Category:Global Regulatory Development

1
Singapore: MAS Consults on Simplified Regulatory Framework for Fund Managers
2
Australia: ASIC Releases Second Report On Reportable Situations Regime
3
Hong Kong Backs Industry-led Voluntary Code for ESG Ratings and Data Products Providers
4
Central Bank of Ireland Opens ELTIFs Consultation
5
Japan Shareholder Reporting Reform
6
Hong Kong Proposes Guidelines for Market Soundings
7
Singapore: Updates to Tax Incentives for Single Family Offices
8
$2 Billion Money Laundering Case Threatens Singapore’s Reputation
9
Australia: ASIC Extends Transitional Relief For Foreign Financial Service Providers
10
Australia: Licensing Comes to the Crypto Industry

Singapore: MAS Consults on Simplified Regulatory Framework for Fund Managers

By: Edward Bennett and Ke Jia Lim

On 24 October 2023, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) issued a consultation paper on the repeal of the regulatory regime for Registered Fund Management Companies (RFMCs).

Read More

Australia: ASIC Releases Second Report On Reportable Situations Regime

By: Matthew Watts and Rebecca Mangos

The Australia Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released its second report on information lodged under the reportable situations regime for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Read More

Hong Kong Backs Industry-led Voluntary Code for ESG Ratings and Data Products Providers

By: Carolyn Sng and Sook Young Yeu

The Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong (SFC) has announced its support for the development of a voluntary code of conduct (VCoC) for ESG ratings and data products providers. The proposed VCoC, which will be open for ESG ratings and data products providers to sign up voluntarily, and will align with international best practices as recommended by the International Organization of Securities Commissions.

Read More

Central Bank of Ireland Opens ELTIFs Consultation

By: Gayle Bowen and Shane Geraghty

On 1 November 2023, the Central Bank of Ireland, published its European Long Term Investment Fund (ELTIF) consultation paper (the “CP”) which is now open for industry feedback for an expedited six week period until 13 December 2023. The CP relates to the proposed standalone ELTIF chapter set to be introduced into the Central Bank’s Alternative Investment Fund Rulebook, which will facilitate ELTIFs becoming a standalone regulated product in Ireland as discussed in our previous blog here.

Read More

Japan Shareholder Reporting Reform

By: Yuki Sako

The Japanese government is currently considering (i) several amendments to the large shareholding reporting requirement, which is generally triggered when the position of a beneficial owner reaches 5% of outstanding shares, and (ii) a new mechanism to provide transparency around beneficial owners even when the 5% threshold is not reached. Notably, the stated purposes of these considerations include promoting engagement between companies and investors by removing obstacles for investors to effectively engage with companies and by making it easier for companies to identify beneficial owners.  

Read More

Hong Kong Proposes Guidelines for Market Soundings

By: Carolyn Sng and Tan Choo Lye

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong is consulting on new guidelines to regulate market soundings in advance of transactions such as private placements and block trades. Market soundings are the communication of non-public information (whether price-sensitive or not) with potential investors prior to the announcement of the transaction to gauge investor interest or assist in determining the specifications of the potential transaction. It can be an integral part of price discovery, but the process may be open to abuse if parties trade on the back of non-public information obtained.

Read More

Singapore: Updates to Tax Incentives for Single Family Offices

By: Edward Bennett and Ke Jia Lim

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has recently introduced new guidelines for Single Family Offices (SFOs) applying for tax incentives under the Section 13O and Section 13U schemes. The changes aim to expand tax incentives for family offices to promote investment in environmental and social causes.

Read More

$2 Billion Money Laundering Case Threatens Singapore’s Reputation

By: Edward Bennett and Ke Jia Lim

Singapore, known for its fiercely guarded reputation as a global financial hub and growing asset management centre, is currently entangled in one of the most substantial money laundering scandals globally, with a staggering S$2.8 billion (US$2 billion) in seized assets. Ten suspects, originally from China but residing in Singapore, face money laundering charges linked to scams and illegal online gambling.

Read More

Australia: ASIC Extends Transitional Relief For Foreign Financial Service Providers

By: Rebecca Mangos and Lisa Lautier

The Australian Investments and Securities Commission (ASIC) announced that it has further extended relief for foreign financial services providers (FFSPs) from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence (AFSL) when providing financial services to Australian wholesale clients.

Read More

Australia: Licensing Comes to the Crypto Industry

By: Daniel Knight and Kithmin Ranamukhaarachchi

Yesterday the Australian Federal Government released its proposal paper on regulating the crypto industry (Paper). The government proposes to regulate exchanges, custodians and other digital asset service providers within the scope the Australian Financial Services (AFS) licensing regime.

Read More

Copyright © 2024, K&L Gates LLP. All Rights Reserved.