Securities / Derivatives

HKEX: GEM Reforms to Take Effect from 1 January 2024

17/12/2023

The reforms will enable enterprises to more easily list on GEM, reduce the burden of continuing obligations, and streamline the process for transfers to the Main Board.

Crypto / Digital Assets

US SEC Denies Coinbase Rule-making Petition

17/12/2023

SEC Chair Gary Gensler said the existing securities regime already appropriately governs crypto asset securities.

AML / KYC

Australia Appoints NEW AUSTRAC CEO for Five Year Term

17/12/2023

Brendan Thomas from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice will replace Nicole Rose effective 29 January 2024.

HKEX Appoints Bonnie Chan to be Next Chief Executive

17/12/2023

HKEX Head of Listing and Co-Chief Operating Officer will take over as CEO from Nicolas Aguzin on 24 May 2024.

Securities / Derivatives

China to Consider Launch of First Saudi-Focused Mutual Fund

17/12/2023

Huatai-PineBridge Fund Management is seeking approval to launch a mutual fund for Chinese investors that tracks the Saudi market.

AML / KYC

India, US Pledge to Cooperate on Global Illicit Finance Risks

17/12/2023

Key topics of the joint India-US AML/CFT Dialogue were virtual assets, sanctions implementation, and beneficial ownership transparency.

Sanctions

UK Inaugurates New Iran Sanctions Regime with Joint UK-US Action

16/12/2023

US and UK governments announce joint sanctions against eight individuals as UK’s new Iran sanctions regulations come into force.

AML / KYC

HK Amends National Security Law to Facilitate Asset Freezes

15/12/2023

The national security law has been amended to allow assets to be frozen “until the conclusion of the proceedings” such as criminal prosecutions.

AML / KYC

US Congress Passes Foreign Extortion Prevention Act

15/12/2023

The Act prohibits foreign government officials from soliciting or receiving bribes from any person or company under US jurisdiction.