Regulation and incorporation News
UAE Central Bank Law Enforcement Begins; Fines Up To $272M
The grace period for financial and technology companies to comply with the United Arab Emirates' new Central Bank law concludes, introducing a stricter licensing and enforcement framework with potential administrative fines of up to $272 million.
FINRA Arbitration Award: Lodestar Securities Corp. Faces Claimants
FINRA's website publishes details of an arbitration award in New York, involving claimants Richard Swensson and respondents Lodestar Securities Corp.
Upper Tribunal upholds FCA ban on Crispin Odey
The Upper Tribunal has affirmed the UK Financial Conduct Authority's prohibition of Crispin Odey from participating in the financial services sector, according to the report.
ESMA: CFDs Dominate EU Retail Complex Product Trading
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) released an analysis indicating that Contracts for Difference (CFDs) constituted 35% of complex product trades by over 10 million retail investors in the European Union from 2022 to 2025.
DMIST Standard Prevents Rewriting of Derivatives Execution Codes
The Derivatives Market Institute for Standards (DMIST) has introduced an Execution Source Code Standard, developed with various market participants, to maintain an accurate record of exchange-traded derivatives transactions from execution to clearing.
SEC Crypto Rulebook Nears Comment Deadline
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is concluding the public comment period for its new Regulation Crypto Assets proposal, aiming to establish tailored fundraising exemptions and an investment contract safe harbor for crypto projects.
Crypto Groups Challenge Illinois Digital Asset Tax in Court
The article reports that two crypto industry associations are seeking a court injunction to block Illinois's new 0.2% digital asset transaction tax, set to begin in 2027, arguing the tax creates undue burdens for companies that would need to comply.
FCA Crypto Gateway Opens 30 September for UK Firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has announced specific dates for its crypto authorisation gateway opening and closing, detailing the application window for firms before new regulations come into effect in the UK.
BaFin Highlights EU Firms Exploiting Weakest Supervisor Rule
Germany's financial watchdog, BaFin, reports that digital businesses are intentionally establishing themselves in EU member states with lenient oversight to then operate across the entire bloc, a practice its representative, Thorsten Pötzsch, advocates for ending.
George Karatzias Tipped for CySEC Chair Role
Reports suggest that George Karatzias, former Vice-Chairman, is set to become the new Chairman of CySEC, succeeding Dr. George Theocharides, with Loukas Lagoudis also tipped for Vice-Chairman.
FCA Crypto Regime Net Benefit Estimated at GBP 120 Million
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) anticipates its forthcoming cryptoasset regulatory framework in the UK will yield a net benefit of £120 million over a decade, according to an analysis by FM Intelligence.
ASIC Bans Ex-Sequoia CEO Garry Crole for 10 Years
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has prohibited Garry Crole, former CEO of Sequoia Financial Group, from holding financial services management positions for a decade, following findings that he was not fit or competent in overseeing investment products that led to significant client losses.
FiveComply: 300+ Licenses, Global Reach, Local Expertise
Finance Magnates reports on FiveComply's global licensing strategy, detailing the firm's expansion from Cyprus to international markets like Dubai and Mauritius, and its expertise in securing over 300 financial services licenses for Forex, CFD, and crypto businesses.
ASIC Bans Ex-Sequoia CEO Garry Crole for 10 Years
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has prohibited Garry Crole, former managing director and CEO of Sequoia Financial Group, from providing financial services for a decade.
ASIC Cancels AFS Licence of Redstone Capital
ASIC has withdrawn the Australian financial services license from Redstone Capital, a financial services provider based in NSW.
FCA Reconsiders UK Ban on Prediction Markets for Retail Investors
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is reportedly reassessing its ban on prediction markets for UK retail investors, acknowledging increasing demand and the use of overseas platforms, despite maintaining its current restrictive stance.
Nigeria SEC Proposes Higher Capital for Forex Brokers
Nigeria's SEC has introduced draft regulations for forex brokers, proposing significant increases in capital requirements, new retail leverage limits for CFDs, and a ban on binary options, which could impact both local and offshore firms serving Nigerian clients.
CySEC Flags Ten Unauthorised Investment and Crypto Websites
CySEC issued a public notice, flagging ten websites for allegedly providing investment or crypto services in Cyprus without proper authorization, warning investors against their unlicensed activities.
ASIC Reports 9,807 Misconduct Complaints in Six Months
ASIC reports receiving nearly 10,000 public misconduct complaints during the first half of 2026, with retail investor and corporate governance issues forming the majority, and highlights its efforts in taking down thousands of scam-related online presences.
CySEC Warns Investors About Nine Unlicensed Forex Firms
CySEC has issued a public alert regarding nine entities operating without authorization in the investment sector, cautioning against engagement with them.
Financial Commission Expels EBC Financial Group Over Compliance Failures
The Financial Commission has terminated the membership of EBC Financial Group, citing the broker's repeated non-compliance with its regulations and guidelines, which means the group's clients are no longer covered by the Compensation Fund.
ASIC Sets September 30, 2026 Deadline for Crypto Licensing
ASIC has set a final deadline of September 30, 2026, for digital asset firms operating under transitional relief to secure necessary Australian Financial Services licenses or face potential legal consequences.
PU Prime Launches Australian Operations After ASIC Licence Approval
PU Prime, a multi-licensed online brokerage, has officially commenced operations in Australia via its local entity, PU Prime Trading Pty Ltd, after securing an Australian Financial Services Licence from ASIC.
ASIC sets digital assets licensing deadline for September 2026
ASIC has set a deadline of September 30, 2026, for digital asset businesses to apply for or update their Australian Financial Services license, ending a temporary no-action period.
ASIC Crypto License Applications Surge Past 45
ASIC reports that over 45 entities have applied for crypto licenses ahead of the September 30 deadline, indicating a significant increase in applications following the extension of transitional relief.
ASIC urges firms to act before digital asset licensing deadline
ASIC has issued a reminder to digital asset companies to submit their applications for an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence or amend existing ones by September 30, 2026.
Australian Crypto Firms Face September 30 License Deadline
ASIC reports that Australian crypto companies have less than one month to submit their license applications before the regulatory body's no-action stance concludes on September 30, 2026, an extension from the initial June 30 deadline, covering three distinct license categories.
CFD Broker GODO Secures CySEC, FSCA Licenses
The article reports that CFD broker GODO, established by former AvaTrade executives, has obtained regulatory licenses from CySEC and FSCA, with a UAE CMA license currently awaiting approval.
Ex-AvaTrade Executives Launch CySEC-Regulated Broker Godo
The article reports that Godo, a retail brokerage firm founded by former AvaTrade executives, has obtained a CySEC license, marking its entry into the European regulated trading market and departing from the recent industry trend of offshore operations.
CySEC Revokes Investment Firm License for R.I.A.L Raising Investment Advisory
CySEC has announced the withdrawal of the Cyprus Investment Firm authorization belonging to R.I.A.L Raising Investment Advisory Ltd, according to the source.
ASIC Raid on Sydney Broker Evolution Capital Underway
Reports indicate that the Australian Federal Police conducted raids on the Sydney offices of stockbroker Evolution Capital and residences associated with its senior staff as part of an undisclosed investigation by ASIC.
ESMA's Commodity Position Reporting Goes Live September 3
ESMA has announced that its updated weekly commodity derivatives position reporting framework will become active on September 3, 2026, after an earlier planned launch was postponed during final testing.
ASIC, APRA Demand Action on Frontier AI Risks
Australian financial regulators ASIC and APRA are reportedly urging market participants to transition from merely acknowledging the risks associated with frontier artificial intelligence to implementing proactive measures.
ASIC, APRA Mandate AI Crisis Pre-Approval for Financial Boards
Australian regulators ASIC and APRA have instructed financial firm boards to establish pre-approved decisions for cyber crisis management, particularly in the context of advanced AI threats, following extensive industry roundtables.
ASIC Leads Police Raid on Sydney Broker Evolution Capital
Australian authorities reportedly conducted raids on Sydney-based stockbroker Evolution Capital and associated residences as part of an ongoing Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) investigation into trading activities.
ASIC Demands Broker AI Attack Response Plans
Australian regulators, including ASIC and APRA, have advised financial firms and retail brokers to establish crisis authority and recovery strategies in advance of potential AI-driven cyberattacks, following extensive industry roundtables.
BaFin Fines Wise Europe €16,000 for Reporting Lapses
Germany's financial watchdog, BaFin, has penalized Wise Europe SA with a €16,000 fine for not adhering to reporting standards and consumer disclosure obligations regarding payment accounts in the country.
ASIC streamlines licensing with 120-day target
ASIC has announced new targets in its Corporate Plan 2026-27, aiming to process 80% of routine financial services and credit licence applications within 120 days, and initiating at least 30 civil proceedings and 25 referrals to federal prosecutors annually.
FCA Bans Dolfin Financial Executives Over Visa Scheme Fraud
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reportedly prohibited three former senior executives of Dolfin Financial (UK) Limited from working in regulated financial services due to their alleged involvement in a scheme circumventing UK visa regulations.
ASIC Proposes CFD Leverage Rule Extension Beyond 2027
ASIC announced a Q4 2026 consultation process to consider extending its current CFD leverage restrictions for Australian financial services licensees, which are set to expire in May 2027.
ASIC secures provisional liquidation for 12 firms linked to Christopher Edwards
The New South Wales Supreme Court has approved ASIC's request to appoint provisional liquidators for twelve companies linked to Christopher Malcolm Edwards, a former solicitor and accountant.
CFTC Explores Leveraged Crypto Trading Rules for Retail
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is reportedly considering new regulations to permit cryptocurrency exchanges to provide leveraged and margin trading for retail clients under a new federal framework.
ASIC Crushes 3,106 Crypto Scams Amid AI Fraud Surge
ASIC reports dismantling over 3,100 fake crypto platforms and more than 19,400 online scams in the last financial year, noting a rise in AI-driven fraud utilizing deepfake celebrity networks.
FINRA Proposes Speed Bump to Enhance Investor Protection
FINRA has put forth new rule changes to the SEC, including a temporary "speed bump" hold on transactions, aimed at strengthening its regulatory framework to help member firms combat suspected fraud and financial exploitation among investors.
Germany Dominates MiCA Crypto Register With 22% of Entities
FM Intelligence research indicates Germany leads the European Securities and Markets Authority's MiCA crypto-provider register with 22% of active legal entities, despite generating only 7% of cross-border host links.
Russia Allows Brokers to Count Crypto as Capital
The Bank of Russia has introduced draft guidelines allowing brokers, asset managers, and forex dealers to include certain digital currencies in their capital calculations, recognizing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT if traded on Russian venues.
ICFDT Comments on FINRA's Proposed Communications Rule Changes
The International Council for Derivative Trading (ICFDT) has submitted formal comments to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) regarding proposed amendments to Rule 2210, which governs communications with the public.
ASIC Warns of Rising Deepfake Scams Targeting Investors
ASIC reports a significant increase in deepfake websites and celebrity endorsement scams, leveraging generative AI to defraud investors.
CySEC Issues Warning Over 10 Unlicensed Investment Websites
CySEC has issued a new alert identifying ten websites operating without proper authorization to provide investment services in Cyprus, some of which bear names similar to licensed entities.
Financial Commission Adds MBX PRO, Offers €20K Complaint Protection
The Financial Commission has welcomed MBX PRO as its newest broker member, granting the firm access to dispute resolution services and compensation fund protection of up to €20,000 per complaint.
Crypto Regulation Shifts to Cross-Border Coordination
The article from Finance Magnates discusses the current landscape of crypto regulation, highlighting the transition from questioning regulation to focusing on cross-border coordination among frameworks like MiCA, the UK's rulebook, and the US GENIUS Act.
MBX PRO Joins Financial Commission for Client Dispute Resolution
MBX PRO has become an approved member of the Financial Commission, providing clients access to an independent dispute resolution process and a compensation fund for qualifying complaints, as reported by the source.
ASIC Suspends GFA Capital Markets License Over Failures
ASIC has reportedly suspended GFA Capital Markets' financial services license for five months, citing client money, reporting, and technology failures discovered during a broader review of CFD issuers.
ASIC secures $7.3M greenwashing penalty against Fiducian
ASIC reports a significant victory in its greenwashing campaign, securing a A$7.3 million penalty against Fiducian Investment Management Services for misleading investors about a managed fund's sustainability credentials, marking the regulator's fourth such civil penalty.
Financial Commission Adds Tapaas for Cross-Broker Intelligence
The Financial Commission has integrated Tapaas into its Value-added Services program, offering member firms access to a cross-broker intelligence network to enhance market integrity and address industry-wide operational risks.
ASIC Warns Retail Investors on High-Risk Derivatives
ASIC has issued a warning to retail investors about online brokers offering complex, high-risk products without proper risk disclosure or suitability checks, citing concerns about marketing tactics and product governance after a surveillance period.
ASIC proposes extending Australian CFD capital rules to 2032
ASIC is reportedly seeking to prolong Australia's existing capital requirements for retail over-the-counter derivatives providers until 2032, transforming a temporary measure into a long-term regulatory obligation for CFD brokers.
CFTC Scrutinizes Prediction Market Incentive Programs
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued an advisory warning prediction-market exchanges that incomplete filings for incentive programs could cause delays in regulatory approvals and clarified disclosure expectations.
ASIC Flags Risky Products and Poor Onboarding in Broker Review
ASIC's review of online brokers revealed concerns regarding risky product offerings and inadequate onboarding processes for retail investors, according to FX News Group.
ASIC Mandates Fixes for Nine Brokers Over Retail Investor Gaps
ASIC's review of nine online brokers identified deficiencies in product governance, client onboarding, and disclosure practices for retail investors, leading to some firms improving compliance, two halting new client intake for certain products, and one exiting the Australian market.