China
Hong Kong Exchange to offer renminbi futures
The move aims to deepen links with mainland China and give investors new ways to tackle a fall in offshore liquidity
China's FX reserves plunge to more than three-year low
Latest PBoC figures show a drop of $99.5 billion in January to $3.23 trillion
China relaxes QFII limits amid calls for capital controls
FX regulator lowers the ‘lock-up’ period, during which foreign investors must wait before repatriating funds, from one year to three months, as analysts warn of renminbi devaluation
FXCM to stop offering Hong Kong dollar on February 26
Mindful of last year's SNB shock, the US broker decides to stop quoting HKD amid fears over peg
Renminbi direct payments make inroads in Middle East
The Chinese currency ranks first when the UAE and Qatar make direct payments to China and Hong Kong
China's central bank explores digital currencies
The PBoC is studying the possibility, alongside a team of researchers, major financial institutions and advisory bodies
PBoC pumps $61bn into China's financial system
The cash injection comes ahead of the Lunar New Year, which usually sees an increase in demand for money
PBoC imposes reserve requirements on offshore deposits for first time
The new measure, designed to curb short-selling, shows the determination of China's central bank to stabilise the offshore market in the wake of recent gyrations
Renminbi slides to five-year low as FX reserves fall
China's reserves fell $108 billion in December as the People's Bank of China continues to intervene in the market
Outlook for Asian FX in 2016 looks bright
There is a 50/50 chance that China will scrap its dual-currency system in 2016, says one analyst; others worry about the impact of a strong dollar and uncertain trajectory of Fed rate hikes
Renminbi payments double between China and Japan
But while the Chinese currency is booming, trading volumes in the wider FX market fell in November
IMF approves renminbi's inclusion in SDR basket
The move puts the renminbi on course to achieve reserve currency status
China lets central banks use Isda agreements for FX derivatives
China allows derivatives trading based on international standard agreements for the first time; applies only to sovereign investors and FX derivatives
Lagarde supports RMB inclusion in SDR basket
IMF managing director endorses the renminbi's inclusion in the special drawing rights basket after a staff report deems it 'freely usable'; executive board decision expected on November 30
Yuan falls to one-month low after PBoC rate cuts
The currency's weakening signals investor wariness over developments in China; analyst says ‘record' outflows are feeding through to the offshore forwards market
US softens rhetoric on renminbi ahead of SDR review
The Treasury drops its "significantly undervalued" reference in its flagship report to Congress on foreign exchange rate policies ahead of next month's IMF review
China and Singapore expand cross-border renminbi channels
Initiative allows Chinese companies to raise RMB debt in the offshore hub, while making it easier for Singapore banks to deploy RMB liquidity; Singapore also eases exchange rate path
China launches long-awaited cross-border payments platform
PBoC announces launch of China International Payment System, marking big step towards renminbi internationalisation
China eases cross-border cash-pooling restrictions
Beijing increases the amount that international firms are allowed to pool in the Shanghai free-trade zone five-fold, making it easier for them to circumvent capital controls and manage liquidity
Saxo Bank opens Shanghai office
The multi-asset broker sets up shop in China's premier financial centre to take advantage of the increasing demand for services
Connectivity biggest roadblock to e-FX in Asia
Connectivity and infrastructure are the biggest hurdles to developing Asia's e-FX market, but culture also plays a big role, panellists say at the 11th annual FX Week Asia conference in Singapore
Renminbi volatility set to continue
Panellists at the 11th FX Week Asia conference in Singapore discuss the implications of China's exchange rate moves
China FX forwards move prompts questions over government motives
Reports that China will require banks trading FX forwards to deposit USD with the PBoC spark debate over whether the move is structural or an emergency measure to halt outflows
The euro: safe haven at last?
The euro has strengthened to its highest level since January, undermining the ECB's weak euro strategy and sparking a debate among FX strategists on whether the common currency should be considered a safe haven