AML / KYC

    Sanctions

    US Includes Asia-Based Firms in New Iran Shadow Fleet Sanctions

    By Editors | 28/01/2026

    OFAC designated entities in India, the UAE and Oman as well as nine vessels for their role in transporting Iranian oil.

    AML / KYC

    HKMA and PCPD to Launch Joint Bank Examinations to Combat Fraud

    By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 28/01/2026

    The HKMA and PCPD will conduct joint risk-based examinations of banks' anti-fraud and data security controls amid rising deception cases.

    Sanctions

    Silver’s Surge Demands a New Approach to Managing Laundering Risks

    By Nathan Lynch | 28/01/2026

    With silver reaching all-time highs, financial crime experts warn that the metal’s growing “value density” and lower regulatory scrutiny are making it an attractive alternative for illicit transactions.

    Fintech / Regtech

    SFC Sets Feb 2026 Deadline for Migration to New STR Platform

    By Manesh Samtani | 27/01/2026

    The regulator has mandated a transition to the new STREAMS 2 platform, detailing submission methods and a blackout period.

    AML / KYC

    Taiwan Cabinet Approves WMD, Counter-Terror Law Amendments

    By Mark Johnston | 27/01/2026

    Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved amendments expanding counter-terrorism laws to include WMD proliferation and increase reporting obligations for financial institutions.

    AML / KYC

    India’s FIU Cracks Down on Privacy Coins Amid Money Laundering Concerns

    By Nithya Subramanian | 27/01/2026

    The move marks a tightening of India’s AML oversight of digital assets, as regulators push crypto platforms to curb high-risk products and align operations with the PMLA.

    Enforcement

    India’s Enforcement Directorate Arrest Two in BitConnect Fraud

    By Nithya Subramanian | 27/01/2026

    The two individuals were detained under the PMLA, and INR 21.7 billion in assets linked to the multi-layered BitConnect scheme were frozen.

    Trending

    Asia Needs More, Not Less, Regulation for Digital Finance, Policymakers Say

    By Manesh Samtani | 26/01/2026

    International policymakers at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong debate the meaning of 'regulatory modernisation' for finance.

    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.

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