The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, login screens, phishing emails and other scams. Customers should not follow transaction links or disclose login credentials or one-time passwords, and affected individuals should contact their bank and the police.
Argentina's National Securities Commission is consulting on a regime for employer-funded collective investment products designed to meet obligations arising from employment termination. The vehicles would operate as public-offering financial trusts or open-ended mutual funds under automatic authorization, with rules covering administrators, traceability, portability, default allocation and costs. Comments are due within 15 business days.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reported that Parliament approved in general terms a proposed administrative fees framework by 36 votes to none, with five abstentions. The framework would require state fees to be transparent, predictable, service-linked and proportionate, and will now undergo detailed committee consideration.
The Maldives Monetary Authority has proposed amendments to the National Payment System Act and the Foreign Currency Act. The changes are intended to strengthen the domestic foreign exchange market and keep the legislative frameworks responsive to market and operational developments.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reviewed the progress of public private partnership projects with the World Bank and IFC. Discussions focused on infrastructure and economic development, as well as cooperation on project development and implementation.
The average maximum ruble deposit rate at Russia’s 10 largest household deposit-taking credit institutions was 12.89% in the first 10 days of August 2026.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority backed the Federal Council’s consultation package to strengthen Switzerland’s too-big-to-fail framework and urged its implementation as a whole. The proposals would expand FINMA’s preventive, enforcement and resolution powers and improve larger banks’ access to liquidity support during stress.
The Swiss Federal Council has launched a consultation on reforms completing its too-big-to-fail package, covering bank governance, remuneration, FINMA’s powers, crisis planning and central bank liquidity access. The proposals include a senior managers regime for banks with at least 250 employees, stronger requirements for systemically important banks and new enforcement powers for FINMA. The consultation closes on Nov. 19, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved Simon Andreas Münter as chair of O!Bank’s management board.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is consulting on amendments to align its regulations with domestic anti-money laundering requirements, international standards and Eurasian Group recommendations. The draft also reflects rules for licensing and regulating specialized financial organizations, with comments due by Aug. 27, 2026.
The National Bank of Moldova reported that citizens and businesses have saved more than EUR 13 million on cross-border euro payments since the country connected to SEPA in 2025. It also reviewed progress in aligning Moldova’s financial regulation and supervision with EU and European Banking Authority requirements.
The Central Bank of Cyprus extended the tender submission deadline to 1 p.m. Cyprus time on Sept. 25, 2026. Bids will remain valid until March 25, 2027, while all other tender terms remain unchanged.
The Bank of Mauritius Monetary Policy Committee unanimously held the Key Rate at 4.75% amid easing inflation, persistent upside inflation risks and downside risks to growth. It lowered its 2026 headline inflation forecast to around 5.0% and maintained its 2026 growth forecast at 2.8%.
Ceres-commissioned analysis finds that direct reduced iron is the lowest-cost new-build ironmaking technology across four major US steel regions. New plants could meet investors’ typical 15% return threshold, reduce local air pollution by 80% and cut overall pollution by 40% compared with blast furnaces.
The Seychelles Financial Services Authority has warned that MirrorTradelocker Ltd is not licensed or regulated, despite its claim to hold license number SD018. Its website is not linked to any entity authorized by the authority.
The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority highlighted calls for stronger international cooperation against sophisticated, cross-border financial crime. Its conference focused on risk assessment, MONEYVAL evaluations, investment fraud, cybercrime and illicit finance.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority has launched a continuous professional development program for individuals registered in positions subject to the Professional Qualifications Program at licensed persons. The requirements will apply from Jan. 3, 2027, supported by amendments to the Executive Bylaws and registration renewal form.
The Bank of Italy’s second-quarter housing survey found slowing house price momentum, subdued demand and a slight year-on-year decline in agency-brokered sales. Credit conditions remained relaxed, while rental momentum strengthened across most regions from the previous quarter. Agents’ outlook improved, particularly over a two-year horizon, but remained cautious.
The Swiss Federal Council will recommend that Parliament reject the financial centre initiative without a counter-proposal. It considers existing climate legislation and ongoing regulatory work sufficient, while the proposed bans, biodiversity obligations and supervisory regime could be costly, difficult to implement or shift business abroad. The Federal Department of Finance must prepare the dispatch by April 16, 2027.
Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a customs overhaul that expands powers against financial and organized crime while restructuring and digitizing the nearly 49,000-employee service. The measures include AI-supported analysis, cryptoasset seizure and administrative seizure of assets suspected of unlawful origin, subject to fiscal court approval for confiscation. They also strengthen sanctions enforcement, data sharing and the Financial Intelligence Unit’s role.
The Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency of Türkiye strengthened governance requirements for advisory committees overseeing participation-based insurance and individual pension activities. Compliance functions must support, document and track committee decisions, with implementation updates provided quarterly or, for certain pension companies, every six months. Annual decisions must be submitted to the agency by the end of the following January.
The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group welcomed the appointments of Steven Maijoor, Sam Woods and Laura Forzani to senior IFRS Foundation and International Accounting Standards Board roles. EFRAG expects to continue cooperation on corporate reporting standards under the new leadership.
Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance published an interview in which Minister and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis called for deeper cross-border banking integration, simpler rules and consistent supervision without weakening prudential safeguards. Eurogroup work will assess remaining barriers to the Banking Union ahead of European Commission legislative proposals expected in 2027.
The Central Bank of Estonia will publish second-quarter balance of payments data on Sept. 8 and third-quarter foreign travel statistics on Nov. 11. The travel data support the compilation of exports and imports of travel services.
The Bank of Namibia held the Repo rate at 6.75 percent, citing subdued activity, a benign inflation outlook and adequate reserves alongside inflation pressures and risks to the currency peg and capital flows. It projects 2026 inflation at 4.0 percent and growth at 2.1 percent, while reserves stood at NAD 57.1 billion at end-July, covering 3.5 months of imports.
The Monaco Ministry of Finance and Economy outlined a MiCA-inspired bill that would require crypto-asset service providers to obtain prior authorization and meet governance, prudential and conduct standards. The proposal would replace Monaco’s 2022 regime and expand the Financial Activities Supervisory Commission’s powers, subject to legislative approval.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the results of a BEAC tender held on Aug. 11, 2026.
The Central Bank of Taiwan approved three banks to issue foreign currency-denominated negotiable certificates of deposit and authorized Shin Kong International Securities to conduct consigned foreign securities trading settled in NTD or foreign currencies.
Bulgaria’s Ministry of Finance published its July 2026 assessment of short term economic dynamics, using data available through July 17, 2026.
The House of Representatives committee rejected Central Bank of Libya Governor Naji Issa's resignation request and urged him to remain in office while working on a comprehensive economic reform plan.
The Central Bank of Libya and the High Council of State called for a joint technical committee to develop and monitor economic and financial reforms. Their discussions focused on public spending, liquidity, the exchange rate, transparency and the central bank’s institutional independence.
The National Bank of Georgia’s fintech strategy and tokenized deposits initiative have been featured in a Springer Nature book as one of three international central bank case studies. The publication covers Georgia’s financial infrastructure agenda and a regulatory sandbox project for testing tokenized deposits and certificates of deposit.
The Central Bank of Russia has proposed simplifying securities issuance to reduce costs and accelerate access to capital markets. The measures would ease prospectus and registration requirements for eligible issuers, streamline approval of debt offerings and cut the basic preemptive rights period for additional shares from 45 days to 15 business days.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority has approved additional Britam and Zimele collective investment scheme subfunds and a new climate-focused alternative investment fund. The products broaden regulated access to money market, fixed income, multi-asset, global equity and goal-based savings strategies, while the alternative fund will finance green and greening enterprises primarily in Kenya and the East African Community.
The Central Bank of Cyprus recorded nine person entries in the dishonored check issuer register in July, bringing the January-July total to 69. The preliminary list recorded 16 dishonored checks worth EUR 40,799 during the month, with year-to-date totals of 101 checks worth EUR 288,489.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine backed proposed personal investment accounts after the number of unique investors reached 271,300, nearly 12 times the level at the start of 2022. The accounts would offer conditional tax relief for funds retained for at least three years while allowing investors to trade and rebalance portfolios. The bills are awaiting parliamentary consideration.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine will outline its position on virtual asset regulation at a public discussion. Topics will include market rules, development of a legal crypto market and integration with the financial system.
The Palestine Capital Market Authority presented a study on the prospects for index-based agricultural insurance and sought stakeholder feedback on a potential market model. The responses will inform final recommendations for a product tailored to Palestinian conditions and designed to support sustainable agricultural risk management.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority ordered expedited compensation for an Ismailia road accident that killed 17 people and injured more than 30. Compensation is EGP 100,000 per death, while injury payments will be based on medically assessed disability.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission reviewed the impact of planned data-scraping restrictions on remote financial services. Participants supported a phased transition after sufficient preparation for alternatives such as public MyData, warning that abrupt restrictions could disrupt lending, account services and policy housing finance.
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission will tighten ETF and ETN price deviation limits to 2% for domestic-asset products and 5% for overseas-asset products from Aug. 19. New individual retail investors in domestic-listed or overseas-listed single-stock leveraged and inverse products must also complete at least five hours of simulated trading, in addition to a KRW 30 million cash deposit and three hours of education.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission is seeking 15 teams for the second-half 2026 D-Testbed, offering 12 weeks of access to real data, remote analytics and expert support. Five artificial intelligence-track teams will also receive high-performance computing resources, and applications close Sept. 8.
The Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority found material anti-money laundering deficiencies and serious accounting failures at Hovden Consult. The firm corrected shortcomings in its risk assessment and anti-money laundering procedures, avoiding a planned corrective order, but the review also identified inadequate engagement quality controls, reconciliations, documentation and client follow-up.
The Timor-Leste Ministry of Finance reported that Parliament approved reforms to the institutional framework of the Chamber of Accounts by 37 votes to 16, with one abstention. The legislation revises oversight and audit arrangements for public expenditure and financial management.
The Oman Financial Services Authority suspended United Mawa Projects from accounting and auditing for six months after finding legal and professional violations. The firm offered its licence for rent, lacked the owner’s signature on most audit reports and failed to meet several auditing requirements.
The Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank supported a seminar to build corporate understanding of sukuk issuance and alternative capital market financing. Almost 100 participants discussed issuance processes, Shariah considerations and the use of credit guarantees to support the local currency corporate sukuk market.
Saaf Capital has completed the requirements to commence securities arranging activity under its Capital Market Authority license granted on Dec. 22, 2025.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Market Authority approved Arabian Centres Company’s capital increase from SAR 4.75 billion to SAR 5.18 billion through a one-for-12 bonus share issue funded from retained earnings.
The Bank of the Lao PDR joined SEACEN discussions on emerging financial stability risks, including geopolitical fragmentation, climate change, artificial intelligence, digital currencies and nonbank finance. The meeting also reviewed SEACEN’s 2026-2030 strategy and 2027 training and research priorities, with its outcomes due before the Executive Committee in October 2026.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has outlined four culture capabilities to help financial institutions remediate repeated or serious risk events and reduce recurrence. These cover board and senior management oversight, evidence-based root cause analysis, targeted interventions, and monitoring with independent validation, and may also be used preventively.
The Reserve Bank of Australia updated its Chart Pack on Australian economic and financial market trends. The publication also covers key trading partners and reflects data available as of Aug. 6, 2026.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority issued an updated notice reflecting changes to Switzerland’s Moldova sanctions list, effective at 23:00 on Aug. 12, 2026. Financial intermediaries must implement the prohibitions, freeze relevant assets and report affected relationships to SECO while continuing to meet separate anti-money laundering review and reporting duties.
The South Korea Financial Services Commission plans to adjust aggregate household lending management targets to increase lending capacity for young people and borrowers with genuine financing needs. A comprehensive package is due later in the week of Aug. 10.
The Kazakhstan financial regulator approved Ruben Armenovich Melkonyan as chief financial officer and a management board member of Bereke Bank JSC.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has warned against Yepbit after investors reported being unable to withdraw funds and has removed several websites linked to the platform. Yepbit is neither licensed by ASIC nor registered with AUSTRAC, and its claims that ASIC froze investor funds are false.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has secured a AUD 7.3 million penalty against Fiducian Investment Management Services for misleading ESG-related conduct and breaches of its duty as a responsible entity. The court found that Fiducian lacked reasonable grounds for the fund’s ethical investment claims and failed to monitor or align its underlying investments with those claims.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission reported that Hudson Global Resources was convicted and fined AUD 270,000 for failing to lodge audited financial reports for 2022, 2023 and 2024. The case forms part of ASIC’s 2026 enforcement focus on non-lodgement of financial reports.
The Central Bank of the Philippines has set rules for supporting qualified rural banks’ migration to cloud-based core banking systems. Assistance covers implementation for up to six months and a 36-month subscription, subject to capital, readiness, outsourcing and supervisory assessments. Applications open one month after issuance, with the deadline to be announced separately.
The Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance and Brunei Darussalam Central Bank supported a seminar on sukuk financing and issuance for almost 100 policymakers, regulators and potential corporate issuers. Discussions covered local issuance processes, Shariah considerations and credit guarantees to support development of the country’s local-currency corporate sukuk market.
The Financial Superintendency of Colombia halted an unauthorized gold investment scheme that collected COP 450,073,009 from at least 31 people while promising fixed returns of 20% every five weeks. It ordered the immediate return of the funds and referred the case for administrative intervention and criminal investigation.
The Central Bank of Chile hosted South American central bank governors for discussions on financial conditions, digital payments and artificial intelligence. Regional data showed retail payments per adult rose 345% from 2018 to 2025, while all participating central banks reported using AI in some communications tasks. The next meeting will take place in Uruguay in 2027.
Federal Reserve Board analysis finds that larger middle-market firms can shift between private credit and leveraged loans when conditions diverge, while smaller firms have limited alternatives. The two markets were each worth about USD 1.4 trillion at the end of 2025, so substitution could reduce, but not eliminate, the impact of a private credit pullback.
The Bank of Mozambique has capped overseas payments using Mozambique-issued bank cards at an annual systemwide equivalent of MZN 3 million per holder. Banks must monitor usage, notify customers at specified thresholds and block overseas transactions when the limit is reached, subject to case-by-case exceptions. The central bank has also amended prudential foreign exchange position limits for credit institutions.
The Central Bank of Cuba reported Sea Legend’s launch of a weekly Arctic shipping route between China and the United Kingdom from August through October. The service could cut transit time from about 40 days to approximately 20 days while bypassing the Red Sea and the Strait of Malacca.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission sued Goliath Ventures and CEO Christopher Delgado over an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme that raised at least USD 397 million from about 1,611 customers. The regulator alleges no funds were invested as promised and seeks restitution, disgorgement, penalties, bans and a permanent injunction.
The Czech National Bank’s July survey found that average daily deposit turnover increased to CZK 47 billion, while repo turnover rose 6.4% and represented 51% of total turnover. Interest rate swap and forward rate agreement turnover declined 1% and 29%, respectively.
The Bank of Italy reported that more than 750 experts from 61 central banks joined 49 technical cooperation activities in the first half of 2026. Topics included artificial intelligence, supervisory technology, operational resilience, the digital euro, payments and market infrastructures.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that US household debt declined by USD 13 billion to USD 18.8 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, as lower mortgage balances outweighed growth in credit card and auto debt. Overall delinquency improved slightly, but new auto loan and credit card delinquencies remained elevated.
Qatar Central Bank reported 2.9% real GDP growth in 2025, led by a 4.8% expansion in non-hydrocarbon activity, while inflation averaged 0.5%. The current account surplus stood at QAR 116.2 billion, domestic credit grew 4.9% and policy rates fell by 75 basis points. Regional tensions create downside risks to the earlier 6.1% growth projection for 2026.
The Ontario Securities Commission warned that four companies are not registered to deal or advise in securities in Ontario. Investors should verify the registration of anyone offering investments or advice and contact the commission if approached by an unregistered entity.
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario refused to renew Joel Kelman’s mortgage broker licence, revoked Quick Cash Mortgage’s brokerage licence and imposed three penalties totaling CAD 85,000. The settlement-based orders address compliance oversight and recordkeeping failures, as well as inaccurate information in licence renewal applications.
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee published ranking member Elizabeth Warren’s criticism of the Trump administration’s final rule rolling back Corporate Transparency Act beneficial ownership requirements. Warren urged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to reverse the decision and testify, arguing that it weakens efforts to combat money laundering, sanctions evasion, fraud and drug trafficking.
The Canadian Securities Administrators have updated technical specifications for data elements required under derivatives trade reporting rules in participating jurisdictions. The revised definitions, formats and allowable values take effect on August 11, 2027.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair directed staff to prepare fundamental changes to the CAT’s funding, governance and oversight, including a potential rulemaking to rescind Rule 613 and shift responsibility to the SEC. Staff will assess funding options and SEC resource needs while retaining current CAT infrastructure and reporting specifications. Any transition would likely not be completed until late 2027.
The Brazil Securities Commission published notice of a court-ordered protest against the disposal of assets by five investment funds in proceedings brought by Banco Master S.A., which is under extrajudicial liquidation, and others.
The Central Bank of Aruba maintained the commercial bank reserve requirement at 12.5%, effective July 1, 2026. Foreign reserves remain adequate and inflation is low, although global uncertainty could affect reserves and prices.
The Central Bank of Kenya’s Monetary Policy Committee held the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 8.75%, citing anchored inflation expectations and exchange-rate stability. Inflation was 6.5% in July and is expected to remain within the 5±2.5% target range, while the economy is projected to grow 4.9% in 2026.
The European Central Bank reported that total assets and liabilities fell EUR 18.225 billion from the previous week to EUR 5.923 trillion as of Aug. 7. Asset declines included lower other assets, monetary policy securities and central bank lending, while deposit facility balances increased EUR 14.447 billion.
The Central Bank of Lebanon is preparing digital asset and cryptocurrency rules with the Bank of France, focused on regulation, supervision and suspicious transaction reporting rather than prohibition. It also outlined enhanced controls across financial system access, customer transactions and correspondent banking, and reiterated that compliance failures will face supervisory consequences. The measures support Lebanon’s Financial Action Task Force action plan following its placement under increased monitoring in October 2024.
The Kazakhstan financial regulator approved Gulshat Bostanovna Akimzhanova to lead the governing body of KMF-Demeu Corporate Foundation.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is holding its 2026 Summer National Meeting in Columbus, Ohio, from Aug. 11-14. Discussions will cover insurer investment strategies, emerging technology, resilience, affordability and accessibility.
The International Financial Services Centres Authority warned entities against unauthorized use of its logo and false claims of regulatory status. Stakeholders should verify firms through the IFSCA Directory and remain alert to impersonation, deepfakes and other digital scams.
The Central Bank of Eswatini reported that provisional gross official reserves rose 23.1% to SZL 10 billion in July, lifting import cover to 2.3 months, although reserves were down 16.7% year on year. Broad money grew 18.4% annually in June, while private-sector credit increased 10.1% despite a monthly decline. The discount rate remained at 6.75%.
The Kenya Capital Markets Authority approved the WSA Banking Index ETF for listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, making it the market’s first locally domiciled ETF and third ETF overall. The Kenyan shilling-denominated fund will track the NSE Banking Index by investing in its constituent banking shares.
The Angola Capital Markets Commission and the Gaming Supervision Institute held a joint workshop on supervision, prevention of financial misconduct and control mechanisms. The training addressed gaming regulation and Angola’s legal framework for the betting market.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published an HKICL warning about a fraudulent website offering purported buyer protection for FPS transactions. The site seeks identity and bank account information and directs users to fake customer service personnel.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned the public about fraudulent banking websites, phishing messages and other scams. Customers who disclosed information or conducted transactions should contact the relevant bank and report the matter to police.
The Monetary Authority of Macao reported that 78 students completed its 2026 financial talent programs, which attracted more than 350 applications. It plans to expand training and practical experience focused on the bond market, wealth management and investment funds.
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority issued an updated Sudan sanctions notice following amendments to Annex 2 of the relevant ordinance, with the changes taking effect at 23:00 on August 11, 2026.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic suspended the licenses of two Bishkek exchange bureaus from Aug. 8 through Aug. 17, 2026, for regulatory violations.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority, the Egyptian Exchange and Egyptian Tax Authority have begun a joint review of capital market tax treatment. The committee will develop recommendations, update tax instructions and standardize procedures for securities and investment funds, while supporting data links, guidance and staff training.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency has warned that frozenspirety.info fraudulently impersonates Croatia’s gov.hr portal and the Croatian National Bank. The site promotes a fictitious government program, claims backing from a EUR 2 billion fund and requests a minimum EUR 250 deposit.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine has issued guidance on verifying investment firms through its official registers. Investors should confirm the firm’s license, permitted activities, website, payment details and contacts, and check whether it appears on the regulator’s list of questionable projects and pseudo-brokers.
The Institute of International Bankers urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to tailor GENIUS Act reporting requirements to foreign payment stablecoin issuers’ US activities. Its recommendations include recognizing equivalent home country reports and accounting standards and providing flexibility on confidentiality and amended filings.
The Institute of International Bankers and other trade associations urged the Federal Reserve to reduce internal TLAC requirements for certain U.S. intermediate holding companies of global systemically important foreign banks. They also proposed removing the fixed long-term debt component and allowing firms more flexibility in the mix of eligible instruments used to meet the requirements.
Steven Maijoor will step down from De Nederlandsche Bank’s Executive Board and as chair of supervision on March 1, 2027. The Supervisory Board will begin the succession process, while Maijoor will focus on other governance roles, principally chairing the IFRS Foundation Trustees.
The Bank of Italy’s August snapshot shows GDP grew 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while preliminary harmonized inflation stood at 2.9% in July. Banking system weighted-average capital and liquidity ratios remained above regulatory minimums in March. Official estimates put the 2026 deficit at 2.9% of GDP and public debt at 138.6%.
The Bank of Italy reported that private sector lending grew 3.3% year over year in June 2026, while private sector deposits rose 2.8% and bond funding increased 6.0%. Mortgage and consumer credit rates edged down to 3.95% and 10.33%, respectively, while rates on new corporate lending rose to 3.70%.
The Bank of Italy updated its international tourism statistics with data through May 2026.
The Bank of France launched a public index that distinguishes transportation disruptions from critical input shortages. Its analysis finds that input production shocks have more persistent effects on manufacturing and inflation, while transportation shocks are shorter lived. The index shows both forms of tension strengthening amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.