AML / KYC

AML / KYC

Google Launches Verification Process for Financial Ads in Malaysia

By Nithya Subramanian | 11/03/2026

Starting from 14 April, only licensed financial firms will be allowed to advertise on the platform to curb rising online scams.

Sanctions

US Treasury Reports Flag Evolving Threats Emanating from APAC

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New assessments detail sophisticated North Korean schemes, the dominance of Chinese money laundering networks, and industrial-scale fraud syndicates in Southeast Asia.

AML / KYC

SFC Urges Industry Action Amid 40pc Surge in Investment Fraud

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 11/03/2026

Regulator reveals that a 24/7 payment-freeze mechanism has intercepted over 50 percent of targeted criminal funds, calling for greater industry cooperation.

AML / KYC

Tipping Point: Why Aren’t Banks Sharing Information?

By Nathan Lynch | 11/03/2026

Australia’s new information-sharing laws were supposed to transform the fight against financial crime. One year on, the absence of regulatory guidance has left the industry baffled — and criminals are the only beneficiaries.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Sri Lanka NRA Flags Terror Finance, Drug Trafficking as Top Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 11/03/2026

New national assessment identifies drug trafficking as the top money laundering threat and raises the country's overall terrorist financing risk.

AML / KYC

Pakistan Launches Digital Registry to Identify Company UBOs

By Nithya Subramanian | 11/03/2026

The new platform strengthens corporate transparency, AML oversight and regulatory monitoring of company ownership structures, aligning with international standards.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Pakistan Establishes Permanent Legal Basis for Crypto Regulator

By Mark Johnston | 10/03/2026

The new law formalises PVARA's powers, sets strict licensing mandates, and introduces severe penalties for non-compliance, fulfilling a key IMF condition.

AML / KYC

Financial Crime is Scaling Faster than Institutions Meant to Stop It

By Bradley Maclean | 10/03/2026

Experts at Risk Ready APAC 2026 warn that AI enabled scams are moving faster than legacy compliance and enforcement models can respond.

Enforcement

KoFIU Proposes Six-Month Suspension, CEO Reprimand for Bithumb

By Manesh Samtani | 10/03/2026

KoFIU cites AML failures, including dealings with unregistered overseas crypto platforms, ahead of a final decision expected on 16 March.