International

Sanctions

Binance Facing US Probe After Reports of Iran-Linked Transactions

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

Binance is fighting "defamatory" media reports while facing a new US Senate inquiry into its compliance and alleged ties to sanctioned entities.

Sanctions

NZ, UK, Canada Target Russian 'Shadow Fleet' with New Sanctions

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

Coordinated measures target oil revenues and financial networks, with New Zealand designating 100 vessels and the UK sanctioning a New Zealand-based insurer.

ESG / Sustainability

IFRS Foundation Launches Framework for Assessing Readiness for ISSB Standards

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/02/2026

New guide and assessment tool cover three domains for assessing ISSB readiness, including practical examples from APAC jurisdictions like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Market Infrastructure

Stablecoin Growth Fuels FX Volatility in Emerging Markets: HKMA Study

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

New research paper finds a direct link between USD stablecoin flows and exchange rate volatility, prompting calls for stricter regulation.

Fintech / Regtech

FATF Sounds Alarm on 'Widespread and Damaging' Cyber-Enabled Fraud

By Manesh Samtani | 25/02/2026

New report highlights the escalating money laundering risks from digital fraud, citing a surge in cases in jurisdictions like Singapore.

Fintech / Regtech

APAC Advancing Tokenised Money Frameworks But Paths Diverge - Report

By Mark Johnston | 24/02/2026

A new study highlights how Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan are forging distinct stablecoin rules, creating a fragmented regional landscape.

Capital / Liquidity

FSB Seeks Feedback for Review of Bank Resolution Backstops

By Manesh Samtani | 24/02/2026

The FSB's review will assess members’ progress on implementing last-resort funding mechanisms designed to ensure orderly bank resolutions without taxpayer loss.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Tether to Wind Down Offshore Yuan Stablecoin, Citing 'Limited Demand'

By Manesh Samtani | 24/02/2026

The move to discontinue the CNH₮ token follows a renewed ban on stablecoins by Chinese authorities, though the company cited low user adoption for the decision.

Securities / Derivatives

IMF Urges Regulators to Stress Test for Stock-Bond Correlation Failure

By Manesh Samtani | 23/02/2026

The IMF warns that the traditional hedging properties of government bonds have weakened, calling for new stress tests and greater fiscal discipline.