Trading & Investment

Japan to Permit Investment Advice for Defined-Contribution Pensions

29/07/2026

Regulators plan to lift a de facto ban on recommending products for pension plans to shift savers toward inflation-beating assets.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Prudential Life Japan Identifies JPY 790 Million in New Misconduct Damages

29/07/2026

The insurer has recognised an additional 125 victims in its ongoing investigation into the improper acquisition of funds by employees, with total damages still unclear.

Supervision & Enforcement

Bangladesh’s BSEC to Inspect 100 Brokerages After Scandals

29/07/2026

The move aims to curb irregularities and protect investors following a series of high-profile brokerage failures that resulted in significant client losses.

Cryptocurrency

Japan Paves Way for Spot Bitcoin ETFs by 2028

29/07/2026

Japan law now classifies crypto as financial products. Asset managers are preparing for a potential JPY 3 trillion crypto ETF market.

Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

ASIC: Director Sentenced Over International Crypto Scam

29/07/2026

A former finance director has been sentenced after ignoring bank warnings and dealing with over AUD 180,000 linked to a crypto scam.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

FSS Korea to Sanction Brokers Over Homeplus Bond Mis-selling

29/07/2026

The FSS is set to begin disciplinary proceedings against securities firms for the alleged mis-selling of bonds linked to the struggling retailer Homeplus.

Structural Regulation

Thailand’s Ascend Bank Delays Launch Amid Regulatory Hurdles

29/07/2026

The CP Group-backed virtual bank has pushed its launch to later this year, citing complex regulatory mandates and structural challenges.

CBDCs

Korea Launches Public-Private Deposit Token Payment Initiative

29/07/2026

The project aims to lower merchant fees and create a nationwide digital payment infrastructure by linking a wholesale CBDC network with existing payment systems.

Payments & Settlements

Citi and Thailand's BOI Partner to Boost Foreign Investment

29/07/2026

The collaboration will leverage Citi's global network to channel investment into key growth sectors.