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Financial Services Platform Test Approved by OSC, AMF, CIRO

Canada's OSC, AMF, and CIRO have approved Project Samara, an experimental research project evaluating a distributed ledger technology platform for bond transactions. The project involves major financial institutions and aims to assess the benefits of tokenized bond issuance and trading.

CSA Publishes 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report on Capital Markets

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published its 2025 Systemic Risk Committee Annual Report on Capital Markets. The report analyzes financial market trends, emerging risks, and vulnerabilities in Canadian markets, and outlines CSA efforts to mitigate these risks.

Canadian Securities Regulators Amend Benchmark Assurance Report Requirements

Canadian securities regulators have adopted amendments to Multilateral Instrument 25-102 concerning designated benchmarks and benchmark administrators. These changes clarify assurance report requirements for independent public accountants, specifying the level of assurance, report type, and submission timing, and introduce a new requirement for certain designated benchmarks. The amendments are set to come into force on May 5, 2026.

Canadian Securities Regulators Disrupt Over 7,500 Fraudulent Investment Websites

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) announced the disruption of over 7,500 fraudulent investment websites targeting Canadians. This initiative highlights the CSA's use of regulatory and enforcement tools to combat online investment fraud and protect investors.

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

Junior mineral exploration company pays $30,000 to BCSC

BCSC Panel Finds Breach of Cease Trade Order

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) panel found that Green Hygienics Holdings Inc. and its former CEO, Ronald Wayne Loudoun, breached a cease trade order by distributing millions of dollars worth of shares and promissory notes. Submissions on sanctions are now required.

Canadian Securities Regulators Disrupt Fraudulent Investment Websites

Canadian securities regulators announced the disruption of over 7,500 fraudulent investment websites and 13,000 URLs between June 2025 and February 2026. This initiative aims to protect Canadians from online investment scams and crypto fraud.

Director Fined $1 Million for Crypto Trading Platform Fraud

The BC Securities Commission (BCSC) announced that Michael Ongun Gokturk, director of three defunct crypto companies, has agreed to pay $1 million for fraud related to their trading platform. Gokturk is also permanently banned from participating in B.C.'s investment market.

CIRO Annual Compliance Report 2026 for Dealers

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has released its 2026 Annual Compliance Report. The report highlights emerging compliance challenges for dealers, including cybersecurity, crypto asset trading platforms, and the use of AI, and provides guidance on addressing these issues to enhance investor protection.

CIRO Guidance on Digital Asset Custody for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has issued new guidance on digital asset custody for Crypto-Asset Trading Platforms (CTPs). The framework establishes clear expectations for Dealer Members operating CTPs, addressing technological, operational, and legal risks associated with digital assets. It enhances existing custody and segregation requirements to protect investors.

CIRO Seeks New Members for Investor Advisory Panel

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is seeking applications for its Investor Advisory Panel (IAP). The panel advises CIRO on regulatory policy and initiatives. Applications are due by March 31, 2026.

Canada Approves Financial Services Platform Test Using Blockchain

Canadian securities regulators (OSC, AMF, CIRO) have approved an experimental financial services platform test, Project Samara, involving RBC, TD Securities, and the Bank of Canada. The project will evaluate the use of distributed ledger technology for bond issuance, trading, and settlement using digital Canadian dollars.

CIRO Guidance Expands Decision-Making Supports for OEO Dealers

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has published new guidance allowing Order Execution Only (OEO) dealers to expand decision-making supports offered to clients. This aims to empower DIY investors with better educational resources and tools while maintaining investor protection.

Financial Ombudsman Service Warns of Investment and Employment Scams

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service has issued a warning regarding a rise in online investment and employment scams. In 2025, the service received over 31,300 fraud and scam complaints, with approximately 20,000 involving authorised payments to scammers.

Financial Ombudsman Service Sees Lowest Complaint Levels in Two Years

The UK's Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) reported a significant decrease in new cases, with complaint volumes returning to levels seen in 2023/24. The period between October and December 2025 saw 47,300 complaints, down from 68,400 in the same quarter the previous year. This reduction is attributed to factors including the FCA's complaint handling pause for motor finance cases.

Financial Ombudsman Service Warns Students About Financial Pitfalls

The UK's Financial Ombudsman Service has issued a warning to university students about common financial pitfalls as they return to education. The notice aims to raise awareness of potential financial issues and inform students about the services available to help resolve disputes with financial providers.

Financial Ombudsman Service Sets Case Resolution Targets

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service has published its plans and budget for the 2026/27 financial year, setting a target to resolve 245,000 cases. The service is consulting on these ambitious targets, which include resolving over 80% of cases within six months.

Financial Ombudsman urges young drivers on car insurance

The UK's Financial Ombudsman Service has issued a notice urging young drivers to make informed decisions about car insurance. The service highlights common pitfalls and issues, including policy cancellations, administrative problems, and claim disputes, based on over 1,200 complaints received from drivers under 25 last year.

FSA, SEC Hold Spring Financial Regulatory Dialogue

The Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) held their Spring Financial Regulatory Dialogue in Tokyo on February 27, 2026. The meeting focused on cross-border issues, market developments, and regulatory matters including digital assets.

FSA AI Discussion Paper Update for Financial Sector

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published Version 1.1 of its AI Discussion Paper, updating its previous 2025 version. This revision incorporates insights from public-private forums on AI utilization and risk management in the financial sector. The FSA is seeking comments on the paper to inform future policy development.

FSA: Bank Loans Total 8.0 Trillion Yen as of Sep 2025

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published its provisional translation of the status of loans held by all banks as of the end of September 2025. Total loans amounted to 8.0 trillion yen, a decrease of 0.4 trillion yen from the previous period.

FSA Publishes English Version of Analytical Notes (2026.3)

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published the English version of its "FSA Analytical Notes (2026.3)". This publication provides analysis on financial markets and related topics, with specific notes on the OTC derivatives market.

FSA Analytical Notes on Regional Banks and Talent

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan has published its "FSA Analytical Notes (2026.2)", focusing on the analysis of human resource support by regional banks and talent shortages in firms. An English version is expected to be released shortly.

Hong Kong Green Week 2026 Announced

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has announced the return of Hong Kong Green Week 2026, scheduled for September 7-11. This flagship sustainability event will focus on "Future-proofing Sustainable Growth" and will feature conferences, forums, and satellite events coordinated by the HKMA.

Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results Announced

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the tender results for Exchange Fund Bills on March 10, 2026. The results detail the amounts applied for and allotted, along with accepted yields for various bill issuances.

HKMA Scam Alert: Fraudulent Bank Websites and Scams

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert on March 10, 2026, to warn the public about fraudulent websites and scams reported by several banks. The alert provides guidance on identifying and reporting such incidents.

HKMA Scam Alert: Fraudulent Websites and Scams Targeting Bank Customers

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites and scams targeting bank customers. The alert highlights specific instances reported by The Bank of East Asia and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, warning the public about phishing attempts and advising on protective measures.

Updated Sanctions Notice for ISIL (Da'esh) / Al-Kaida

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has updated its sanctions database following a UN sanctions committee decision on February 27, 2026. The update concerns individuals, companies, and organizations linked to ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda. This change is directly applicable in Switzerland.

FINMA Orders MBaer Merchant Bank AG Liquidation Due to Money Laundering Controls

Switzerland's FINMA has ordered the liquidation of MBaer Merchant Bank AG due to serious, systematic shortcomings in anti-money laundering controls and enabling clients to circumvent asset freezes. This follows FINMA's withdrawal of the bank's license, which is now effective after the bank withdrew its appeal.

Switzerland Updates Iran Sanctions List

The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) has updated annexes and the list of sanctioned individuals, companies, and organizations related to Iran. Financial intermediaries are required to implement prohibitions, freeze assets, and report affected business relationships.

FINMA Contacts Bank After US Names it Money Laundering Concern

FINMA is in contact with MBaer Merchant Bank AG and FinCEN after the US designated the bank as a primary money laundering concern. FinCEN is proposing measures under the USA PATRIOT Act, which are currently undergoing public consultation. FINMA has appointed an audit agent at the bank.

Updated Sanctions List for Taliban

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has updated its sanctions list concerning individuals and entities linked to the Taliban, effective March 11, 2026. Financial intermediaries are required to implement the prohibitions, freeze assets, and report relevant business relationships to SECO.

Capital Asia Investments Investigated for Money Laundering and Compliance Failures

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Police are investigating Capital Asia Investments Pte Ltd and its directors for suspected money laundering and compliance failures. Over S$160 million in assets were seized, and two directors were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.

MAS Issues Environmental Risk Transition Planning Guidelines

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued new Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management - Transition Planning for banks, insurers, and asset managers. These guidelines set supervisory expectations for managing climate-related transition and physical risks, taking effect from September 2027.

PSR Fines Bank of Ireland UK £3.7m for Confirmation of Payee Failure

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has fined Bank of Ireland UK £3.7m for failing to implement the Confirmation of Payee system by the required deadline. This failure left over 1.14 million new payees and approximately £6.9 billion in payments unprotected against fraud.

Payments Forward Plan Published

The Payments Vision Delivery Committee, comprising HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the FCA, and the PSR, has published the Payments Forward Plan. This plan outlines upcoming initiatives in retail and wholesale payments, including digital assets, to foster a trusted, world-leading payments ecosystem.

Ashley Alder Appointed New PSR Board Chair

Ashley Alder has been appointed as the new Chair of the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) Board, effective January 26, 2026. This appointment coincides with the planned consolidation of the PSR into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where Alder also serves as Chair.

PSR Consults on Card Fee Transparency and Governance Standards

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is consulting on new standards to increase transparency and governance in card scheme and processing fees. These measures aim to provide businesses with clearer pricing information and ensure fee-setting is evidence-based, following a market review that found a lack of competition and clarity.

High Court Upholds PSR Powers to Cap Card Fees

The UK High Court has upheld the Payment Systems Regulator's (PSR) powers to cap cross-border interchange fees, following a legal challenge. This decision allows the PSR to proceed with its analysis and potential implementation of fee caps, aiming to reduce costs for UK businesses.

FSB Peer Review: Public Sector Backstop Funding Mechanisms

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) is conducting a thematic peer review on public sector backstop funding mechanisms and has issued a summary of terms of reference. The FSB is seeking feedback from financial institutions and other stakeholders by March 31, 2026, to inform its review of implementation progress.

Public Responses to Insurer Recovery and Resolution Planning Consultation

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published public responses to its consultation on the scope of insurers subject to recovery and resolution planning requirements. The consultation period closed on February 6, 2026, and the FSB expects to publish final guidance in Q2-Q3 of 2026.

FSB Report on Repo Market Vulnerabilities

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has released a report warning of vulnerabilities in government bond-backed repo markets. The report highlights potential contagion channels and emphasizes the need to preserve market functionality during stress periods, offering policy implications for regulators.

FSB 2026 Work Programme: Financial Stability and Systemic Risks

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has published its work programme for 2026, outlining key priorities to promote global financial stability. The programme focuses on addressing systemic risks through vulnerability assessments, nonbank financial intermediation, cross-border payments, digital innovation, and operational resilience.

FSB Report on Strengthening Global Bank Resolution Frameworks

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) released its 2025 Resolution Report, detailing progress in strengthening global resolution frameworks for banks, insurers, and financial market infrastructures. The report highlights achievements in 2025 and outlines future work to enhance crisis preparedness and operationalize resolution tools.

BIS General Manager Statement on Villeroy de Galhau Departure

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) issued a statement from General Manager Pablo Hernández de Cos acknowledging the departure of François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Bank of France, from his role as Chair of the BIS Board of Directors. The BIS will begin the process of appointing a new Chair.

Basel Committee: Governors welcome Basel III progress, discuss cryptoassets and G-SIBs

The Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS) met on March 9, 2026, to review progress on Basel III implementation, with approximately 75% of member jurisdictions having implemented or planning to implement the standards. The GHOS also endorsed targeted reviews of prudential standards for cryptoasset exposures and the assessment methodology for global systemically important banks (G-SIBs).

Basel Committee Publishes Synthetic Risk Transfer Analysis Report

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a report analyzing synthetic risk transfer (SRT) transactions. The report notes that while SRTs appear more prudently structured than pre-GFC transactions, risks associated with their growing use merit continued supervisory monitoring.

Basel Committee Consults on Consolidated Banking Guidelines

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a consultation on a consolidated version of its banking guidelines and sound practices. The aim is to improve accessibility and streamline guidance materials, reducing their volume by approximately 75%. Comments are requested by June 26, 2026.

Federal Reserve Board Enforcement Action Against Former PrimeLending Employee

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Aquana Raffington, a former employee of PrimeLending. The action addresses conflicts of interest and fraud, with no monetary penalty imposed.

Federal Reserve Issues Consent Order Against Former Regions Bank Employee

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a consent prohibition order against Nicole M. Ramsey, a former employee of Regions Bank. The action stems from the misappropriation of customer funds. This enforcement action signifies the Federal Reserve's commitment to upholding standards of conduct within the banking sector.