Crypto / Digital Assets

UK Law Enforcement Gets Stronger Powers to Seize Crypto

29/04/2024

UK law enforcement agencies will be able to seize crypto assets from a suspect without having to make an arrest first.

Securities / Derivatives

SFC Announces Details of Extended Grant Scheme for OFCs, REITs

29/04/2024

The SFC’s Christina Choi said the extension will “boost Hong Kong’s competitiveness and development as a preferred fund domicile for the industry.”

Crypto / Digital Assets

BOJ Publishes Progress Report on CBDC Pilot Experiment

29/04/2024

The experimental CBDC system will preserve user privacy by requiring intermediaries to separate customer data management from payment functions.

China: ICBC Establishes Armed Forces Department

28/04/2024

The department is meant to serve as a reserve force to respond to natural disasters, help maintain “social order”, and provide support during wartime.

AML / KYC

UK FCA Proposes Updates to Financial Crime Guide

28/04/2024

The updates cover regulatory expectations on sanctions, proliferation financing, transaction monitoring, and cryptoassets, among other areas.

Sanctions

Russia Places Two EU Companies Under Gazprom Management

28/04/2024

Italy’s Ariston and Germany’s BSH Hausgeraete were placed under the management of JSC Gazprom Household Systems.

Enforcement

China Investigates Senior CSRC Official for Corruption

27/04/2024

Yao Qian was director of the CSRC’s Science and Technology Supervision Department. An investigation into a Bank of China official was also launched.

Japan FSA Scrutinising Bank Lending Practices – Reports

27/04/2024

The FSA is concerned that non-performing loans could emerge following the move away from negative interest rates starting last month.

AML / KYC

US DOJ Charges Founders of Crypto Mixer “Samourai Wallet”

27/04/2024

Over around ten years, Samourai Wallet was used to launder over $100mn in crime proceeds, earning the founders at least $4mn in fees.