Australia Unveils Sweeping Audit and Consultancy Reforms

04/02/2026

The reforms include a 100-fold increase in fines for promoting tax exploitation schemes and a plan to merge key standards bodies.

AML / KYC

Taiwan Proposes New Anti-Fraud Reporting Mechanism for Banks

04/02/2026

The proposals include a new reporting channel to prosecutors and expand the definition of suspicious accounts to combat financial crime.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Unveils Blueprint to Tackle AI, Quantum Risks in Banking

04/02/2026

The plan includes a new cybersecurity baseline and a quantum readiness index to address risks in advanced technology adoption.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong Pushes Ahead with Strict Crypto Tax Reporting Rules

04/02/2026

Legislative proposals confirm per-account penalties and personal liability for directors, despite industry warnings of unworkable compliance burdens.

Crypto / Digital Assets

SFC Seeks Budget Increase to Boost Headcount for Digital Assets, IPOs

04/02/2026

Six of 18 new positions are designated for digital assets licensing and supervision work as well as the SFC's "ASPIRe" virtual asset roadmap.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong to Raise Licensing Fees for Money Service Operators

04/02/2026

The government plans to increase licensing fees for money service operators by up to 15 percent, with implementation set for May 2026.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Licences in March

03/02/2026

Eddie Yue said the HKMA plans to grant a "very small number" of stablecoin issuer licences under its new regulatory regime.

Market Infrastructure

Hong Kong Law Reform Commission Eyes Update to Cybercrime Law

03/02/2026

Report recommends five new cyber-dependent offences, expanded jurisdiction, and a formal accreditation regime for cybersecurity practitioners.

Enforcement

Australia Fines Foreign Investors A$14 Million Over Critical Minerals Breach

03/02/2026

This is the first case brought by a government leader under Australia's foreign investment laws since their introduction in 1975.