International

CBDCs

China, UAE Deepen Financial Ties with CBDC Payment, System Interlinking

By Mark Johnston | 25/11/2025

The two nations launched the mBridge CBDC platform, linked instant payment systems, and introduced a co-branded prepaid card.

Payments & Settlements

Swift Officially Ends Support for Legacy MT Messaging Standard

By Manesh Samtani | 25/11/2025

The end of the Swift MT coexistence period ushers in an era of richer data, though hurdles remain even for firms that switched to ISO 20022 on time.

Sustainable Finance

G20 Targets Debt, Regulation, and Climate Finance Gap

By Manesh Samtani | 25/11/2025

G20 communique outlines a comprehensive financial agenda, including MDB reform, crypto-asset regulation, and a USD 5.9 trillion funding need for developing nations' climate goals.

Climate Risk

COP30 Climate Summit Concludes With New Adaptation Finance Goal

By Manesh Samtani | 25/11/2025

The agreement calls for tripling adaptation funds by 2035, but fails to strengthen fossil fuel phase-out language in the main text.

PEPs & Sanctions

US Panel Urges Sanctions Scrutiny for Hong Kong

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

A congressional advisory body has recommended secondary sanctions on Hong Kong financial institutions, alleging the city is a hub for sanctions evasion.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan FSA to Step Up AML Dialogue with FIs Ahead of 2028 FATF On-Site Review

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

The regulator is shifting focus from technical compliance to proven outcomes, requiring firms to establish robust verification and improvement cycles.

Data Privacy

Policymakers Face 'Trilemma' in Big Tech Credit and Payments: BIS Paper

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

New paper highlights unavoidable trade-offs between expanding credit access, limiting bigtech profits, and protecting user privacy.

AI Risk & Governance

World Bank, ICMA Detail Work on New AI Tool to Streamline Bond Issuance

By Manesh Samtani | 24/11/2025

Project SHASTRA uses generative AI and ICMA's Bond Data Taxonomy to tackle post-trade inefficiencies and create a 'single source of truth'.

Sustainable Finance

Thailand Amends Rules to Boost Sustainability-Linked Bond Market

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/11/2025

The new regulations provide issuers with greater flexibility on financial returns and instrument structures, aiming to align with international standards.