On 17 February 2026, CIRO published annual report on compliance for dealers. CIRO issued the CIRO Compliance Report for 2026: Helping Dealers with Compliance. Follows January 2025 CIRO release of annual compliance report for 2025. Report highlights the key issues and challenges that CIRO-regulated dealers should prioritize to strengthen investor protection and support robust market…
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Hong Kong – SFC Fines for Short Selling Violation Related to Pump and Dump Scheme
On 9 February 2026, HK SFC convicted masterminds for securities fraud re listed firms. HK SFC sentenced Mr. Li King Hong and Mr. Lam Hin Fai to up to 24 months jail, in a securities fraud case involving the shares of four Hong Kong-listed companies. Their spouses, Ms. Chan Ngai See and Ms. Betty Hui…
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UAE – DFSA Fines Failure to Notify Change of Shareholding
On 6 February 2026, UAE DFSA issued notice, USD 504,000 fine re market abuse. UAE DFSA imposed fine of USD 504,000 on Ark Capital Management (Dubai) Limited under art 90(2) Regulatory Law 2004 for having inadequate market abuse systems and controls, and for failing to notify DFSA of a proposed change in control; contraventions during…
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U.K. – Takeover Panel Takeover Code Amendments
On 4 February 2026, UK TO Panel detailed code amendments and adviser note. The amendments to the Takeover Code set out in Instrument 2025/1: Dual class share structures, IPOs and share buybacks and Instrument 2025/2: Minor amendments to Takeover Code, take effect from 4 February 2026. Code and Other Amendments Takeover Code website was updated…
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Australia – ASIC ETF Short Selling Relief Extension
On 2 February 2026, AST ASIC amended instrument to extend exemptions. AST ASIC registered ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2026/24, which amends the ASIC Corporations (Short Selling) Instrument 2018/745. AST ASIC also published explanatory statement regarding instrument 2026/24. This instrument is made under s 1020F(1) of Corporations Act 2001 (ASTCA). Follows AST GVT February 2023 registered…
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Japan – METI Fair Takeover Guide Review
On 3 February 2026, JPN METI said it will reconvene fair takeovers study group. JPN METI said it will reconvene the Study Group on Fair Takeovers, to review necessary updates on the Guidelines for corporate takeovers issued on 31 August 2023. Follows JPN METI August 2023 issued action guide for corporate takeovers. Background The purpose…
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