UK companies and cybersecurity groups warn that a proposed ban on ransomware payments for critical infrastructure operators could trigger service outages rather than deter attacks. Industry leaders say the measure would remove a key negotiation tool during breaches affecting hospitals, airports, and telecoms, and may push firms to relocate IT infrastructure outside the UK. The Home Office argues the ban is needed to counter rising ransomware threats but has not finalized which sectors will be covered.

The Fixed Income Clearing Corp. plans to separate initial margin and default fund contributions ahead of the Securities and Exchange Commission's US Treasury clearing mandate at the end of 2026. The move aims to align with best practices and enhance risk management for clearing banks, but could increase participation costs for members, market participants say.

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Greek regulators, including the Hellenic Capital Market Commission and energy watchdog RAEWW, have granted final approval for Euronext's all-share takeover of the Athens Stock Exchange. This dual regulatory sign-off, covering both financial and energy holdings, makes Euronext's offer unconditional just before the tender deadline and the approvals clear the way for Euronext to finalize the acquisition.

Singapore Exchange will launch perpetual futures on Bitcoin and ether on Nov. 24 through its derivatives arm, offering the instruments to accredited and institutional investors. The new contracts, which have no expiry and allow high leverage, expand SGX's crypto derivatives suite amid renewed institutional interest in digital assets.

Pension funds and insurers are increasingly turning to dynamic currency hedging following volatility from US tariffs, according to executives at Schroders and Northern Trust. The shift comes after traditional passive hedging failed to manage risks during the tariff-induced market fluctuations.

Marex has named Gary Pettit global head of rates, starting in January. Pettit has held leadership positions at Sigma Broking, ED&F Man Capital Markets and ICAP, and his hiring comes as Marex looks to move into new markets such as cryptocurrency and prediction contracts.

A survey by Bloomberg indicates many oil traders and analysts are skeptical that OPEC and its allies will cut production in 2026, despite projections of a global supply surplus. Most survey respondents do not expect OPEC+ to reduce output, citing that the surplus may not be significant enough to force a policy change.

Crypto derivatives trading reached a year-to-date high in October, driven by increased institutional activity, according to CoinDesk. Derivatives trading volume doubled year-on-year to $7.56 trillion, making up 74% of the total market. CME Group surpassed Binance as the market leader in open interest, with CME's average daily volume for cryptocurrency futures rising 226% from a year earlier.

US banks could face funding challenges as stablecoin issuance increases, potentially leading to higher funding costs and reduced lending, according to experts. The GENIUS Act has fueled predictions of significant outflows from bank deposits to stablecoins, but some experts doubt such a scenario, citing the current lack of compelling use cases for stablecoins and the prohibition on interest payments.

Japan's Financial Services Agency is reportedly weighing new regulations that would categorize cryptocurrencies as financial products, making them subject to insider trading rules. The proposed changes aim to increase oversight and align digital assets with existing financial frameworks, with legislation expected to be considered in the next parliamentary session, sources say.