Fraud, Scams & Cybercrime

Hong Kong to Mandate Enhanced Digital ID Checks for Banks to Fight Fraud

05/06/2026

Financial regulators will require banks to integrate the government’s ‘iAM Smart’ digital ID for high-risk processes like remote account opening to combat sophisticated identity theft.

Cryptocurrency

Australia Publishes Rationale For New Digital Asset Law

05/06/2026

The Australian government has published a report detailing its thinking behind the recently passed crypto licensing law.

AI Risk & Governance

Australian MP Calls for Sweeping AI Laws, Citing Systemic Risks

05/06/2026

New discussion paper calls for urgent, wide-ranging legislation to govern AI, including a new digital duty of care, stronger privacy laws, and rules for taxing international technology firms.

Data Privacy

US Lawmakers Urged to Investigate Airwallex Over China Ties

05/06/2026

A US national security group has called for a congressional investigation into Airwallex, citing data security risks and compliance concerns linked to the fintech's Chinese operations.

Credit Risk

Thailand to Regulate 'Buy Now, Pay Later' as Debt Concerns Mount

05/06/2026

BOT is drafting rules for the fast-growing BNPL sector, citing concerns over surging household debt and the risk of young consumers incurring debt unnecessarily.

Credit Risk

Korea Tightens Scrutiny on Business Loans as NPLs Rise

05/06/2026

Financial authorities are lowering the inspection threshold for business loans and pushing banks to manage bad debt as NPLs, particularly from the self-employed, tick up.

Payments & Settlements

Philippines Approves Merger of Key Payment System Operators

04/06/2026

Philippine regulators have cleared the merger of BancNet and PCHC, creating a single entity to oversee the country's key payment systems and drive digital transformation.

Structural Regulation

New Zealand to Allow All Licensed Deposit Takers to Use ‘Bank’ Title

04/06/2026

RBNZ to permit all licensed deposit takers, including non-bank entities, to call themselves ‘banks’ under a new, unified regulatory regime.

Payments & Settlements

New Zealand Proposes Interchange Fee Caps for Commercial Cards

04/06/2026

The Commerce Commission has released draft proposals to cap commercial credit card interchange fees, aiming to save businesses an estimated NZD 40 million annually.