Crypto / Digital Assets

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong and UAE Deepen Financial Ties with Debt Market Integration

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/02/2026

The Central Bank of the UAE has joined Hong Kong's Central Moneymarkets Unit, creating a new channel for cross-border investment into China.

Fintech / Regtech

Stablecoins Threaten to Entrench Dollar, Sidelining APAC Currencies

By Manesh Samtani | 13/02/2026

New IMF paper argues that while stablecoins improve payments, they risk concentrating power and undermining smaller economies and currencies like the yen.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Japan's Nomura, Daiwa Partner with Megabanks on Stablecoin Trading Platform

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The project will allow investors to use stablecoins for 24-hour, real-time settlement of stocks, bonds, and investment trusts.

Capital / Liquidity

Hong Kong Proposes Capital Rule Overhaul for Insurers, Targeting Infrastructure and Crypto

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The IA is consulting on changes to its risk-based capital regime, including preferential treatment for infrastructure and new charges for crypto-assets.

Crypto / Digital Assets

BNM Onboards Three Digital Asset Initiatives Under Innovation Hub

By Nithya Subramanian | 12/02/2026

The three initiatives will test ringgit stablecoins and tokenised deposits, aiming to explore digital asset payments, settlement, and Shariah-compliant use cases in a controlled environment.

Securities / Derivatives

Thailand Approves Digital Asset and Carbon Credit Derivatives in Major Market Overhaul

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The regulatory expansion aims to modernise capital markets, create new risk management tools, and prepare for a mandatory national carbon trading scheme.

Sanctions

EU Proposes Sanctions on Indonesian, Georgian Ports in New Russia Package

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The 20th package of sanctions would also target Central Asian banks and introduce a full maritime ban on Russian crude.

Enforcement

UK FCA Files Lawsuit Against Asia-Linked Crypto Major HTX

By Manesh Samtani | 12/02/2026

HTX, formerly known as Huobi, which has deep roots in Asia, is accused of breaching financial promotion rules that came into effect in October 2023.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Unveils Rules for Crypto Margin Trading, Perps, and Market Making

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

The new measures, part of the ASPIRe roadmap, were announced at the Consensus 2026 conference and aim to boost liquidity for licensed crypto firms.