AML / KYC

    Fintech / Regtech

    Malaysia Expands MyDigital ID Testing to 18 Banks in Phase 2 Sandbox

    By Nithya Subramanian | 23/01/2026

    The government is pressing ahead with the phased rollout of its national digital identity system, as banks test real-time verification under tighter security and data protection standards.

    AML / KYC

    Global Leaders Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Organised Crime-Driven Scams

    By Manesh Samtani | 23/01/2026

    Experts from banking, tech and law enforcement call for a shift to prevention, warning that AI can be exploited by bad actors as a "force multiplier" for fraud.

    AML / KYC

    AUSTRAC Orders External AML Audit into Fintech Giant Airwallex

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

    AUSTRAC cited concerns over transaction monitoring and potential criminal exploitation, including for online child sexual abuse payments.

    Fintech / Regtech

    Australia Confirms Deferral of Major AML/CTF Reforms

    By Nathan Lynch | 22/01/2026

    Home Affairs is consulting on transitional rules to delay IVTS reporting, stagger independent evaluations, and ease compliance burdens for Tranche 1 and 2 entities.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Hong Kong to Issue First Stablecoin Licences in Q1 2026

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 21/01/2026

    The new regime will impose strict rules on reserves and risk management as the city builds out its digital asset ecosystem.

    Enforcement

    Indian Authorities Bust Investment Scam Linked to Cambodia

    By Nithya Subramanian | 21/01/2026

    Fraudsters used fake trading platforms and international contacts to cheat investors, then funneling the money through Indian bank accounts to handlers in Cambodia.

    AML / KYC

    Vietnam Reviews Draft Operating Rules for New International Financial Centre

    By Nithya Subramanian | 21/01/2026

    Authorities are reviewing feedback on the third draft of IFC regulations, including provisions for multiple trading floors, dispute resolution and a regulatory sandbox.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Binance Restores AUD Bank Transfers After Two-Year Regulatory Freeze

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 20/01/2026

    The exchange has re-established direct banking channels in Australia after a suspension prompted by a payments partner and regulatory scrutiny from ASIC.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    Hong Kong Named as High-Risk Crypto Hub in Russian Sabotage Report

    By Manesh Samtani | 20/01/2026

    RUSI urges policymakers to monitor over-the-counter crypto services in Hong Kong and other cities to disrupt sabotage financing.

    Enforcement

    Korea Refers Chinese Nationals to Prosecutors in $102m Crypto Laundering Case

    By Mark Johnston | 20/01/2026

    Customs officials allege the group disguised illicit funds as medical fees, highlighting Seoul’s enforcement-led approach to cross-border digital assets.

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