Europe

Big Picture

ECB Explores Effectiveness of ‘Green QE’ in Mitigating Climate Change

By Editors | 14/08/2022

Green quantitative easing may be an effective policy instrument if governments fail to introduce a carbon tax or equivalent carbon pricing mechanism.

ESG / Sustainability

FCA Sets Out Supervisory Priorities for Alternative Funds

By Manesh Samtani | 11/08/2022

Firms offering ESG products should expect to be subject to review to ensure marketing materials are not misleading.

AML / KYC

US Secures Extradition of Former Crypto Exchange Operator

By Editors | 09/08/2022

Alexander Vinnik is alleged to have laundered more than $4bn through a crypto exchange he operated known as BTC-e until it was shut down in 2017.

AML / KYC

Switzerland Aligns with EU in Latest Russia Sanctions

By Editors | 05/08/2022

The Swiss government is imposing a ban on buying, importing or transporting gold and gold products from Russia. Sberbank is also banned.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FCA Finalises Advertising Rules for High-risk Financial Products

By Manesh Samtani | 04/08/2022

Rules for cryptoasset promotions will be published after new legislation confirms how crypto will be brought into the FCA’s remit.

AML / KYC

ECB Analyses Options for Enhancing Cross-Border Payments

By Manesh Samtani | 04/08/2022

Bitcoin and stablecoins are “unlikely” to be the “holy grail” of cross-border payments. Interlinked domestic payment systems and interoperable CBDCs show the most promise.

AML / KYC

UK Launches UBO Register for Foreign-owned Property

By Manesh Samtani | 03/08/2022

The register requires foreign buyers of UK property to disclose their true beneficial ownership and verify their identities with Companies House.

Crypto / Digital Assets

UK Law Commission Proposes Reforms to Accommodate Crypto

By Editors | 01/08/2022

New consultation paper proposes explicit recognition of digital assets under law as a distinct category of personal property, provisionally called ‘data objects’.

Securities / Derivatives

SIX Swiss Exchange Lists First Chinese A-Shares as GDRs

By Editors | 28/07/2022

The listings mark the official launch of the China-Switzerland Stock Connect programme. More than ten other companies have disclosed plans to issue GDRs in Switzerland.