Shin Hyun-song (신현송), the new governor of the Bank of Korea, set out four core tasks in his inaugural address on Monday: price and financial stability, internationalisation of the won, responding to digital currency and contributing to structural reform. He cited uncertainty from supply shocks linked to the Middle East war and shifts in financial conditions, and said he would pursue cautious and flexible monetary policy while strengthening early-warning tools and expanding analysis beyond traditional financial indicators.

Pakistan\'s central bank has allowed banks to open and maintain accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers, effectively ending a ban on crypto-related financial transactions in place since 2018. Banks must verify licences issued by the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority or accept a no-objection certificate for limited accounts. The rules require customer funds to be held separately in non-interest rupee accounts and strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations.