AML / KYC

HKMA Confirms Plans to Introduce Stablecoin Regulations

01/02/2023

Stablecoins must be fully backed, redemption at par must be available at all times, and issuers must be licenced. Algorithmic stablecoins will not be accepted.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia Sanctions Targets in Iran, Myanmar for Human Rights Abuses

01/02/2023

The Australian government also announced sanctions against individuals and entities in Myanmar and Iran for violence and human rights abuses against their people.

AML / KYC

FINTRAC Issues Guidance on Detecting Illegal Wildlife Trade

01/02/2023

The guidance provides money laundering indicators based on analysis of approximately 200 STRs related to illegal wildlife trade between 2011 and 2022.

Market Infrastructure

Tokyo Financial Exchange to Launch TONA Derivatives on 20 March

31/01/2023

TFX will launch 3-month TONA futures and related options contracts. The 6-month Euroyen LIBOR futures and O/N Call Rate futures contracts will be delisted.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bank Indonesia Consults on Wholesale CBDC Development

31/01/2023

The consultation paper covers access, issuance, redemption, funds transfer, technical aspects and implications for the financial system.

AML / KYC

Westpac Fined in Hong Kong Over Delayed Customer Reviews

31/01/2023

Out of 143 customers who were subject to periodic reviews between June 2016 and May 2017, there were delays in 121 customers – of which 58 were of high risk.

Sanctions

Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions Framework to Undergo Review

31/01/2023

The review will consider whether Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions Regulations and its associated instruments remain fit for purpose and how they can be made more efficient.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Bankman-Fried Lawyers Request Access to Crypto Held by FTX

31/01/2023

The DOJ asked for a communications ban against Bankman-Fried as an additional bail condition. Last week, a 116-page list of the FTX’s creditors was filed to the bankruptcy court.

AML / KYC

Korea Justice Ministry to Start Tracking Crypto Transactions

31/01/2023

The “Virtual Currency Tracking System” will be launched as part of a new cloud system that will allow other agencies to leverage prosecutors’ investigative and forensics expertise.