Securities & Markets

SFC and HKMA Joint Statement on Stablecoin Market Movements

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a joint statement on August 14, 2025, addressing recent market movements related to stablecoins. The statement urges caution among investors and reminds market participants to communicate responsibly.

SFC and HKEX Launch Technology Enterprises Channel

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) have launched a new Technology Enterprises Channel (TECH) to facilitate listing applications from specialist technology and biotech companies. This initiative includes a new confidential filing option and updated guidance on listing requirements.

ESMA/EBA Consultation on Suitability Guidelines for Management Body Members

ESMA and EBA have launched a consultation on new draft guidelines for assessing the suitability of management body members and key function holders. The consultation period is open until May 25, 2026, and seeks feedback on proposed changes to investor protection standards.

ESMA Consultation on EMIR 3 Post-Trade Risk Reduction Standards

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on proposed regulatory standards for post-trade risk reduction services under EMIR 3. The consultation seeks feedback from financial and non-financial counterparties, service providers, and central counterparties.

ESMA Consultation on CCP Collateral and Investment Policy

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on proposed changes to rules regarding guarantees as CCP collateral and certain aspects of CCP investment policy. The consultation period is open until April 30, 2026, and seeks input from all interested stakeholders, particularly central counterparties (CCPs), clearing members, and their clients.

ESMA Consultation on MAR Guidelines for Delaying Inside Information Disclosure

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on new Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) guidelines concerning the delay in disclosing inside information. The consultation period runs until April 29, 2026, and is open to all interested stakeholders.

ESMA Consultation on EMIR 3 Draft RTS on Participation Requirements

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has opened a consultation on draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) for participation requirements under EMIR 3. The consultation seeks feedback from interested stakeholders, including central counterparties (CCPs) and their participants, on the proposed rules.

Consumer Leasing Regulation M Final Rule - Threshold Update

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized amendments to Regulation M, increasing the dollar threshold for exempt consumer leases from $71,900 to $73,400, effective January 1, 2026. This adjustment is mandated annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

HPML Appraisal Exemption Threshold Increased to $34,200

The CFPB, OCC, and Federal Reserve have finalized amendments to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) regulations, increasing the exemption threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan (HPML) appraisals. Effective January 1, 2026, the threshold will rise from $33,500 to $34,200, adjusted annually based on the CPI-W.

Truth in Lending Regulation Z Threshold Increase

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized an amendment to Regulation Z, increasing the dollar threshold for exempt consumer credit transactions. Effective January 1, 2026, the threshold will rise from $71,900 to $73,400, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.