March 16, 2016 – FinTech and Blockchain Law Watch

The Financial Stability Board’s fintech priority for 2016

Mar 16 2016

The Chair of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), Mark Carney, has sent a letter to G20 finance ministers and central bank governors outlining the FSB’s priorities for 2016.

One of the five priorities is to assess the implications of fintech innovations and systemic risks that may arise from operational disruptions. The FSB is currently evaluating potential financial stability implications of fintech for the financial system as a whole. The findings of this evaluation will be discussed at the FSB’s March Plenary meeting.

The letter also acknowledged that a number of fintech innovations are now receiving close attention and that the regulatory framework must be able to manage any systemic risks without stifling innovation.

Any decisions made by the FSB following the assessment are likely to have a flow on effect to how G20 members including the US, the UK, Australia and the EU regulate the fintech sector.

The Chair’s letter can be found here.

Asia Pacific Governments increase support for fintech

Mar 16 2016

By Jim Bulling and Michelle Chasser

Following on from the launch of the Fintech Advisory Committee last month, the Australian Treasurer, Scott Morrison, has announced that the Australian Government will provide AU$150,000 to fund fintech hub Stone & Chalk’s Asia Program based in Shanghai. In making the announcement Mr Morrison said “We will support the industry in its objective of making Australia the leading market for fintech innovation and investment in Asia by 2017”.

The Hong Kong Government is also currently laying the foundations for a strong regulatory and financial support system for the fintech sector in Hong Kong.

Archive:March 16, 2016