The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee voted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.50%-3.75% following its first meeting of 2026 on January 28. This decision marks a pause after three consecutive rate cuts in late 2025, with the central bank citing solid economic activity, low job gains, and elevated inflation.
South Korean insurance companies are preparing for new capital quality requirements under the Korean Insurance Capital Standard (K-ICS), effective January 2027. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) will mandate a minimum 50% core capital ratio, prioritizing paid-in capital and retained earnings to enhance sector resilience. A nine-year transition period is provided for adjustment.
Brazil's Central Bank liquidated Banco Master in November 2025 due to severe liquidity issues, reserve rule failures, and alleged fraud. The collapse, involving BRL 12.2 billion in suspected irregularities, has triggered a record BRL 41 billion payout from the Credit Guarantee Fund and sparked intense scrutiny of regulatory oversight and potential political interference.
Minister Dias Toffoli of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has lifted the secrecy on testimonies from Daniel Vorcaro, former head of Banco Master, and Paulo Henrique Costa, former BRB president, in the ongoing Master Bank fraud investigation. The decision provides public access to crucial details of the alleged R$12 billion scheme.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released detailed guidance for the new UK cryptoasset regulatory regime, set to begin on October 25, 2027. Firms engaging in regulated crypto activities must prepare for authorization, with the application gateway opening on September 30, 2026, and closing on February 28, 2027. The new framework, established under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aims to enhance market integrity and consumer protection.
Chile's Central Bank, the Banco Central de Chile, unanimously voted to keep its benchmark interest rate at 4.5% on January 27, 2026. The decision reflects expectations of lower short-term inflation and a stabilizing global economic outlook, despite some domestic economic challenges.
China has tightened its cross-border investment framework, notably through a 2023 regulation prohibiting offshore institutions from directly raising funds from mainland investors, impacting global managers' ability to allocate capital for local clients.
Brazil's central bank maintained its benchmark Selic interest rate at 15.00% following its January 27-28 Copom meeting, defying some market expectations for a cut. The decision cited global uncertainties and domestic economic factors.
Belarus has enacted Decree No. 19, legalizing cryptobanks to facilitate cross-border payments and integrate digital assets into its financial system. These institutions, operating under dual oversight from the National Bank and the Hi-Tech Park, will offer hybrid financial services, including crypto-backed loans and card-linked crypto accounts.
Belarus has enacted Decree No. 19, signed by President Alexander Lukashenko on January 16, 2026, creating a dual-regulated framework for 'cryptobanks'. These institutions, operating within the High-Tech Park and overseen by the National Bank, will combine traditional banking with digital token operations, aiming to enhance cross-border payments and modernize the financial system.
Belarus has officially approved a new legal regime for its cryptocurrency banking sector with the signing of Decree No. 19 on January 16, 2026. This framework allows 'crypto banks' to combine traditional banking services with digital token operations, aiming to boost cross-border payments and position Belarus as a financial IT hub. These institutions will operate under dual supervision from the National Bank and the High-Tech Park.
Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% for the third consecutive meeting. The decision, made on January 22, 2026, aligns with market expectations and aims to support economic growth while ensuring price stability amidst resilient domestic demand and moderating inflation.
Turkey's central bank reduced its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 37 percent on January 22, 2026, continuing a gradual easing cycle. The decision, which saw the one-week repo rate drop from 38 percent, was driven by an easing underlying inflation trend despite short-term price pressures.
Bank Indonesia maintained its benchmark BI-Rate at 4.75% for the fourth consecutive meeting, a decision made during its January 20-21, 2026, Board of Governors Meeting. The central bank cited the need to stabilize the rupiah exchange rate, manage inflation within its target range, and support economic growth as key factors for the decision. Other rates, including the Deposit Facility and Lending Facility rates, also remained unchanged.
The Central Bank of Brazil has ordered the extrajudicial liquidation of Will Bank (Will Financeira S.A. Crédito, Financiamento e Investimento) on January 21, 2026. This decision follows the digital bank's insolvency, a compromised financial situation, and its failure to meet payment obligations to Mastercard, leading to the blocking of its participation in the payment network. The move comes after its parent company, Banco Master, was liquidated in November 2025.
Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has proposed expanding the central bank's regulatory mandate to include supervision of investment funds, a role currently held by the securities regulator CVM. The move follows the liquidation of Banco Master and aims to strengthen financial system oversight and address regulatory gaps. Discussions are underway within the government.
Chinese regulators, led by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), have intensified their efforts to curb high-frequency trading (HFT) and algorithmic trading. Recent measures include removing co-located servers from exchanges, imposing additional latency, and introducing differentiated fees, aiming to cool speculative markets and enhance fairness for investors.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a preliminary ruling affirming German gift tax rules that apply a higher tax class to foreign family foundations, including a Liechtenstein-based entity. The ruling, published in the EU Official Gazette on January 12, 2026, addresses the compatibility of these rules with the free movement of capital under the EEA Agreement.
Spain's CaixaBank has been hit with fines exceeding €30 million by Sepblac for anti-money laundering (AML) failings. The penalties are linked to a decade-old real estate transaction involving the sale of Madrid's Torre Foster, a deal inherited from the acquired lender Bankia. The bank has appealed the decision.
Mexico's central bank, Banxico, has signaled increased caution regarding the pace of interest rate cuts in 2026. Citing trade uncertainty, new tariffs, and domestic tax increases, policymakers anticipate a more gradual approach to monetary easing, with the benchmark rate currently at 7.00%. Inflationary pressures remain a key concern for the central bank.
