Global regulatory landscapes are shifting rapidly, with key authorities rolling out updates that influence everything from sustainability reporting to digital asset oversight. This week’s roundup highlights the most impactful developments across financial markets, insurance, investment, and digital finance. We’ve curated the major updates from top regulators across Australia, the EU, UK, Singapore, Spain, and Dubai—ensuring compliance professionals and business leaders stay informed and ahead.
Important Updates from Week 23
Business Line | Country | Regulator | Regulatory Update | Summary |
All | Australia | Treasury | Australia will implement a phased cost recovery model for merger assessments starting July 2025, transitioning to mandatory notification by January 2026. Under the new framework, businesses must pay scaled fees based on the complexity of merger reviews. Phase 1 reviews will cost AU$56,800, Phase 2 reviews AU$952,000, and public benefit reviews AU$401,000. Notification waivers will incur a fee of AU$8,300. The model ensures that merger parties, not taxpayers, fund the cost of regulatory oversight, with exemptions for small businesses. | |
European Union | European Union | Strengthening Corporate Sustainability Reporting Standards Across Financial Sectors | The European Union updated Directive 2022/2464 to enforce detailed sustainability reporting. Large and listed SMEs must disclose sustainability strategies, risks, and impacts. This includes greenhouse gas targets, governance roles, and value chain data. Assurance of these reports by accredited bodies is now mandatory. Third-country subsidiaries operating in the EU must also comply. Member States will enforce phased application from 2024 to 2028, depending on company size and structure. | |
European Union | EBA | EBA, ECB, and EIOPA formed the DPM Alliance to streamline regulatory reporting. This unified governance strengthens data consistency and reduces duplication. The framework enhances digital tools, metadata models, and technical standards. It also promotes efficiency and collaboration across banking, insurance, and pensions sectors. The alliance supports open consultation and future ISO standardisation. | ||
European Union | European Union | The European Commission adopted rules for wallet-relying party registration under eIDAS. Member States must maintain public registers. These parties must provide accurate, updated identity and entitlement data. Access and registration certificates must meet harmonised technical standards. Registrars can suspend non-compliant entries and must retain data for ten years. | ||
Dubai | Dubai FSA | Dubai launched a comprehensive guidebook to support financial entities entering the market. It outlines licensing, jurisdiction options, and regulator roles. The guide details compliance obligations for AML/CFT, data protection, and tax. It highlights growth in fintech, virtual assets, and sustainable finance. It also includes practical steps for licensing and dispute resolution. | ||
Insurance | United Kingdom | FCA | The FCA proposed wide-ranging changes to insurance rules in CP25/12. It aims to cut regulatory burdens and promote innovation. Key updates include easing product governance, removing mandatory training hours, and revising rules for bespoke contracts. Commercial insurance customers will face clearer, tiered protections. The reforms align with the UK’s goal to boost global insurance competitiveness. | |
Investment | Australia | ASIC | The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has repealed the Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) Determination 2025/140. The repeal was formalized through Legislative Instrument 2025/343 and will take effect either on July 8, 2025, or 20 business days after registration, whichever is later. This action was taken under subrule 6.2.1(4) of the 2017 Market Integrity Rules and reflects ASIC’s ongoing regulatory review and simplification efforts. | |
Australia | ASIC | The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued Determination 2025/342 to categorise equity market products into Tier 1 and Tier 2. This classification supports effective application of market integrity rules under the 2017 framework. Tier 1 includes major listed entities like Commonwealth Bank, BHP, and CSL, while Tier 2 includes ETFs and mid-cap firms such as AGL and Medibank. The instrument takes effect from July 8, 2025, or 20 business days after registration. This action replaces the repealed Determination 2025/140. | ||
European Union | European Union | The European Commission adopted new technical standards detailing information required to authorise asset-referenced token issuers. Applicants must provide extensive data on governance, risk management, business plans, reserve assets, AML/CFT measures, and internal controls. Only entities established in the EU may apply. These standards ensure token issuers meet stringent prudential, operational, and transparency obligations under MiCAR, strengthening investor protection and financial stability. | ||
Singapore | MAS | MAS will require offshore Digital Token Service Providers to be licensed from 30 June 2025. Unlicensed entities must cease operations. High money laundering risks prompted stricter oversight. Providers serving Singapore customers remain unaffected. Utility and governance tokens fall outside the new regime’s scope. | ||
Spain | Bank of Spain | Banco de España published its 2025 climate report on non-monetary policy portfolios. Green bond investments rose to 5.4% overall. The bank estimated over 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂e avoided annually through direct green bond holdings. It uses TCFD metrics to monitor transition and physical climate risks. The institution reaffirms its 2050 carbon neutrality target in line with EU climate law. |
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