Financial influencers pose risks to retail investors, requiring enhanced monitoring, said Jean-Paul Servais, chairman of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). While financial influencers help popularise financial topics, better detection of conflicts of interest and disclosure practices is needed. IOSCO has developed strategies to mitigate fraud and mis-selling risks as technology evolves. Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) will release a virtual asset road map this month, addressing industry concerns on regulation. The city’s licensing framework for virtual asset trading is a first step toward sustainable growth, said SFC’s Eric Yip. Hong Kong Monetary Authority chief Eddie Yue urged greater digitalisation to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Authorities will also strengthen the listing regime and trading mechanisms, said Financial Services Secretary Christopher Hui.