AML / KYC

AML / KYC

HKMA Urges Banks to Bolster Defences Against 'High-End' Money Laundering

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/12/2025

The HKMA has identified weaknesses in how institutions handle sophisticated criminal schemes, urging enhancements in key control areas.

AML / KYC

KoFIU to Tighten AML Supervision in 2026 to Target ‘Weak Links’

By Mark Johnston | 16/12/2025

KoFIU announces stricter inspections for electronic financial service providers and mutual finance businesses to combat cross-border crime.

AML / KYC

AUSTRAC Revokes Remitter's Registration, Sues Two Others Over AML Reporting

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 16/12/2025

AUSTRAC has refused to renew the registration of an independent remitter while also launching civil penalty proceedings against two businesses for failing to meet their reporting obligations under the AML/CTF Act.

Enforcement

South Korea Scrutinises Binance over Upbit Breach Response

By Mark Johnston | 16/12/2025

Korean police had asked Binance to freeze Solana tokens from the Upbit breach, but only a partial amount was reportedly frozen after an initial delay.

AML / KYC

New Zealand's ASB Admits AML Breaches, Agrees to NZD 6.73m Penalty

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/12/2025

The CBA-owned lender admitted to serious compliance failures after the RBNZ filed court proceedings over breaches dating back to 2019.

AML / KYC

Cambodia to Tackle Fraud Linked to Anonymous SIM cards

By Nithya Subramanian | 15/12/2025

The central bank and telecom ministry have agreed to link verified phone numbers with bank accounts to make it harder for fraudsters to exploit anonymous SIM cards.

ESG / Sustainability

Australia Proposes Overhaul of Business Registers, Director ID Rules

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 15/12/2025

The proposed laws will link director IDs to company records, give ASIC new disqualification powers, and unwind a costly modernisation programme.

AML / KYC

Singapore AML Reforms Tested by Prince Group’s ‘Integrated’ Crime Model

By Nithya Subramanian | 15/12/2025

New commentary says recent allegations against Prince Group show a shift from sequential to integrated criminal enterprises, testing new frameworks.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Pakistan Explores Tokenisation with Binance, Grants Initial Crypto Approvals

By Manesh Samtani | 15/12/2025

Government signs non-binding MoU while the new virtual asset regulator grants initial approvals to Binance and HTX.