Sanctions

Russia Buys its Own Diamonds to Support State-owned Alrosa

28/03/2024

The Russian government is for the first time in 15 years procuring diamonds from Alrosa, which has been targeted by sanctions.

Sanctions

US, UK Probing $20b in Tether Transfers to Russia’s Garantex – Report

28/03/2024

There is no immediate suggestion of wrongdoing by Tether Holdings, the BVI-incorporated issuer of USDT.

Securities / Derivatives

HKMA, SFC Call on Firms to Ensure Readiness for US Move to T+1

28/03/2024

Firms should consider deploying additional staff and or making adjustments to work shifts or working hours to cope.

Crypto / Digital Assets

HSBC Launches Tokenised Gold Product in Hong Kong

28/03/2024

The product allows investors to acquire fractional ownership of physical gold represented by tokens recorded on a distributed ledger.

Sanctions

US Warns Pakistan Against Proceeding With Iran Pipeline Project

27/03/2024

Iran has already invested $2bn in the project. Pakistan is seeking a US sanctions waiver to go ahead with construction on its leg of the pipeline.

Sanctions

Russia Launches Scheme to Unblock Foreign Securities

27/03/2024

Russian broker is accepting offers from Russians looking to free up overseas-held shares affected by sanctions.

ESG / Sustainability

JPX Releases Results of GenAI-powered TCFD Disclosure Checks

27/03/2024

GenAI enabled JPX to widen the coverage of the checks, making breakdowns by market segment, company size, and sector possible.

AML / KYC

FATF Upgrades US Rating on Beneficial Ownership Transparency

27/03/2024

The FATF cites the ongoing implementation of requirements for companies to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN.

Sanctions

Russia Has Started Directly Supplying Oil to DPRK – Reports

27/03/2024

The shipments are reportedly using UN-designated vessels, as part of an arrangement that involves North Korea supplying arms to Russia.