United States

Sanctions

OFAC Announces Biggest Iran Sanctions Package Since 2018

By Manesh Samtani | 31/07/2025

The action designates over 50 entities, including targets in Singapore, Hong Kong, and India, linked to a network accused of transporting Iranian and Russian oil.

Securities / Derivatives

Morgan Stanley Becomes First US Firm to Issue Panda Bond

By Manesh Samtani | 30/07/2025

Morgan Stanley is the first US-headquartered firm to tap China's onshore bond market, amid a surge in foreign issuance driven by low borrowing costs.

Securities / Derivatives

Philippines SEC Slashes Fees, Streamlines Approvals to Boost Listings

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/07/2025

The SEC aims to increase market participation by cutting registration fees by 30 percent and enforcing a strict 45-day review timeline.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Thailand Finalises Regulatory Framework for Government Digital Tokens

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

New rules exempt government-issued tokens from standard offering requirements and create licensing carve-outs for securities and digital asset firms.

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korean IT Network Funding Weapons Programmes

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 25/07/2025

OFAC designated an alleged front company and three individuals for using fraudulent IT workers to generate revenue for North Korea's missile development.

Sanctions

US Removes Sanctions on Myanmar Military-linked Individuals and Firms

By Editors | 25/07/2025

The US removed several defence sector and logistics entities from its sanctions list, a move rights groups call "extremely worrying".

Securities / Derivatives

Philippines SEC Eyes Tiered Minimum Public Float System for IPOs

By Nithya Subramanian | 25/07/2025

A tiered model would be more transparent than blanket exemptions, balancing market liquidity with a more flexible IPO framework.

Enforcement

US PCAOB Revokes Hong Kong Audit Firm's Registration

By Manesh Samtani | 24/07/2025

Centurion ZD CPA & Co. and its owner have been permanently barred after the PCAOB found major violations in the 2021 audit of Luckin Coffee.

Enforcement

Hong Kong SFC Secures Compensation for Clients of Fraudulent Brokerage

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/07/2025

The SFC says court-appointed administrators have distributed assets to clients of Hong Kong Wan Kiu Investment.