INTERNATIONAL

Big Picture

Climate-Linked Bonds Can Help Drive Net Zero Transition: ECB Paper

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/01/2025

Climate-linked bonds can encourage governments to proactively address climate change and help investors hedge against long-term climate risks

Enforcement

Another US Court Rules Tornado Cash Sanctions Were Unlawful

By Editors | 23/01/2025

Court ruled that Tornado Cash smart contracts could not be classified as property IEEPA. A similar ruling was issued by a different court in November 2024.

ESG / Sustainability

FDIC Joins Federal Reserve in Withdrawing from NGFS

By Thisanka Siripala | 23/01/2025

The withdrawals are part of a broader trend of US organisations and financial institutions stepping back from climate-focused initiatives

Big Picture

G20 Reforms Have Strengthened Securitisation Markets: FSB Report

By Nithya Subramanian | 23/01/2025

The FSB says the complex structures that contributed to the GFC have “largely diminished”, resulting in a more transparent market.

ESG / Sustainability

PIOB Certifies IESBA’s Global Ethics Sustainability Standards

By Manesh Samtani | 22/01/2025

IESBA’s ethics standards for sustainability reporting will be launched in conjunction with IAASB’s sustainability assurance standard on 27 January

ESG / Sustainability

IESBA to Develop New Governance Framework for Accounting Firms

By Thisanka Siripala | 21/01/2025

The framework will be designed to promote, support and reinforce a high standard of ethical behaviour at accounting firms

Enforcement

OFAC Fines Machine Tools Manufacturer for Violating Russia Sanctions

By Editors | 21/01/2025

OFAC said firms should ensure they implement effective measures to prevent both direct and indirect access to their goods and services by blocked persons

Enforcement

OFAC Fines Real Estate Company for Sanctions Evasion Scheme

By Editors | 20/01/2025

OFAC said FIs that deal with gatekeepers should conduct sufficient due diligence to ensure they are not acting as proxies for sanctioned parties

Crypto / Digital Assets

Illicit Activity in Crypto is Decreasing, TRM Labs Finds

By Thisanka Siripala | 20/01/2025

Illicit activity in crypto decreased in 2024 as a proportion of total transactions, but ransomware, fraud, and sanctions related threats continue to persist