Banking & Finance

Prudential Authority Circular C1-2026: Status of Bank Circulars

The Prudential Authority (PA) has issued Circular C1-2026 to confirm the status of previously issued bank circulars. This annual confirmation aims to ensure clarity for regulated entities regarding which circulars remain effective.

Prudential Authority Guidance Note Status Update

The South African Prudential Authority has issued Guidance Note 1 of 2026, updating the status of previously issued guidance notes for deposit-taking institutions. This annual note clarifies which guidance remains in effect for the upcoming year, ensuring awareness among banks, controlling companies, and their auditors.

Proposed Directive on Bank Reporting Requirements (Regulation 46)

The South African Prudential Authority has issued a proposed directive for consultation regarding reporting requirements under Regulation 46 of the Regulations relating to Banks. This directive aims to specify the Banks Act (BA) returns that require auditing or review under a limited assurance framework.

MAS Bans Kevin Michael Swampillai for Life

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued lifetime Prohibition Orders against former BSI Bank representative Kevin Michael Swampillai. The ban follows his misconduct involving approximately US$5 million in secret profits and misrepresentations to auditors related to 1MDB investments.

Goldman Sachs Singapore Penalized for 1MDB Bond Offerings

Singaporean authorities (AGC, CAD, MAS) have taken action against Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte. (GSSP) for its role in the 1MDB bond offerings. GSSP will pay US$122 million to the Singapore Government and US$61 million to Malaysian authorities, totaling US$183 million.

MAS Enforcement Actions Against 14 Entities

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has taken enforcement actions against 14 entities and individuals for breaches of laws and regulations. These actions include investigations, prohibition orders, civil penalties, and revocation of licenses, impacting financial institutions and their senior management.

MAS Enforcement Report: Anti-ML and Market Abuse Penalties

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released its 4th Enforcement Report detailing actions taken from January 2022 to June 2023. The report highlights $7.10 million in penalties for anti-ML breaches and $12.96 million for market abuse, alongside other enforcement outcomes.

MAS Enforcement Actions Against Market Abuse and Financial Misconduct

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced significant enforcement actions, including $11.7 million in civil penalties and nine criminal convictions for market abuse and financial misconduct. The MAS Enforcement Report covers January 2019 to June 2020, detailing efforts to combat financial crime and enhance regulatory oversight.

MAS Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management for Banks

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued revised guidelines on environmental risk management for banks, merchant banks, and finance companies. The update includes an addendum on transition planning to address climate change-related risks.

MAS Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management for Insurers

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued revised guidelines on environmental risk management for all insurers, with an addendum on transition planning effective March 5, 2026. These guidelines detail MAS' expectations for managing climate-related transition and physical risks.