AML / KYC

AML / KYC

Philippines to Launch Digital Registry for Beneficial Ownership Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The new HARBOR portal will centralise corporate ownership data, a move aimed at bolstering AML efforts and FATF compliance.

Fintech / Regtech

Hong Kong MPFA Tightens eMPF Security, Halts eKYC Onboarding

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/01/2026

The move follows a fraud incident and introduces mandatory iAM Smart verification for new registrations and some fund withdrawals.

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.

Enforcement

Malaysia Reports Highest Scam Losses in 2025: Home Ministry

By Nithya Subramanian | 23/01/2026

The Home Ministry said enforcement, inter-agency cooperation and legal amendments are being strengthened as financial fraud continues to surge.

Enforcement

Former HSBC Manager Admits to Account Opening for Bribes Scheme

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 23/01/2026

The case, brought by the ICAC, involves illicit payments for opening accounts, some of which were later flagged for money laundering risk by the bank.

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.