Articles and Useful Information

FSA publishes 2013-14 Financial Monitoring Report

The FSA has published its Financial Monitoring Report covering the period from July 2013 to June 2014. The Report is based on the Financial Monitoring Policy announced in 2013 and provides an overview of: 

  • the FSA's approach to monitoring the various financial sectors
  • areas of particular focus
  • measures taken by the FSA 

Click here for the report on the FSA website.

 

IMES publishes new discussion papers

The Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies at the Bank of Japan conducts research on a range of monetary and economic issues with the aim of establishing an appropriate background for monetary policy. The IMES Discussion Paper Series was created to stimulate discussion and comments of issues critical to the Japanese and global economies.

Click here for the latest papers published on the Bank of Japan's website. 

FATF releases Virtual Currencies: Key Definitions and Potential AML/CFT Risks

Recently, virtual currencies have risen to prominence as a powerful global payment method, with potential benefits including increased payment efficiency, lower transaction costs, and wider access to payment options. At the same time, this flexibility and the global reach of virtual currencies present a number of potential Anti-Money Laundering/Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) risks. 

BOJ Governor Kuroda addresses the Japan Association of Corporate Executives

In his speech to the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, BOJ Governor Kuroda predicted that the rate of increase in Japan's core consumer price inflation would dip over the summer before again moving towards the 2% target from October onwards, supported by aggressive pricing in the private sector and higher wages. 

Click here for the speech on the BOJ website.

Kikuo Iwata: Quantitative and qualitative monetary easing and Japan's recent economic and financial developments

At a Newspaper Editorial Writers' meeting on 26 May 2014, Mr. Kikuo Iwata, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan gave an overview of the monetary easing policy introduced by the Bank of Japan last year. He explained the basic thinking behind the policy and described the relationship between the BoJ's monetary policy and the growth strategy being implemented by the government.

Banking & Capital Markets CEOs upbeat about the prospects for the global economy

Banking & Capital Markets CEOs are the most upbeat of all business leaders about the prospects for the global economy (56% believing it will improve over the next 12 months). More than half of them are planning to increase their headcounts (most by at least 5%) over the next 12 months. In a PWC survey of 1000 business leaders from 68 countries, which was launched at Davos 2014, CEOs said they need to manage their business through uncertainty but many of them said their companies are not yet prepared for change in a number of key areas.

IOSCO Publishes Recommendations Regarding the Protection of Client Assets

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published the final report on Recommendations Regarding the Protection of Client Assets. 

The report provides guidance to regulators on how to enhance their supervision of intermediaries holding client assets by clarifying the roles of the intermediary and the regulator in protecting those assets.