The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a bulletin analysing regulatory challenges posed by stablecoins' growing integration with traditional finance. The report notes stablecoin market capitalisation has reached US$255bn today, up from US$125bn in 2023. The BIS has identified key policy challenges including anti-money laundering compliance, monetary sovereignty risks and financial stability concerns. The bulletin concludes that while ‘same risks, same regulation’ principles have limitations for stablecoins, regulatory frameworks should combine traditional financial oversight with tailored approaches addressing stablecoins' specific features, particularly at interfaces with regulated financial systems.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a report by the Consultative Group on Risk Management (CGRM) at the BIS Representative Office for the Americas, addressing the governance of AI adoption in central banks. It highlights the opportunities and risks associated with implementing AI across various critical functions, such as data security, confidentiality, and reputational risks.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a report for the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors outlining how central banks, financial regulators, and supervisory authorities are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and generative AI, to enhance policy effectiveness. The report details applications across data collection, macroeconomic analysis, payment system oversight, and financial supervision, supported by real-world examples and BIS Innovation Hub projects.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a report exploring the transformative potential of tokenisation in the financial system, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The report discusses use cases such as tokenising money, trading securities, and posting collateral for loans, while highlighting real-world initiatives by central banks and the private sector. It addresses challenges such as issuing tokenised central bank money and ensuring system interoperability, raising questions about the integration and safety of assets in a tokenised financial system.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published a statement of commitment to the FX Global Code, acknowledging that the Code represents principles generally recognised as good practice in the wholesale foreign exchange market. The BIS confirms that it acts as a market participant as defined by the Code and commits to conducting its FX market activities in a manner consistent with the principles of the Code. The BIS states that it has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of its activities and the nature of its engagement in the FX market, to align its activities with the principles of the Code.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has published an overview of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) climate scenarios. It draws upon the 2022 report ‘Climate scenario analysis by jurisdictions: initial findings and lessons’, published jointly by the NGFS and the Financial Stability Board (FSB).

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has announced that it will work with the Institute of International Finance, over 40 private sector financial firms, and a group of leading central banks to explore how tokenisation can enhance wholesale cross-border payments. Project Agorá is structured as a public-private collaboration, and is now in its design phase.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) has launched a consultation on a draft revised statutory Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips. The consultation closes on 29 September 2026.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) has launched a consultation on proposals to simplify and modernise the UK’s corporate reporting framework. The proposals include clarifying that the primary purpose of annual reports and accounts is to provide financially material information to investors and creditors, rationalising the company categories, thresholds and exemptions that determine reporting requirements, and extending audit and other reporting exemptions to certain medium-sized companies. BIST is also seeking evidence on the value of mandatory non-financial reporting requirements for private companies and the possible introduction of a new reporting threshold for ‘very large’ companies. The consultation closes on 30 November 2026.

The Department for Business, Innovations, Science and Trade (BIST) has publicly named 658 employers for failing to pay the national minimum wage, with around £4 million repaid to more than 27,000 workers. The employers were also issued with penalties totalling £7 million. The latest naming round, number 24, is the first since the Fair Work Agency was established in April 2026.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) have published a notice on changes to the UK’s Iran sanctions regime. The changes will take effect on 29 September 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. In a written statement to Parliament, the Minister for the Middle East, Stephen Doughty MP, said that the measures respond to concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme and hostile activity. The Iran (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 will introduce further trade, financial and transport restrictions, including controls on energy goods and technology, precious metals, maritime goods, natural gas, oil, petrochemicals and sectoral software. They will also restrict Iranian aircraft from landing in the UK, subject to exceptions, and expand powers to sanction ships. Exporters and businesses should review the new controlled-goods schedules and assess whether their activities are prohibited or require a licence. The notice also confirms a general trade licence for specified energy-related activities necessary for the continued operation of the Shah Deniz gas field and related pipeline projects in Azerbaijan. The licence applies only to activities connected with essential operations, and users must notify OTSI within 30 calendar days of beginning the authorised activity.

Arbitration analysis: Since announcing last year its intention to let its existing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) expire, the Government of Indonesia has remained true to its word. Earlier this year Indonesia gave notice to Hungary, France and Italy that BITs with those countries will not be renewed. Most recently, the Singapore authorities have been informed that the Singapore-Indonesia BIT will not be renewed when it expires on 20 June 2016. With little indication that replacement BITs are imminent, Rob Palmer and Baldev Bhinder of Ashurst’s Singapore office assess the implications of these developments for foreign investors.