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BaFin has issued a dedicated risk-management rulebook for small and midsized investment firms in Germany, replacing the bank-focused MaRisk framework. The new WpI MaRisk circular, effective January 1, 2027, targets firms with operating models that differ from credit institutions and introduces detailed requirements for risk management, governance, and outsourcing.
An Australian court has placed 12 companies linked to Edwards into provisional liquidation at ASIC’s request after they raised A$182 million from investors. FTI Consulting has been appointed to assess the companies’ assets, solvency and potential creditor returns ahead of a final winding-up decision.
The Financial Conduct Authority has fined and banned former SVS Securities CEO Demetrios Hadjigeorgiou from senior management roles in financial services over failures in protecting customers. The case, linked to high-risk bond investments and pension losses, has also triggered related regulatory action in Dubai.
ASIC’s targeted surveillance of nine online brokers has found shortcomings in how complex and high‑risk products are marketed and sold to retail investors. The review identified weak target market determinations, inadequate onboarding, and unclear risk disclosure, prompting remediation and potential further action.
Poland’s financial regulator KNF is keeping its review of contracts for difference ongoing, with no timetable or details on potential measures. The process follows a PLN 20 million penalty against broker XTB over client assessments and risk disclosures.
XTB has received authorization to offer CFDs in Indonesia, expanding its locally regulated product range beyond stocks and ETFs. The Warsaw-listed broker plans to introduce CFDs within weeks, focusing on existing markets rather than further geographic expansion.
Singapore has ordered Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to block financial-services advertisements from providers lacking local authorization by Jan. 31, 2027. The rules, issued under the Online Criminal Harms Act, introduce detailed screening, verification and reporting duties for the platforms.
Charles Sabet has sold his stake in London Capital Group, transferring ownership to executives David Worsfold and Matthew Basi. The FCA-regulated firm is now fully owned by MBDW Holdings, ultimately controlled by the two managers. The transaction value was not disclosed.
An alleged Israel-headquartered fraud network has reportedly defrauded more than 4,000 Australians through AI-themed investment scams promoted via fake news articles. Investigators link the operation to call centres across multiple countries and estimate losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Poland's KNF is maintaining an active review of how contracts for difference are offered, with no timeline or specific measures disclosed. The process follows a PLN 20 million penalty on XTB related to client assessments and risk disclosures, while the broker’s shares have fallen sharply.
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has banned Howard Roland Duckett from working in financial services, citing serious concerns over his honesty and integrity. The move follows a High Court decision to disqualify him as a company director for 10 years and restrictions placed on Beauforce Corporation Limited.
Crypto.com has appointed Stelios Moyseos as Executive Director of its Cyprus entity, strengthening its European leadership with a compliance and regulatory specialist. The move follows the firm’s acquisition of a CySEC-regulated broker in 2025 as it expands into traditional derivatives.
