Custody & Infrastructure

BSP Updates VASP Rules to Align with FATF Requirements

28/01/2021

The updated rules also bring into scope virtual asset custodians, introducing a $1mn minimum capital requirement for such businesses.

Sustainable Finance

Hong Kong Government Prices First Ever 30 Year Green Bond

28/01/2021

Hong Kong has priced the first ever 30-year green bond by an Asian government and the longest tenor bond in its history.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Treasury Defers Investment Ban on Some Chinese Companies

28/01/2021

A general licence delays the application of restrictions on companies with names that closely match those of the blacklisted companies.

Structural Regulation

FMA Review Finds NZX Technology Capability Lacking

28/01/2021

NZX is required to develop a detailed, time-bound action plan to address the technology issues identified in a review conducted by the FMA.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

HKMA Suspends Banker Over Photocopied Client Signature

28/01/2021

The banker photocopied a client’s signature onto an instruction form and used it to apply for the issuance of a bank reference letter.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Consults on AML/CTF Rules for Phase 1.5 Reforms

28/01/2021

The amendments will update rules on correspondent banking and customer due diligence to reflect legislative changes passed in December.

Structural Regulation

HK Regulators Ask Bankers to Explain Reasons for Departing City

27/01/2021

Executives who have relocated to Singapore or Tokyo have reportedly received phone calls from Hong Kong government agencies and regulators seeking explanations for the decisions.

Payments & Settlements

PBOC Tightens Rules on Managing Customer Funds for Payment Firms

27/01/2021

Customer reserve funds must be deposited either at the PBOC or with an eligible commercial bank, and transferred only through a clearing institution.

Anti-Bribery & Corruption

China’s Corruption Watchdog Punishes Former Bank Regulators

27/01/2021

Three former banking regulators were expelled from the CCP and referred for criminal prosecution for accepting bribes and contributing to Baoshang Bank’s failure, among other violations.