Anti-Money Laundering

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.

Payments & Settlements

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.

Anti-Money Laundering

AUSTRAC Issues Guidance on New Powers to Compel AML Examination

06/03/2026

AUSTRAC has detailed how it will use new powers to compel individuals to attend examinations and answer questions under oath.

Tokenisation

Australia Risks Missing AUD 24bn Digital Finance Opportunity, Report Warns

06/03/2026

DFCRC report urges policy reform, warning that regulatory uncertainty and a lack of coordination could cost Australia an AUD 24 billion annual economic opportunity.

Credit Risk

Hong Kong Banks Extends Loan Relief for Tai Po Fire Victims

06/03/2026

HKMA and HKAB announce extended loan repayment holidays and flexible mortgage arrangements for residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Trading & Investment

ASX Partners With LSEG to Modernise ASX 24 Derivatives Platform

06/03/2026

The partnership will integrate LSEG's low-latency technology to enhance the resilience, performance, and capacity of Australia’s primary derivatives venue.

Anti-Money Laundering

Australia’s Federal Court Finds Two Star Execs Breached Duties

06/03/2026

A landmark judgment clears seven non-executive directors but finds two senior executives failed in their duties regarding money laundering risks.

AI Risk & Governance

Hong Kong Regulators Expand GenAI Sandbox Across Entire Financial Sector

06/03/2026

The initiative now covers securities, insurance, pensions and payments, offering firms free computing power to test AI in a controlled environment.

Structural Regulation

SFC Chief Outlines Five-Point Strategy for Maintaining Market Resilience

06/03/2026

Julia Leung warns against complacency amid market buoyancy, outlining a five-point strategy for APAC to build resilience through technology and collaboration.