New MAS AI risk guidelines set supervisory expectations for Singapore’s financial institutions, with implementation beginning in October 2027. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said the guidelines cover all financial institutions and AI technologies through a principles-based, risk-proportionate approach. They address four areas: board and senior management oversight, management of AI risks throughout the technology life cycle, risks associated with third-party AI ser

South Korean retail investors have lost an estimated KRW2.3tr (USD1.7bn) through leveraged ETFs and other single-stock exchange-traded products linked to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, Financial Supervisory Service data showed. The cumulative losses were recorded across 10 major brokerages, including Mirae Asset Securities, Kiwoom Securities, Samsung Securities and NH Investment & Securities, between 27 May and 14 August, according to data released by opposition lawmaker C

Singapore family office tax exemptions could be expanded to include digital payment tokens and insurance policies as authorities consider giving single family offices greater flexibility in managing investment portfolios. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the Monetary Authority of Singapore will update the designated investment list covered by the family-office tax exemption framework, although no implementation timetable or detailed changes have yet been announced. Spe

South Korea bank data breaches have prompted President Lee Jae Myung to order a comprehensive investigation following hacking attacks that exposed customer information at major financial institutions. Shinhan Bank said personal information belonging to around 25,000 customers was leaked, including names, telephone numbers and annual income. Hana Bank reported a separate breach affecting 89 customers, while Woori Bank and NH Nonghyup Bank experienced hacking attempts but preve

A proposed Hong Kong corporate tax incentive would give qualifying companies preferential rates of 5% or 8.25% for up to five years as the government seeks to attract high-value businesses. Financial Secretary Christopher Hui said the regime would target advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology, headquarters operations, logistics and supply-chain management, and finance. The preferential rates would represent a substantial reduction from Hong Kong’s standard 16.5% co

Singapore private bank account opening times are shortening, with nearly half of new accounts opened between June and August completed within one month, according to the Association of Banks in Singapore. The improvement comes as the Private Banking Industry Group targets a median account-opening time of one month by the end of 2026. The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the industry group established a working group in 2025 to tackle onboarding delays, which can extend fro

Hong Kong and Malaysia dual listings will become simpler under a new regulatory framework designed to reduce duplication and compliance costs for companies seeking simultaneous access to both equity markets. The Securities and Futures Commission, Securities Commission Malaysia and Hong Kong’s stock exchange have introduced streamlined procedures covering companies pursuing a primary listing on either Hong Kong’s Main Board or Bursa Malaysia’s MAIN Market alongside a simultane

Singapore and China ASEAN cooperation could play an important role in strengthening regional economic integration as Singapore prepares to assume the bloc’s chairmanship in 2027, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said. Speaking at the FutureChina Global Forum, Gan said deeper ASEAN economic integration would be a priority for Singapore’s chairmanship and argued that a stronger and more resilient ASEAN should be a shared priority for Singapore and China. He identified trade,

China economic policy support is set to strengthen as the State Council seeks to sustain growth and achieve the government’s 4.5%-5% target amid signs of weakening momentum. The cabinet, chaired by Premier Li Qiang, called for more effective implementation of existing measures and faster issuance and deployment of government bonds, according to a state media readout. Authorities also want major infrastructure projects included in the 2026-2030 Five-Year Plan to begin construc

Singapore AI safeguards proposals include exploring a United Nations framework convention to establish international principles and institutions governing rapidly developing artificial intelligence technologies. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan told the UN General Assembly that attempts to pause AI development were unlikely to succeed given US-China competition and powerful commercial incentives, making international rules and institutions increasingly important. He propo

New Philippines structured warrants rules have established a regulatory framework allowing broker-dealers and investment houses to offer products linked to listed shares, bonds, indices and exchange-traded funds. Under Securities and Exchange Commission Memorandum Circular No. 27, Series of 2026, issuers and guarantors must maintain at least PHP400m (USD6.4m) in unimpaired paid-up capital while structured warrants remain outstanding. Non-collateralised warrants generally requ

China wealthy individuals tax enforcement is intensifying, with authorities establishing specialist teams to track and collect liabilities from some of the country’s richest people, Bloomberg reported. The teams reportedly include government officials, inspection specialists and regulators, with some assigned to individual billionaires. The initiative is intended to strengthen authorities’ ability to examine sophisticated financial structures established with assistance from

Hong Kong digital green bonds could reach HKD20bn (USD2.55bn) as the government prepares what could become the world’s largest digital green bond transaction, Bloomberg reported. The planned offering is expected to total between HKD15bn and HKD20bn and comprise US dollar, Hong Kong dollar, euro and offshore yuan tranches. The transaction could be priced as early as Monday, according to people familiar with the plans. The government has asked several banks to arrange fixed-inc

Hong Kong Indonesia cross-border payments could become faster and cheaper under an agreement between the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Bank Indonesia to explore interoperability between their QR code-based payment systems. The two authorities signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on cross-border payments as digital payment adoption continues to expand across Asia. Under the agreement, the HKMA and Bank Indonesia will hold discussions cover

Singapore listed company disclosure rules will become more demanding from Jan. 1, 2027, as regulators seek greater transparency over executive remuneration, dividends and shareholder engagement. Under changes announced by Singapore Exchange Regulation, companies will have to explain the financial and non-financial indicators used to determine executive pay and how those measures support long-term value creation. Annual reports will also have to include dividend and investor-r

The Taiwan asset management centre initiative is moving forward as the government seeks to attract international capital while directing more domestic wealth towards local industries. President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan would continue easing financial regulations to give institutions greater scope to develop asset management operations and strengthen cross-border financial services. The initiative builds on a pilot asset management zone in Kaohsiung and includes areas such as

The proposed Hong Kong CEPA revision could give foreign companies establishing operations in the city the same preferential mainland China market access available to qualifying local businesses. Commerce Secretary Algernon Yau said foreign companies manufacturing in Hong Kong could qualify for zero-tariff entry into mainland China if their products satisfy “Made in Hong Kong” origin requirements. The changes would form the third revision of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer E

The Hong Kong accounting qualification pipeline will continue receiving government support as authorities seek to strengthen the supply of professionals serving the city’s financial sector. Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau Under Secretary Joseph Chan said the government would continue backing the Qualification Programme operated by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The programme provides training across accounting, business and finance while d

Hong Kong climate finance disclosures could become more extensive as the city’s financial regulator expands its framework for funding projects designed to reduce emissions and protect against climate risks. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority plans to survey banks in 2027 on their use of its sustainable finance taxonomy, with the findings potentially influencing future supervisory requirements, HKMA executive director Donald Chen said. The regulator earlier this month proposed e

East Asia trade corridors will remain a regional priority as economic ministers seek to keep markets open and strengthen supply-chain resilience amid changing global economic conditions. The commitment was made at the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay City, chaired by Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. The combined nominal GDP of participating East Asia Summit economies reached USD69.6tr in 2025, underlining the economic scale of the group