AML / KYC

AML / KYC

New Zealand Proposes Banks Bear 85pc of New AML Levies

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/03/2026

The government has launched a consultation on funding its AML/CFT regime, with high-risk sectors set to cover most costs via a new levy system.

Capital / Liquidity

Cambodian Bank Suspension Stokes Fears of Deeper Regulatory Issues

By Manesh Samtani | 16/03/2026

APD Bank’s five-day service freeze has drawn analyst scepticism, while Phillip Bank has moved to quell market rumours amid heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Crypto / Digital Assets

South Korea Passes Law to Protect Crypto Scam Victims

By Mark Johnston | 15/03/2026

The National Assembly has amended legislation requiring virtual asset exchanges to monitor suspicious transactions and compensate victims of digital financial crimes by October.

Fintech / Regtech

New 'Digital Lutera" Malware Bypasses UPI Security in India - Reports

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

A cybersecurity firm has detailed a new attack method, Digital Lutera, that circumvents SIM-binding, enabling large-scale fraud on India’s digital payments network.

AML / KYC

Former Hong Kong Councillor Jailed for Laundering Scam Proceeds

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The conviction for laundering HKD 590,000 highlights the ongoing risks from telephone scams targeting vulnerable individuals in the city.

Enforcement

Singapore Court Jails Chinese National over $6.9m Crypto Theft

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

Chinese national Zhang Xinghua jailed two years for role in multi-million-dollar SafeX cryptocurrency theft involving insider access and laundering attempts.

Fintech / Regtech

BSP Expands Open Finance Pilot for Retirement Accounts

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

The move allows customers of four major financial institutions to open PERA accounts digitally by sharing data with a designated administrator.

Fintech / Regtech

BNM Sets New Technology Risk Rules for Payment Firms

By Nithya Subramanian | 13/03/2026

BNM has introduced stricter technology, cybersecurity, and operational resilience rules for payment providers amid rapid digital payments growth.

Fintech / Regtech

New Zealand Regulators to Partner with Banks on Basic Account Access

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

A new industry-regulator pact aims to tackle financial exclusion after a consultation found near-universal support for action to improve access.