Securities / Derivatives

SEBI Issues Consultation on Commodity Index Futures

18/01/2019

SEBI’s proposal seeks to allow SMEs, mutual funds, insurance companies and institutional investors to trade in commodity index futures.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Stock Exchange of Thailand Seeks Digital Asset Licence

18/01/2019

The SET plans to apply for a licence to operate a new digital asset exchange, to be set up in collaboration with its members.

Capital / Liquidity

India Liberalises Framework for Overseas Borrowing

17/01/2019

Eligible domestic borrowers can borrow up to $750mn per year in foreign currency or rupees from any entity in a country which is FATF or IOSCO compliant.

Market Infrastructure

SGX Lowers Messaging Costs for Market Participants

17/01/2019

SGX’s adoption of SWIFT’s CSD Community Offering for financial messaging is expected to reduce messaging costs by 50% for smaller market participants.

Fintech / Regtech

Nine Associations Join Forces to Launch ‘Asia-Pacific FinTech Network’

17/01/2019

Launched at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, the new network aims to boost regional collaboration and cross-border innovation.

Fintech / Regtech

S. Korea FSC Announces Fintech Policy Direction for 2019

17/01/2019

More than 200 regulations under review to reduce barriers to fintech investment; Regulatory sandbox set for April launch.

Market Infrastructure

RBI Eyes Rules to Match CEO Pay to Bank Financial Health

17/01/2019

The Reserve Bank of India plans to provide guidance rules to bank boards on setting CEO remuneration, based on certain performance-related metrics.

AML / KYC

China’s NIFA Launches AML/CTF Monitoring Platform for Online FIs

16/01/2019

Online financial institutions including those engaged in online lending, equity crowdfunding, fund sales and consumer finance are required to register on the platform by 31 January.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong, Luxembourg Sign Mutual Recognition of Funds Agreement

16/01/2019

Eligible general equity, bond or mixed funds authorised by the SFC can seek authorisation to be marketed to retail investors in Luxembourg.