The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency certified the Single Beneficiary System under its employee pension education program. Certification requires training at least 70% of staff and annual recertification, with 29 organizations and more than 13,000 employees certified over three years.
INTERPOL found that AI enables 55% of reported cybercrimes across Africa, while cybercrime-related losses have more than doubled since 2024 to USD 484 million. Gaps in real-time data sharing among banks, telecommunications companies and law enforcement are facilitating scams and synthetic identity fraud. The report calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, standardized digital forensics, AI training and formal public-private partnerships.
The European Supervisory Authorities proposed ending initial margin exchanges on both new and existing uncleared derivatives contracts for counterparties below the EUR 8 billion threshold. The draft standards are awaiting European Commission endorsement before legislative scrutiny.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency proposed changes to its information disclosure rules. The revisions seek to permit limited disclosures while protecting confidential supervisory information and candid exchanges with supervised entities. Comments are due 60 days after Federal Register publication.
The Brazil Securities Commission imposed a 30-month ban and two BRL 150,000 fines on investment adviser Américo Maciel de Souza for using client credentials and issuing false records to conceal losses. In two other proceedings, the commission acquitted former IRB executives and all defendants accused of insider trading in Banco PanAmericano shares.
The Moroccan Capital Markets Authority registered SAHAM BANK’s 2025 reference document, updating the information dossier for its certificates of deposit program. The dossier also includes the program note registered in January 2021.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency reported pension assets of DOP 1.6 trillion, or nearly 20% of gross domestic product, during an interview on the system. It also outlined its daily supervision of fund administrators and the enrollment and provider-choice options available to formal and informal workers.
The Central Bank of Malta participated in a July 28 youth discussion on economic and financial literacy. The event covered the effects of finance and economic choices on employment, housing, quality of life and the distribution of money.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago registered GraceKennedy (Trinidad & Tobago) Limited as a payment service provider effective Aug. 1, 2026, allowing it to offer a broader range of regulated payment services. The company was previously registered solely for bill payments and remains licensed as a bureau de change.
Ukraine's National Commission on Securities and Stock Market will meet at noon on Aug. 4, 2026, with the agenda available online.
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission ordered UBS Financial Services to pay USD 8 million for supervision failures affecting anti-money laundering monitoring of foreign currency wires. More than 28,000 wires worth at least USD 8.9 billion were insufficiently monitored or omitted from monitoring between January 2019 and June 2023.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency has begun the process of obtaining the public-sector Igualando RD gender equality seal. It will complete a self-assessment, implement an action plan, build institutional capacity and undergo an external evaluation for bronze, silver or gold recognition.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India extended the PaRRVA enrollment deadline from August 3 to September 3, 2026. Enrollment is required for investment advisers and research analysts that wish to communicate certified past performance data to existing or prospective clients.
The Eurasian Group trained 29 officials from six countries on the updated FATF assessment methodology. The program used simulated mutual evaluations to prepare participants to serve as assessors, reviewers or national experts.
The Central Bank of Luxembourg reported higher June 2026 rates on variable household mortgages, consumer credit and short-term deposits. The rate on corporate loans exceeding EUR 1 million rose 50 basis points to 2.89%, while new lending reached EUR 3.06 billion.
The European Supervisory Authorities propose exempting both new and existing non-centrally cleared OTC derivatives from initial margin where either counterparty falls below the EUR 8 billion threshold. The exemption could apply from June 1, with previously collected margin released. The draft standards now await European Commission endorsement and legislative scrutiny.
The European Banking Authority issued a no-action letter and technical clarifications for implementing the revised EU market risk framework. It recommends that authorities not prioritize action on banking and trading book boundary rules, internal risk transfers and certain reporting requirements once the relevant Delegated Act enters into force. The act would modify market risk own funds calculations for three years from Jan. 1, 2027.
The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency found that the financial services sector remained profitable, well capitalized and resilient despite rising macro-financial and geopolitical risks. Stress testing showed that severe external shocks would weaken asset values, profitability and portfolio quality, but strong liquidity, capitalization and pension fund inflows would support sector-wide resilience. Croatia’s stock market remains highly exposed to shocks transmitted from international markets.
The Algeria Market Authority published information on new executive appointments at Banque de Développement Local.
The Financial Superintendency of Colombia will offer free, in-person consumer assistance in Chaparral, Tolima, from Aug. 11 to 14, 2026. Services include financial product guidance, complaints, out-of-court conciliation and legal actions involving supervised financial entities.
The US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network imposed a record USD 125 million penalty on UBSFS for willful Bank Secrecy Act violations, including failures in transaction monitoring, customer due diligence and suspicious activity reporting. UBSFS must conduct a third-party lookback and independent anti-money laundering program review, with up to USD 15 million of the penalty eligible for waiver upon satisfactory remediation.
Portugal's Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority is recruiting a permanent support officer for its Prudential Supervision Department, with applications due by the end of Aug. 24, 2026.
The Bank of Spain reported that the one-year Euribor rose to 2.855% in July 2026 from 2.798% in June. The main mortgage reference rate was 0.776 percentage points higher than a year earlier.
The European Central Bank finds that the Middle East energy price shock is reducing euro area consumption mainly through lower wages and employment. Consumption initially falls about 1.4% for liquidity-constrained households, compared with 0.7% for unconstrained households. Persistently elevated energy prices could prolong the pressure on real incomes and spending.
The Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority approved Mudaraba Financial Company’s name change to Alamin Capital.
FINRA fined UBS Financial USD 20 million for repeat anti-money laundering failures involving more than 60,000 foreign currency wires totaling over USD 10 billion. Deficient transaction monitoring and customer due diligence caused the firm to miss and fail to timely report suspicious activity through June 2023.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India has promoted Prasanta Mahapatra to executive director. He will oversee the Corporation Finance Investigation Department and the Recovery and Refund Department.
The Bank of Central African States extended the bidding deadline for technical oversight of future branch construction to noon on Aug. 26, 2026. Bids will be opened at 1 p.m. that day and must remain valid through Jan. 4, 2027.
The Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission is consulting on the effectiveness of the Provident Fund Act and related regulations as part of a mandatory five-year review. Feedback will inform whether changes are needed to improve provident funds, with comments due by Oct. 2, 2026.
The Malta Financial Services Authority has introduced a structured methodology for penalties on credit institutions, based on breach severity, institutional size and relevant adjustments. Extremely Severe breaches may be penalized by reference to annual turnover, while final penalties cannot exceed 10% of annual net turnover. The framework remains discretionary and excludes matters covered by separate penalty regimes or direct European Central Bank prudential supervision.
Angola has established qualification and supervision rules for holding companies, known as SGPS, to support corporate group formation and capital market development.
The Central Bank of Chile reported that preliminary economic activity grew 2.4% year over year in June 2026 and 0.6% from May on a seasonally adjusted basis. Mining, trade and services drove the increase, while nonmining activity rose 1.4% annually.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published an HKICL warning about fraudulent websites offering purported buyer protection services for FPS transactions. HKICL has no connection to the sites and does not ordinarily provide FPS services directly to individuals or proactively contact them.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority warned the public about bank-related online scams and advised affected customers to contact their bank and the police.
The National Bank of Romania reported that international reserves fell to EUR 74.972 billion at the end of July 2026, including EUR 63.230 billion in foreign exchange reserves. Foreign currency public debt payments due in August total about EUR 1.468 billion.
The Bank of Russia will issue a 3-ruble silver commemorative coin on Aug. 4, 2026, marking the centenary of the All-Russian Society of the Deaf. The proof-quality coin will have a mintage of 3,000 and be legal tender at face value.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan discussed stronger anti-money laundering, counterterrorist financing and sanctions compliance with EU representatives. The talks also covered customer due diligence, prevention of third-party access to payment cards and electronic wallets, and improved electronic payment security.
The Bank of the Lao PDR issued a revised action plan addressing outstanding issues related to EU transaction restrictions.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic fined a Bishkek payment organization KGS 220,000 for legal and regulatory violations.
Moldova's Ministry of Finance consulted on draft rules for consumer credit secured on residential property. The bill would impose lender conduct requirements, precontractual safeguards and minimum contract standards, with clearer rules on information, advice, creditworthiness assessments and advertising.
The South African Reserve Bank is consulting on a framework for authorizing and supervising crypto asset service providers that facilitate cross-border transactions. The draft creates three provider categories and sets transaction limits, capital, reporting, record-keeping and client asset requirements. Cross-border reporting would generally be triggered when crypto assets move between a domestic provider and an offshore provider or outbound to a non-custodial wallet.
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported that net new lending rose to EUR 626.2 million in June, driven mainly by loans above EUR 1 million to nonfinancial corporations. Deposit rates increased, consumer and housing loan rates declined, and corporate borrowing rates rose. Cyprus loan rates were broadly aligned with euro area medians, while deposit rates remained among the bloc’s lowest.
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority signaled that it will soon issue a regulatory framework for short selling and reviewed recent capital market tax changes. These include replacing capital gains tax with a proportional stamp duty, exempting market makers and granting qualifying listings valued at least EGP 50 billion a three-year income tax reduction.
The European Supervisory Authorities propose extending the initial margin exemption to existing as well as new uncleared OTC derivative contracts when either counterparty falls below the EUR 8 billion threshold. Counterparties could release collected initial margin and apply the exemption as early as June 1. The draft standards have been submitted to the European Commission for endorsement.
The Central Bank of Egypt and the Association of African Central Banks have launched an online portal for the African Financial Stability Committee. It will support macroprudential cooperation and publish committee outputs, including the first comprehensive continent-wide financial stability assessment prepared by African central banks.
The Hellenic Capital Market Commission and the University of West Attica established a cooperation framework covering sustainable finance, corporate governance, financial technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation. They will undertake joint research and educational initiatives, exchange expertise and support financial literacy and specialized workforce development.
The National Securities and Stock Market Commission of Ukraine is preparing around 18 implementing acts for a MiCA-aligned virtual asset regime, subject to adoption of draft law No. 10225-d. The framework will cover licensing, supervision, information protection and a transition period, supported by automated and single-window regulatory processes.
The National Bank of Ukraine’s survey showed a fifth consecutive month of positive business expectations, with the July index easing to 50.1 from 50.4 in June. Construction, trade and industry remained above the neutral level, while services weakened to 48.8. Labor shortages, logistics constraints and aerial attacks continued to weigh on activity.
The European Banking Federation and other European social partners published an assessment of generative AI’s effects on banking, audiovisual and telecommunications services. The report identifies issues for social dialogue and potential policy responses to manage adverse impacts and support beneficial uses.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said retirement policy should consider wealth as well as income to better target public support. Annuities and reverse mortgages could supplement pensions by converting private assets into income, but remain underused because of consumer, market and regulatory barriers. Clear safeguards and advice could support uptake, although public guarantees may create fiscal risks.
The Central Bank of Syria ended the legal tender status of all old Syrian currency after preliminary estimates showed that more than 95% of the stock had been replaced. Nationwide fee-free redemption remains available through banks and Syrian Post branches until August 6, after which the five-year process will continue exclusively through the central bank in Damascus.
The Bank of England appointed Nicholas Segal as chair and Peter King as deputy chair of its Enforcement Decision Making Committee, effective Aug. 1, 2026. The committee decides contested enforcement cases across the Bank’s statutory regimes.
Dubai International Financial Centre has opened its prescribed company regime to any applicant, removing previous eligibility criteria. Unless exempt, applicants must appoint a DIFC-licensed Corporate Services Provider, while prescribed companies must remain passive vehicles and cannot employ staff.
The European Central Bank reported no €STR errors exceeding 0.1 basis points in the second quarter of 2026.
European Central Bank analysis found that the confidence shock following the outbreak of war in the Middle East weakened euro area consumption, particularly discretionary spending by higher-income households. Nominal consumption growth slowed to around 2.5% in April 2026, while confidence remained well below its prewar level despite a partial recovery in May and June. Perceptions of permanent real income losses could make the slowdown more persistent.
A European Central Bank working paper finds that production networks amplify inflation spillovers and persistence across U.S. sectors. Oil shocks have larger effects in oil-intensive industries, while cereal price shocks generate non-negligible aggregate inflation. Offsetting oil-driven inflation would require stronger monetary tightening and a deeper decline in industrial production.
Madagascar's Ministry of Economy and Finance opened a multiagency workshop on identifying, tracing, investigating and recovering virtual assets. The program is intended to strengthen technical capabilities and cooperation in addressing cryptoasset-related money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crime risks.
The National Bank of Georgia has won a 2026 Global Banking & Finance award for its open banking and regulatory sandbox ecosystem. The recognition highlighted its Onboarding API for remote identification and account opening, as well as the sandbox’s support for live testing of innovative financial products.
The National Bank of Romania co-hosted the 12th ERMAS annual conference on economic research and its relevance to central bank policy. The program featured 76 research papers across 18 panels, including a session for doctoral researchers.
The Central Bank of Russia will issue three 2-ruble silver commemorative coins on Aug. 4, 2026, featuring protected animal species. It will mint 5,000 proof-quality coins of each design, all of which will be legal tender at face value.
China Securities Regulatory Commission Chair Wu Qing proposed new measures to deepen mainland China and Hong Kong market cooperation at the launch of five-year renminbi government bond futures in Hong Kong.
The Central Bank of Türkiye selected 23 digital Turkish lira projects from 12 banks and six payment and electronic money institutions for development and sandbox testing. Six other projects were placed on hold and may be admitted later.
Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System will be unavailable from 1 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2026, for a planned system enhancement. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has asked banks and stored value facility operators to notify customers, who may need to arrange payments in advance.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority found that SME credit conditions remained broadly stable in the second quarter of 2026, with 78% of respondents expressing a view perceiving banks’ approval stance as similar or easier. Among applicants who knew their outcome, 85% reported fully or partially successful applications, although the authority cautioned that the small sample sizes could cause substantial fluctuations.
The Bank of Italy and the European Central Bank have invited papers for an Oct. 29-30, 2026 conference on global trade, value chains and financial linkages. Completed papers are due by Sept. 11, with decisions expected by Sept. 21.
The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan trained 35 financial-sector specialists on financial crime controls, FATF standards and preparations for Tajikistan’s third-round mutual evaluation. Separate training for notaries and public associations covered relevant FATF recommendations and reporting improvements.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic approved five candidates for senior positions at Eldik Bank, Bank Kompanion and O!Bank. The roles span board leadership, audit oversight, accounting and executive management.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission cancelled Zenoz Enterprises’ credit licence, effective July 3, 2026. Zenoz had ceased credit activities and left its 2023-2024 industry funding levies and related penalties unpaid for more than 12 months.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is consulting on a five-year extension of financial reporting relief for certain wholly-owned entities. A replacement instrument would apply to financial years ending on or after Jan. 1, 2027, preserving existing arrangements. Feedback is due by 5 p.m. AEST on Aug. 28, 2026.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is seeking Federal Court orders to restrain two companies and two individuals from promoting three offshore funds or accepting Australian investors’ money. ASIC alleges Royce Capital raised AUD 1.536 million from five self-managed superannuation fund investors without a licence and that investors were given misleading representations of a guaranteed or fixed 13% annual return.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reported that banking assets reached KZT 74.2 trillion and loans to the economy rose to KZT 41.9 trillion as of July 1. The problem loan ratio declined to 4.1%, while resident deposits increased to KZT 50.1 trillion and dollarization fell to 19.7%. First-half net profit decreased 13.3% year over year to KZT 1.196 trillion.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reported that insurance assets reached KZT 4.4 trillion as of July 1, up 13.4% since the start of 2026. First-half premiums rose 7.3% year on year to KZT 858.3 billion, while claims increased 23.3% to KZT 252.9 billion. A commission cap for bank loan-related policies contributed to an 81.1% decline in accident insurance contracts.
The Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported that equity market capitalization rose 0.3% to KZT 47.6 trillion in June, while equity turnover fell 16.5%. Corporate bond trading dropped 61.6%, mainly because of lower primary-market activity, and government securities turnover declined 8.5%. Central Securities Depository accounts increased 1.3% to 5.615 million.
Kazakhstan’s financial market regulator reviewed 16,400 complaints in June, up 24.2% from the previous month, with debt resolution accounting for 45% of cases. It imposed 24 administrative fines totaling KZT 9.6 million, alongside 20 recommendatory supervisory measures and six written orders. The agency also reported continued refinancing and borrower support under its three-part mortgage program.
The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering adopted the first three joint FATF and APG mutual evaluation reports of the Global 5th Round, covering Malaysia, Singapore and Canada. It also agreed on two-year strategic priorities, launched a trade-based money laundering typologies project and advanced coordination on cyber fraud, international cooperation and technical assistance.
The Thailand Office of Insurance Commission highlighted the expansion of an industry scholarship program to data engineering and other data-related fields. Its secretary-general called for coordinated workforce development to ensure insurance professionals can combine risk expertise with effective use of new technologies.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission unveiled five measures to deepen mainland-Hong Kong capital market cooperation as five-year renminbi government bond futures launched in Hong Kong. The measures support cross-border listings and bond issuance, more indexes, ETFs and renminbi futures, broader institutional and professional access, and stronger regulatory coordination. They also include sustainable disclosure pilots and cooperation on emerging technologies and international standards.
Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission Chairman Kelvin Wong outlined market priorities at the launch of Hong Kong’s five-year China government bond futures, the only such futures listed offshore. He called for effective use of the product for interest rate risk management, stronger investor education and further infrastructure development to support additional contracts.
The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and China Securities Regulatory Commission announced measures to expand cross-market listings, financing, ETFs and renminbi futures. The package includes fast-track registration for conventional equity ETFs, climate transition plan pilots and support for financial institutions and professionals operating across the two markets. Regulatory coordination on intermediaries, risk monitoring and information sharing will also be strengthened.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission acknowledged TMX Group’s completed acquisition of Cboe Australia following regulatory approval. Cboe Australia will become TMX Australia Exchange, with ASIC overseeing the ownership transition and any required market operating rule changes.
Qatar Central Bank found that the financial system remained resilient in 2025, with banking assets up 5.1%, stronger capital and improved asset quality. Credit growth outpaced deposits, increasing reliance on market-based and external funding and requiring continued monitoring. Retail payment values rose 82.1% to QAR 1.05 trillion alongside regulatory, payments and cyber resilience upgrades.
The Algeria Market Authority announced the publication of Moustachir Spa’s ordinary general meeting resolutions for the 2025 financial year.
The Central Bank of Barbados is recruiting a Senior IT Governance Analyst for a one-year contract. The role covers IT assurance, audit findings, cybersecurity, business continuity, cloud resilience and data privacy, with applications due by Aug. 14, 2026.
The Central Bank of Egypt and the foreign ministry have launched a service enabling Egyptians abroad to update their data with the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr without traveling to Egypt. Customers can submit signed forms through Egyptian diplomatic missions or consulates for authentication and delivery to the relevant bank.
Egypt's Financial Regulatory Authority extended the final deadline for insurance-sector entities and professionals to comply with the Unified Insurance Law to July 11, 2027. Separate deadlines set for specific insurance activities remain unchanged.
The Central Bank of Kuwait has launched the fifth cohort of its five-month Risk Management Leaders Program under the Kafa’a initiative. Eligible Kuwaiti professionals must have a relevant degree and at least five years of sector experience, with applications open through Aug. 31, 2026.
The Bank of Israel reported that the shekel strengthened by 5.9% against the US dollar and 6.6% against the euro in the second quarter of 2026, while actual and implied volatility increased. Institutional investors recorded USD 18.3 billion in net foreign exchange sales, businesses shifted to USD 12.2 billion in net purchases and the central bank made USD 1.8 billion in net purchases.
The Oman Financial Services Authority directed Sohar International Bank to explain its failure to list new rights issue shares by July 30, 2026, and its failure to disclose the delay. The authority may take further legal measures.
The People’s Bank of China will maintain moderately loose monetary policy in the second half of 2026, strengthen countercyclical adjustment and consider additional measures while keeping liquidity ample and financing costs low. Priorities also include targeted support for technology and private businesses, management of local government financing platform and institutional risks, and further financial-market opening and cross-border renminbi infrastructure development.
Nigeria’s National Insurance Commission has completed its 12-month recapitalization exercise, with 43 insurance and reinsurance companies verified as meeting the new minimum capital requirements. Eight additional insurers remain under final review, which is expected to conclude within 14 days.
The European Commission’s AI transparency rules now require disclosure of interactions with AI and labelling and machine-readable marking of specified AI-generated or manipulated content. Companies may face fines of up to EUR 15 million or 3% of global annual turnover, while EU institutions may be fined up to EUR 750,000.
The Dominican Republic's Pensions Superintendency reviewed pension reform options and clarified that any gradual retirement-age increase to 65 would apply only to future labor-market entrants, not existing participants. Proposals also include easing guaranteed pension eligibility, restructuring the Solidarity Fund and gradually increasing the 9.97% contribution rate. The authority is designing flexible supplementary plans for independent workers.
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported higher credit demand and slightly tighter approval standards in the second quarter of 2026. Demand is expected to continue growing in the third quarter, while private banks foresee some easing and cooperatives and mutual societies expect restrictions to persist.
The Kuwait Capital Markets Authority authorized Boubyan Capital Investment Company to privately market 750,000 shares in a Cayman Islands fund to professional clients in Kuwait at KWD 100 per share. The license will run for one year from issuance of the license certificate, subject to payment of the required fees.
Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren urged SEC scrutiny of an alleged sale of special access to market-moving presidential announcements and raised the prospect of a congressional investigation.
The Central Bank of Venezuela held technical talks with the International Monetary Fund on monetary policy, exchange rate policy and technical assistance to strengthen central banking expertise.
The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority reported that insurance usage rose from 8.4% in 2019 to 38.6% in 2025, while service providers increased from 800 to 2,444. The sector’s contribution to gross domestic product reached 2.11%, with the authority targeting 5% by 2050.
The Capital Markets Board of Türkiye said its draft investment fund guide remains under development, denying reports that it has been completed or assigned an effective date. The board will issue an official announcement to all stakeholders once the work is finalized.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the successful candidates for its middle-management IT officer recruitment competition.
The Banking Commission of the Central African Republic published the successful candidates for its middle management recruitment examination.