INTERNATIONAL

Fintech / Regtech

Commonwealth Bank to Arrange First Blockchain Bond

By Garima Chitkara | 14/08/2018

Developed by the World Bank, a A$100 million kangaroo bond, issued and distributed through blockchain, will open to investors later this month in Washington and Sydney.

Market Infrastructure

CFTC to Simplify Registration Exemption Process for non-US Clearing Firms

By Editors | 10/08/2018

CFTC proposal seeks to make it easier for non-US firms to navigate the process for obtaining exemptions from registration as derivatives clearing organisations.

Fintech / Regtech

Financial Regulators Consult on ‘Global Sandbox’ Approach

By Manesh Samtani | 09/08/2018

HKMA, MAS, ASIC among 12 regulators seeking views from interested parties on new Global Financial Innovation Network initiative, including its role, tools and where it should prioritise activity.

Market Infrastructure

Standard-setting Bodies Consult on Incentives to Centrally Clear OTC Derivatives

By Editors | 09/08/2018

FSB, BCBS, CPMI and IOSCO consultative document suggests some aspects of regulatory reform may not incentivise provision of client clearing services.

Market Infrastructure

Two Thirds of Cyber Incidents Caused by Staff – Willis Towers Watson

By Manesh Samtani | 08/08/2018

Companies and their staff need cyber training and education to ensure they are aware of the need to protect customer information at all times, and in particular, of the reputational and business interruption risks of having cyber incidents, says Willis Towers Watson’s Jessica Wright.

AML / KYC

Financial Institutions on Frontline Against Human Trafficking – FATF

By Manesh Samtani | 06/08/2018

Countries must assess risk of human trafficking and laundering of its proceeds, and share this information with stakeholders; partnerships with private sector – financial institutions in particular – are key.

Market Infrastructure

IOSCO Issues Recommendations on Managing Extreme Volatility

By Editors | 02/08/2018

IOSCO believes volatility control mechanisms support the goal of ensuring markets are fair, efficient and transparent, thereby increasing market integrity and investor confidence.

Market Infrastructure

LIBOR Transition Programmes Should Mobilise Immediately – Report

By Manesh Samtani | 01/08/2018

New report by Oliver Wyman says firms should start developing new non-LIBOR products and managing down LIBOR exposures; those that do not act quickly in anticipation of the transition will increase risks and costs.

AML / KYC

FATF Publishes ‘Professional Money Laundering’ Report

By Manesh Samtani | 31/07/2018

FATF says many countries not sufficiently investigating, prosecuting professional money launderers who provide third-party laundering services for a fee, often acting in a professional capacity also serving legitimate clients.