
The Belgium Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) warned against Derwent Investments for unauthorized activities, advising consumers to avoid the firm. The FSMA noted the firm's operations resemble potentially fraudulent boiler room schemes involving unsolicited offers and investment pressure. Consumers should consult FSMA resources to verify compliance with financial legislation.
Supervision Alerts Unlicensed or unauthorized activity Fraud and scams
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2025-01-29•Ukraine•Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market
The Ukraine National Commission on Securities and Stock Market has initiated the submission of 2023 and 2024 interim financial reports through the Financial Reporting System, adhering to Taxonomy UA XBRL IFRS 2023. Enterprises required to report under International Financial Reporting Standards must file electronically, with templates provided by 1 February 2025. Entities changing their reporting method from 2023 must notify the regulator with their enterprise name and EDRPOU code.
Policy & regulation Rules & requirements Regulatory reporting
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2025-01-29•Netherlands•Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) announced a court ruling that the "Regulation tackling flash credit" is not legally binding, allowing EU-based online payday loan providers to bypass the Dutch 14% maximum credit charge rate. These providers relocated to other EU states due to domestic enforcement, prompting the Ministry of Finance's regulatory attempt. The AFM is evaluating the ruling's implications and will consult with the Ministry of Finance on potential actions.
Policy & regulation Guidance & interpretation Lending
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2025-01-29•West Africa•Central Bank of West African States
The Central Bank of West African States will host a regional consultation with UMOA high courts on 30 January 2025 to discuss banking and financial regulation. The meeting aims to enhance uniform application of Union laws through dialogue between the central bank and senior judicial leaders. BCEAO Governor Jean-Claude Kassi Brou will chair sessions focused on harmonising Union rules and strengthening synergies between national courts and community institutions.
Policy & regulation Cooperation Domestic cooperation
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2025-01-29•Ecuador•Superintendencia de Bancos de Ecuador
Roberto Romero von Buchwald has assumed office as Superintendent of Banks in Ecuador, emphasizing transparency and efficiency in financial supervision. His priorities include enhancing regulation and control policies, modernizing supervisory processes with technology, and extending oversight to social security entities to protect citizens' rights.
Institutional development Leadership change & appointments Leadership change and appointments