AML / KYC

SFC Proposes Enhancements to OFC Regime

23/12/2019

The changes include a mechanism for overseas corporate funds looking to re-domicile in Hong Kong. OFCs will also have to keep a register of beneficial shareholders.

AML / KYC

Wolfsberg Group Urges ‘Effectiveness’ Emphasis in AML/CTF Programmes

23/12/2019

FIs are devoting resources to maximise technical compliance, while not necessarily optimising detection or deterrence of illicit activity, the Wolfsberg Group says.

Market Infrastructure

Governance, Accountability in Focus in Phase Two Review of RBNZ Act

23/12/2019

The government will progress a number of key ‘in-principle’ decisions of the review by enacting two separate Acts to replace the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989.

Fintech / Regtech

ICMA Publishes DLT Regulatory Directory and Brief

23/12/2019

The directory and brief seek to provide a non-exhaustive overview of recent DLT regulatory guidance, legislative initiatives, strategy papers and other publications in selected jurisdictions.

AML / KYC

Westpac Faces Shareholder Class Action for Possible Disclosure Failures

23/12/2019

The class action, filed by law firm Phi Finney McDonald, will rest on whether Westpac breached disclosure obligations or misled investors about the extent of its AML compliance failures.

Capital / Liquidity

APRA Modifies Large Exposures Framework for ADIs

23/12/2019

APRA has extended the exemption for government-related entities to connecting counterparties involving economic interdependence and control relationships.

Securities / Derivatives

Taiwan Eases Registration Rule for Foreign Employee Investment Accounts

23/12/2019

The overseas parent, subsidiary, branch office or representative office of Taiwan-listed companies may adopt the identity of a foreign institutional investor to register collective investment accounts for their overseas foreign employees.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Reports High Levels of FX Global Code in Wholesale Markets

23/12/2019

In a new report, ASIC highlights its observations of good and poor practices used by participants operating in the wholesale foreign exchange market.

Market Infrastructure

ASIC Issues Draft Guidance on Product Design Obligations

21/12/2019

From April 2021, design and distribution obligations will require issuers to focus on meeting consumer needs when designing, marketing and distributing financial products.