Client updates /  Financial Regulation

The Bank of Israel recently issued its decision to expand the identification code used by banking corporations and nonbank entities to connect to payment systems from two digits to three digits. While ostensibly only a technical change, in practice it is a significant step that will enable financial entities to hold accounts and transfer funds for customers directly and independently, without relying on existing banks.

ISA staff confirmed that activities of foreign research firms publishing “sponsored analyses” to investors abroad are not subject to the Israeli Advice Law. This determination provides certainty for foreign entities covering Israeli companies, provided they carry out and distribute the activity exclusively outside Israel.

In August 2025, after receiving the recommendations of the Simhon Committee, the Bank of Israel published new guidelines for banking corporations. Banks providing financing for residential construction projects will now be prohibited from including stipulations in their financing agreements that relate to the price of an individual apartment.

The United States President recently announced the imposition of new 25% to 100% tariffs on pharmaceuticals, heavy-duty trucks, upholstered furniture, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The move is rocking markets and is likely to impact shipping costs, the furniture industry, and trade relations with various trading partners. It could also affect Israeli companies in various sectors.

On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a joint task force from the Bank of Israel, the Ministry of Finance, and the Israel Securities Authority published an interim report for public comments, proposing a major reform in the way financial institutions (mainly banks, TASE members, and other players) are paid for securities services and investment advice.

Prediction markets have experienced rapid growth in recent years, thanks to the emergence of platforms attracting millions of users, such as Kalshi and Polymarket. These platforms have proven successful in predicting the outcomes of diverse events.

The US Federal Court of Appeals ruled recently that most of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump as part of the trade wars are unlawful. However, the court decided that, for the time being, these tariffs will remain in effect. This is a landmark decision with potentially wide-ranging implications for the US and global economies, as well as for the balance of powers within the US federal government.

Two key developments in the US mark a step toward stablecoin market institutionalization. the US Senate approved new legislation regulating activities in the market for the first time, and Circle – the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, launched an IPO on the NASDAQ.

Upon the launch of Operation Rising Lion last Friday, the Minister of Defense declared a special national state of emergency in conformity with the Civil Defense Law, 1951. On Sunday, the government extended the state of emergency until June 30, 2025.

The Israel Securities Authority (ISA) recently published a report summarizing its findings regarding offerings of securities without a prospectus. The report is intended for entities planning to offer securities to the public and presents the ISA’s position regarding the criteria for various exemptions enabling entities to offer securities without a prospectus.