Structural Regulation

Laos Central Bank Halts New Microfinance Licences in Vientiane

11/08/2026

BOL has temporarily suspended new licences for microfinance firms and pawnshops in the capital to review and strengthen regulations.

PEPs & Sanctions

UK Sanctions Indian Firm, Six Russian Banks in New Crackdown

11/08/2026

The sanctions package targets Mumbai-based Frion Ship Management, six Russian financial institutions, and Russia's energy and shipping sectors.

Supervision & Enforcement

Indonesia Proposes Central Agency for Seized Criminal Assets

11/08/2026

Lawmakers are reviewing a plan to create an independent body to manage confiscated assets, aiming to improve oversight and support a new forfeiture bill.

Structural Regulation

Korea Proposes Easing 5% Rule to Boost Shareholder Activism

11/08/2026

The proposed changes to the Capital Markets Act aim to remove disclosure burdens for stewardship activities but have raised concerns over corporate takeover defences.

Anti-Money Laundering

Bangladesh Drafts Revised Policy to Formalise Gold Sector

11/08/2026

The government is seeking to increase legal trade, boost exports and improve revenue collection by bringing the largely informal industry under a regulatory framework.

Anti-Money Laundering

Vietnam Tables Sweeping Amendments to Banking and AML Laws

11/08/2026

The amendments aim to introduce a framework for virtual assets, strengthen beneficial ownership rules, and foster capital market development.

Custody & Infrastructure

OMFIF Taps CSDs, Regulators to Define Blockchain Rules

11/08/2026

The group, including Euroclear, Clearstream, the FCA and VARA, will develop policy recommendations for using blockchain in regulated financial markets.

Supervision & Enforcement

Australia Jails Former Director for Misusing Client Funds, Misleading ASIC

11/08/2026

A former director of a collapsed Australian OTC derivatives broker will serve 23 months in prison for dishonesty offences that undermined market integrity.

Anti-Money Laundering

Hong Kong Police Bust Triad-Linked Loan Shark Syndicate

11/08/2026

A large-scale operation has led to 25 arrests and the freezing of millions in assets connected to a ring charging exorbitant interest rates.