Managers of Wealth Asia Pacific

ASIC issues updated guidance for managed investment schemes

The changes are focused on reflecting consequential changes to the law and legislative relief granted by ASIC since these RGs were last updated.

ASIC cancels Australian financial services licence of Ballast Financial Management Pty Ltd

The AFS licence was cancelled after ASIC became aware that Ballast had ceased to carry on a financial services business.

AVPN launches new platform to streamline philanthropy in Asia

It offers a curated pool of over 400 verified impact organisations.

MAS and ABS Announce the Incorporation of New Payments Entity – Singapore Payments Network (SPaN) – to Position National Payment Schemes for Next Stage of Growth

SPaN aims to provide strong governance over national and cross border payment schemes, promote continuous payments innovation and encourage active collaboration among key industry players.

APAC regulators putting bigger focus on climate risks, says UN

The report says central bank mandates vary across the region in terms of how explicitly regulators can address the impacts of climate change

HKMC alerts public of fraudulent website

The HKMC urges the public to beware of suspicious calls, websites or other communications, and to remain vigilant in protecting personal information.

APRA consults on proposals for instruments relating to section 66 of the Banking Act

APRA’s proposals pertain to section 66 exemption and determination instruments that are due to sunset later this year or that require updating to reflect current practice.

ASIC takes steps to appoint receivers to Australian Fiduciaries Ltd as investigation continues

ASIC’s application seeks to preserve the assets of the scheme and obtain a clearer picture of the financial position of Australian Fiduciaries and its schemes while ASIC continues its investigation.

SFC proposes to further restrict use of misleading names to enhance investor protection

The proposal will also cover titles that may imply an association with established exchanges, VATPs and other similar entities.

ASIC bans former financial adviser Glenda Rogan for 10 years

ASIC found that Ms Rogan did not comply with a financial services law by engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct.

ASIC cracks down on unlawful finfluencers in global push against misconduct

Last week, ASIC and regulators from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Hong Kong and Canada took coordinated actions to crack down on unauthorised finfluencers.

APRA proposes changes to capital framework for annuity products

The proposed changes would allow reduced capital requirements for annuity products in return for enhanced risk management by life insurers, including closer matching of assets and liabilities.

Stephenson Harwood wins four awards at WealthBriefingAsia and Greater China Awards 2025

Stephenson Harwood’s international private wealth team provides clients with comprehensive support across a wide range of matters including succession planning, tax optimisation, wealth structuring, and asset protection.

Australia’s property rules may push global capital to NZ

This policy aims to address concerns around housing affordability and availability.

Former BBY Chief Executive Officer charged with aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring BBY’s dishonest conduct in communications with ASX Ltd

The matter was adjourned for further mention on 5 August 2025.

ASIC and APRA provide update on review of life insurance premium practices

This latest review of industry progress identified improvements in re-rating practices, marketing and disclosure materials, as well as product governance.

Home insurance claims handling improvements need to go further, ASIC says

Our latest review has found that while insurers implemented programs to improve claims handling functions in recent years, and some progress has been made, there is still significant room for further improvement.

ADB Approves $800 Million Program to Boost Pakistan’s Public Finance

The program supports far-reaching reforms to improve tax policy, administration, and compliance, while enhancing public expenditure and cash management.

SFC bans Wong Lai Suen for six months

The transactions also demonstrated suspicious features which should arouse reasonable suspicion of potential market misconduct and money laundering.

Opening Remarks by Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development, and Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, at the Nomura Investment Forum Asia on 4 June 2025

So today, the financial services sector is a key economic driver – its contribution to Singapore’s GDP has grown from 12.5% in 2018 to 13.8% in 2024, and it employs close to 200,000 professionals in Singapore.

Legal, Regulation & Compliance