Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Orders External AML Audit into Fintech Giant Airwallex

23/01/2026

AUSTRAC cited concerns over transaction monitoring and potential criminal exploitation, including for online child sexual abuse payments.

Supervision & Enforcement

Korean Regulators Engaged in Public Feud Over Investigative Powers

23/01/2026

Discussions on granting the FSS broader investigative rights are ongoing, but face internal disagreement over their scope.

Sustainable Finance

Vietnam Establishes Legal Framework for Domestic Carbon Exchange

22/01/2026

New government decree outlines rules for trading, settlement, and a pilot phase with no service fees until the end of 2028.

Trading & Investment

NZX Secures Approval to Eliminate Market Orders, Amend Sweep Order Rules

22/01/2026

Market participants will face new conduct requirements for sweep orders, with all changes effective from 20 February 2026.

Anti-Money Laundering

Japan Regulator Files Criminal Complaint Against Iwaki Credit Union

22/01/2026

The complaint, a first for a credit union, alleges executives lied about destroying a PC with evidence and concealed ties to organised crime.

Conduct, Culture & Accountability

Hong Kong Banks to Overhaul Services for Elderly, Disabled Customers

22/01/2026

New industry guidelines endorsed by the HKMA set an 18-month deadline for banks to implement wide-ranging accessibility enhancements.

Structural Regulation

Japan Finalises Labour Protection Rules for New Enterprise Value Security Right

22/01/2026

Ministry of Labour amends guidelines, setting new duties for trustees and communication protocols for Japan's new corporate financing tool.

Cloud & Infrastructure

HKMA Study Links CDI Use to Better SME Loan Terms

22/01/2026

Banks actively using the CDI offered lower rates and required less collateral for SMEs, researchers find.

Stablecoins

Japan's LINE to Integrate Regulated Yen Stablecoin for Payments

22/01/2026

Partnership with JPYC Inc leverages Japan’s revised stablecoin laws to embed payments within the popular LINE Messenger app.