AML / KYC

Enforcement

Indonesia: OJK & Police Deepen Cooperation to Tackle Financial Scams

By Nithya Subramanian | 15/01/2026

The closer collaboration is expected to speed up scam investigations, strengthen enforcement and accelerate the recovery of victims’ funds amid a surge in online fraud cases.

AML / KYC

Thailand Dismantles Scam Ring Using Hong Kong ATMs for Laundering

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/01/2026

Authorities arrested 10 individuals who used couriers and Thai bank cards to withdraw millions in scam proceeds from Hong Kong ATMs.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Exclusive: Australia Set to Defer Core ‘Tranche 1’ AML/CTF Reforms

By Nathan Lynch | 15/01/2026

Australia is set to defer some key AML/CTF reforms until 2029, prioritising the Tranche 2 rollout and counter-terrorism ahead of the upcoming FATF mutual evaluation.

Sanctions

Cambodia Halts Property Sales at Sanctioned Prince Group

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 14/01/2026

The move follows the founder's extradition to China and a recent central bank order to liquidate the group's banking subsidiary.

AML / KYC

China Overhauls Business Registration Rules to Boost Transparency, Efficiency

By Manesh Samtani | 14/01/2026

New standards aim to tighten shareholder information requirements, streamline corporate relocations, and increase oversight of intermediary agents.

AML / KYC

India Tightens Crypto AML/KYC Rules for Crypto Firms

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/01/2026

FIU-IND has introduced new identity verification and monitoring requirements for crypto users and exchanges, as part of its efforts to contain risks linked to digital assets.

Enforcement

Malaysia: Experts Call for Harsher Penalties to Curb Scams

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/01/2026

Stakeholders say tougher punishments could deter account misuse, but warn that enforcement reforms and cross-border cooperation are crucial to tackling sophisticated scam networks.

AML / KYC

Japan FSA Seeks Operator for Fraud Data Sharing System

By Mark Johnston | 13/01/2026

Japan's FSA opens applications for a subsidised project to build a shared infrastructure for freezing fraudulent bank accounts amid a record surge in financial scams.

Fintech / Regtech

Vietnam Launches International Financial Centre in Da Nang

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/01/2026

The Da Nang IFC will act as a regulatory sandbox for innovative financial models, including digital assets and sustainable finance.