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Regulatory News


Regulators launch GenA.I. Sandbox++ to foster A.I. innovation across financial services
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Insurance Authority (IA), and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport), announced today (5 March) the launch of the Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenA.I.) Sandbox++ initiative.Building on the success of the GenA.I. Sandbox initiative launched in 2024, regulators jointly expand the Gen
Mar 8


Statement on notifications relating to admissions to trading and recent changes to the UK Listing Rules
Our clarification about forbearance following the introduction of the new Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime. On 19 January 2026, the Public Offers and Admissions to Trading Regulations (POATRs) regime and associated changes to our listing processes in the UK Listing Rules (UKLR) came into force. These changes introduced a requirement in the Prospectus Regime Manual (PRM 1.6.4R) for issuers to notify a Regulatory Information Service (RIS) of
Feb 28


Influencers fined for issuing unauthorised financial promotions
Seven social media influencers have been sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their role in the promotion of an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme. Biggs Chris, Jamie Clayton, Lauren Goodger, Rebecca Gormley, Yazmin Oukhellou, Scott Timlin and Eva Zapico all pleaded guilty to one count of issuing unauthorised financial promotions. The outcomes were: Lauren Goodger was fined £3,750 and ordered to pay costs of £5,778.18. Biggs Chris was fined £600 and ordered to
Feb 28


FCA selects 4 firms to test stablecoin innovation in its Regulatory Sandbox
The FCA has chosen 4 companies to test how their stablecoin services work with proposed regulation in a safe environment. The stablecoins cohort is part of the FCA's commitment to supporting growth and innovation in UK financial services. 20 applications were received and the FCA has chosen the following firms: Monee Financial Technologies ReStabilise Revolut VVTX The Regulatory Sandbox programme allows firms to trial stablecoin products in real world conditions with appropr
Feb 28


FATF Annual Report 2024-2025
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Annual Report 2024-2025 outlines work by the FATF during the first year of the Mexican Presidency of Elisa de Anda Madrazo. Learn about how the FATF, through its global, collaborative approach, has worked with the Global Network of more than 200 countries and a range of partners from the public and private sectors to: Help countries identify and respond to evolving risks, with reports on online child sexual exploitation, terrorist financ
Feb 28


SFC bans Andy Lau Ka Ho for life
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has prohibited Mr Andy Lau Ka Ho, a former licensed representative of Sun Hung Kai Investment Services Limited (SHKIS), Sun Hung Kai Commodities Limited (SHKCOM) and SHK Fund Management Limited (SHKFM) (collectively, SHK Entities), from re-entering the industry for life over serious misconduct (Notes 1 and 2). The disciplinary action follows an SFC investigation triggered by a self-report jointly made by the SHK Entities. The SFC’s
Feb 28


SFC obtains worldwide court orders in Hong Kong and England and Wales to freeze suspects’ assets up to HK$4.3 million in alleged insider dealing
The Court of First Instance of Hong Kong has granted the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) a worldwide interim injunction order (HK Order) in legal proceedings against Mr Chan Ching Wa, a former staff of the Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited (HKEX), and his extended relatives, Mr Lam Cho Man and Mr Chau Chi Kwong, for alleged insider dealing in the shares of at least seven Hong Kong-listed companies (Notes 1 to 3). In parallel, the SFC has commenced first-of-its-
Feb 28


Tribunal upholds bans and fines for reckless adviser and fund manager
The Upper Tribunal has upheld the FCA's decisions to ban Stephen Joseph Burdett and James Paul Goodchild from working in financial services. Mr Burdett and Mr Goodchild previously held senior roles at Synergy Wealth Limited (Synergy) and Westbury Private Clients LLP (Westbury), respectively. The FCA banned the pair from working in regulated financial services for recklessly exposing pension holders to unsuitable investments. The Tribunal also found that it was appropriate fo
Feb 22


FCA fines former chief executive of Carillion plc (in liquidation)
The FCA has fined Richard Howson £237,700 for his part in misleading statements being issued by Carillion plc. As group chief executive, Mr Howson was aware of serious financial troubles in Carillion’s UK construction business. He failed to reflect this in company announcements or alert its board and audit committee, leading to poor oversight. The fine was imposed after Mr Howson withdrew his challenge to the FCA’s decision. Mr Howson was one of two executive directors on Car
Feb 22
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