Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Philippine SEC Revokes Broker’s Licence Over Widespread Fraud

26/05/2026

The SEC has revoked the licence of Mount Peak Securities and imposed a PHP 17.25 million fine for violations including a dummy account and fraudulent reporting.

Market Abuse

Australian Court Clarifies Sentencing Principles in Insider Trading Appeal

26/05/2026

A former fund manager has been re-sentenced for insider trading, with an appeal court clarifying how post-offence conduct affects sentencing for serious financial crimes.

Cryptocurrency

Polymarket Prepares to Lobby for Japan Market Approval

26/05/2026

The prediction market platform is reportedly preparing a multi-year lobbying effort to have its products authorised, targeting government approval by 2030.

Stablecoins

Hong Kong Tests First Regulated HKD Stablecoin on Public Blockchain

25/05/2026

Licensed firms have completed a live transfer test of the HKDAP stablecoin on Ethereum, marking a key step towards practical implementation.

Cybersecurity

Japan Urges Banks to Bolster Defences as It Gains Access to Advanced AI

25/05/2026

Regulators have issued new guidance on AI-powered cyber threats as the government and major banks are set to receive access to Anthropic's powerful Claude Mythos model.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia and Indonesia Join Forces to Disrupt Cross-Border Child Exploitation

25/05/2026

FIUs from Australia and Indonesia have completed a week of action in Jakarta to uncover and disrupt financial flows linked to child sexual exploitation.

KYC & CDD

Hong Kong Regulators Mandate Stricter Controls on Client Onboarding

25/05/2026

The SFC and HKMA have ordered firms to review client accounts and tighten controls following a probe into onboarding deficiencies.

Capital Adequacy

Philippines Finalises Rules for Releasable Bank Capital Buffer

25/05/2026

The central bank will require banks to build releasable capital buffers that can be drawn down during crises to sustain lending, a move that aligns the country with other jurisdictions in the region.

Structural Regulation

Philippines SEC Finalises Term Limit Rules for PSE Directors

25/05/2026

The SEC has finalised a governance overhaul for the PSE, imposing tenure caps and board diversity requirements to align with international standards.