AML / KYC

US, EU Authorities Take Down HIVE Ransomware Gang

30/01/2023

“Simply put, using lawful means, we hacked the hackers,” said deputy attorney general Lisa Monaco.

Sanctions

US Expands Sanctions Against Russia’s Wagner Group

30/01/2023

Russian mercenary organisation Wagner Group was re-designated as a foreign person that constitutes a “significant transnational criminal organisation”.

Securities / Derivatives

DTCC Publishes Testing Framework for US Move to T+1 Settlement

30/01/2023

The testing framework assumes a September 2024 implementation date. Testing dates may have to change as regulators have not yet confirmed an implementation date.

Market Infrastructure

India Completes Transition to T+1 Settlement Cycle

30/01/2023

The final phase of India’s T+1 transition roadmap covered the country’s largest listed securities, which transitioned to the new settlement cycle on Friday.

Sanctions

West Imposes More Iran Sanctions in Response to Protest Handling

29/01/2023

Iran responded with sanctions against EU and UK individuals and entities. IAEA director general Rafael Grossi plans to visit Iran in February for “much needed” political dialogue.

AML / KYC

FinCEN Warns of Sanctions Evasion in Commercial Real Estate

29/01/2023

New FinCEN alert lists potential red flags and typologies involving attempted sanctions evasion in the CRE sector by sanctioned Russians and their proxies.

Securities / Derivatives

Korea FSC Unveils New Risk Rating System for Investment Products

29/01/2023

Due for implementation in Q4, the new system will apply an industry-wide common standard to investment product risk ratings to improve reliability and comparability for investors.

Crypto / Digital Assets

FBI Confirms DPRK Hackers Behind $100m Horizon Bridge Crypto Theft

29/01/2023

The FBI was able to freeze a portion of the stolen funds, in coordination with some virtual asset service providers.

Laos Closes All Non-State Currency Exchange Channels

29/01/2023

Currency exchange transactions in Laos can now only be done through state-run banks. The move has resulted in nationwide business disruptions.