Earlier this summer, the US Administration’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets published a report, entitled Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology. The Report contains recommendations for revising existing legislation and IRS guidance regarding trusts engaged in cryptocurrency staking, Code provisions that may deny recognition of gains or losses by active securities traders, and reporting requirements for participants in digital asset transactions and for the exchanges that facilitate such activities
Ukraine’s Defence City regime, effective from October 2025, offers tax, customs, and regulatory incentives to defence-related enterprises. Eligible companies must earn most income from defence goods or services. Benefits include exemptions on reinvested profits, real estate, land, and environmental taxes, plus simplified customs and currency rules. However, it excludes R&D credits and broader investor incentives, and cannot be combined with other preferential regimes. Residency is limited to strategically significant entities approved by the Ministry of Defence.
On 25 September 2025, the Australian Government released draft legislation to regulate Digital Asset Platforms (DAPs) and Tokenised Custody Platforms (TCPs). The proposed law requires operators of these platforms to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and comply with tailored disclosure, conduct, and licensing obligations. It aims to close regulatory gaps, enhance investor protection, and position Australia as a credible hub for digital asset innovation. Consultation on the draft closes on 24 October 2025.
The European Supervisory Authorities report steady improvement in principal adverse impact (PAI) disclosures under the SFDR, especially among larger financial groups. However, disclosures often lack quantifiable actions, and “non-consideration” statements remain generic. The ESAs recommend clearer, shorter, and machine-readable disclosures, more proportional requirements, and less frequent reporting to enhance quality and relevance. Further regulatory guidance may follow to address persistent shortcomings.
On 13 August 2025, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy launched an anti-dumping investigation into adult bicycle imports from China, citing price discrimination from 2022–2024. Five Mexican companies filed the petition, and 261 importers/exporters are named. The probe may lead to countervailing duties if injury to domestic producers is confirmed. Interested parties must submit evidence by 23 September 2025, with possible extensions.
On 15 August 2025, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) issued an update listing overseas health products found to contain potent, prohibited ingredients. These may cause harmful side effects. The HSA advises consumers to avoid such products and buy only from trusted sources. Sellers in Singapore face severe penalties for supplying adulterated products. The HSA continues monitoring global enforcement to protect local consumers and urges suppliers to assess any overseas regulatory impacts.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said following its recent multi-firm review of how its climate disclosure rules have been operating that it will look to “streamline and enhance” its sustainability reporting framework and has pledged to “simplify disclosure requirements”. This is welcome news for the industry and seems to be driven by feedback from the asset management sector that Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting rules are overly granular. There also seems to be a move towards consolidation across UK sustainability reporting frameworks as the FCA will consider the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR), International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and transition planning going forward.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has rolled out amendments to its Data Protection Law that came into effect in July 2025 following a consultation earlier in the year. The updates bring the law into greater alignment with the GDPR’s approach to enforcement, providing additional protections for data subjects.
The Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 amended, from 16 June 2025, the Companies Act 1967 (CA) and the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2005 along with related regulations, to address the risk of misuse of nominee arrangements — an area identified as vulnerable to abuse and potentially the cause of illicit activities.
These amendments enhance Singapore’s anti-money laundering regime to Enhance statutory register disclosures to meet FATF standards, prevent accidental omissions, and improve transparency and accuracy of nominee arrangements through timely and ongoing updates.
On 8 July 2025, the Dubai Court of Cassation questioned the enforceability of late payment compensation in Islamic finance. Unlike default interest, such compensation is not retained by financiers but donated to charity. The ruling may affect market practices, though its broader impact remains uncertain under UAE law.