In this latest issue of Regulation Around the World, we look at some of the key regulatory developments that institutions operating in financial services should anticipate in 2026. The jurisdictions covered by this update include the United Kingdom, EU, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Türkiye, United States, UAE, Australia and China.
Read the full update here.
On 5 December 2025, ASIC has again extended the transitional relief for foreign financial services providers (FFSPs) for an additional 12 months (until 31 March 2027).
A person who carries on a financial services business in Australia must hold an Australian financial services licence (AFSL) covering the provision of the financial
On 26 November 2025, the Federal Parliament introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (Genetic Testing Protections in Life Insurance and Other Measures) Bill 2025 (the Bill). Among other things, the Bill is aimed at supporting the participation of foreign financial services providers (FFSPs) in Australia.
General licensing requirement
A person who carries on
On 15 July 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) issued a paper that sets out preliminary conclusions of the Payments System Board (PSB) following an earlier consultation process undertaken after the release of the Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging Issues Paper in October 2024. The paper also includes for
Australia has one of the broadest prohibitions on insider dealing in financial products in the world.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) oversees and regulates activity on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Manipulation in energy and commodities derivatives markets was an ASIC specific enforcement priority for 2023 – earlier this