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

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/02/2026

Thailand greenlights derivatives for digital assets and carbon credits, aiming to modernise markets, boost risk management, and support climate goals.

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.