Other Asia Pacific

Fintech / Regtech

Thailand Explores Blockchain Use for Banking, Bonds Settlement

By Garima Chitkara | 18/07/2018

BOT looking at blockchain applications for document authentication, cross-border payments and regional connectivity; Bond Market Association working to release a bond settlement token.

Capital / Liquidity

Sri Lanka Macroprudential Indicators Negative for Banks – Fitch

By Garima Chitkara | 18/07/2018

Sri Lanka’s “weak economic environment” and regulatory reforms may impact banks’ operating environment and credit profiles, says ratings agency Fitch.

Fintech / Regtech

Indonesia to Release New Fintech Rules in August

By Garima Chitkara | 18/07/2018

Fintech firms will be required to register with the OJK and periodically submit financial reports; new rules will cover P2P lending, insurance technology and equity crowdfunding.

Securities / Derivatives

Thailand to Expand Collateral Allowed for Margin Trading

By Manesh Samtani | 16/07/2018

The SEC is consulting on allowing debt instruments, government securities, and mutual fund units as collateral for margin accounts at securities firms.

Capital / Liquidity

Philippine NSFR Rules May Raise Funding Costs For Banks – Fitch

By Garima Chitkara | 12/07/2018

In a report by Fitch unit BMI Research, large banks in the Philippines may need to increase deposit taking and reduce long-term loans as a result of increased funding costs brought on by the new NSFR framework.

Crypto / Digital Assets

RISE HK: Regulation Needed to Clean Up Crypto Sector

By Manesh Samtani | 12/07/2018

At the RISE conference in Hong Kong this week, industry participants called for regulation in the crypto sector “earlier rather than later”, to avoid backlash which could set the industry back.

Fintech / Regtech

BSP Approves Two More Virtual Currency Exchanges

By Garima Chitkara | 12/07/2018

Virtual Currency Philippines and Etranss accredited by the BSP bringing the total number of virtual currency exchanges in the Philippines to five.

Securities / Derivatives

Myanmar Stock Market Starts to Open to Foreign Investors

By Emma Zhou | 10/07/2018

Under a new law due to take effect from 1 August, resident foreigners will be able to invest in up to 35% of the share capital of YSX-listed companies.

Fintech / Regtech

Thailand Publishes Regulatory Framework for ICOs

By Emma Zhou | 10/07/2018

New framework will task companies known as ICO portals with screening issuers and cap retail investment in ICO projects, starting from 16 July.