Fintech / Regtech

BSP Directs Banks to Shift to Biometrics, Phases Out SMS OTPs

09/03/2026

New draft rules require banks to adopt server-side biometrics for high-risk transactions to combat fraud, linking compliance to liability.

Securities / Derivatives

Australian Accounting Bodies Call for Stronger Safeguards Against Risky Funds

09/03/2026

Joint submission argues that ASIC needs stronger powers to block risky managed investment schemes before they launch, citing recent failures.

Securities / Derivatives

ASIC Revises Benchmark and Disclosure Rules for Hedge Funds

09/03/2026

The updated guide builds on a framework that was established over ten years ago in response to the collapse of Trio Capital, which had invested in overseas hedge funds.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong Insurance Authority Fines Three Brokers for AML Breaches

09/03/2026

The action follows an investigation that found deficiencies in customer due diligence and record-keeping, amid heightened regulatory scrutiny of the sector.

Enforcement

NZ Court Fines CBA-Owned ASB Bank for Overcharging Customers

09/03/2026

The court found that prolonged system and process failures led to thousands of customers being overcharged for banking and insurance products.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New Zealand Firm Launches Digital Tokens Backed by Physical Gold, Silver

09/03/2026

Auckland-based Techemynt is issuing gold and silver-backed tokens, applying national AML laws to direct purchasers of the assets.

ESG / Sustainability

UN Reports Chart Uneven Progress on Gender Equality in Asian Boardrooms

08/03/2026

New data shows that while boardroom representation is rising across the APAC, a steep drop-off persists in executive roles and regulatory approaches vary widely.

AML / KYC

Hong Kong AFRC Fines Audit Firms in First-Ever AML Disciplinary Actions

06/03/2026

The AFRC sanctioned a PIE auditor and two smaller firms for failures in customer due diligence, risk assessments, and sanctions screening.

Market Infrastructure

RBA Warns of Intervention as Industry Stalls on Payments Modernisation

06/03/2026

The RBA has signalled it will take action if the industry fails to agree on modernising A2A payments, with new card payment rules also imminent.