Crypto / Digital Assets

Sanctions

US Sanctions Chinese Refiner, Targets Iran’s Crypto Reserves

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

OFAC designated a major Chinese refinery and dozens of shipping firms for facilitating Iranian oil sales, while also freezing USD 344 million in crypto assets.

Enforcement

Singapore Police, Crypto Exchanges Prevent S$2.86m in Scam Losses

By Editors | 27/04/2026

A joint operation using advanced blockchain analysis has been hailed as a significant advancement in Singapore’s fight against financial crime involving digital assets.

Fintech / Regtech

$290m Crypto Hack Reveals DeFi Governance and Contagion Risks

By Manesh Samtani | 27/04/2026

An exploit attributed to North Korea triggered market contagion and a governance intervention, offering lessons for regulators on systemic risk.

Crypto / Digital Assets

NAB Explores Tokenised Deposits in RBA-Backed Digital Asset Trial

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 26/04/2026

NAB has detailed its role in Project Acacia, a pilot exploring the use of stablecoins and tokenised assets in wholesale markets.

Securities / Derivatives

Thailand SEC to Ease Licensing Rules for Crypto Derivatives

By Nithya Subramanian | 26/04/2026

The SEC is consulting on rules allowing digital asset firms to offer derivatives without creating new legal entities, while strengthening oversight and conflict-of-interest controls.

Crypto / Digital Assets

BIS Paper Calls for Bank-Like Prudential Rules for Crypto Intermediaries

By Manesh Samtani | 24/04/2026

New paper highlights systemic risks from crypto firms acting as financial intermediaries and recommends comprehensive prudential oversight and cross-border cooperation.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Philippines SEC Flags Seven Unlicensed Crypto Platforms

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 24/04/2026

The SEC has warned the public against seven unlicensed online trading platforms, threatening promoters with fines and lengthy prison sentences.

Crypto / Digital Assets

OCBC Launches Tokenised Physical Gold Fund on Public Blockchains

By Nithya Subramanian | 24/04/2026

The token, a first for Southeast Asia, is issued under a framework involving three MAS-regulated entities to ensure institutional-grade governance.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Pakistan Reverses Crypto Ban, Sets New Rules for Banks

By Nithya Subramanian | 24/04/2026

The SBP has permitted banks to service licensed crypto firms under a strict new framework for AML and operational risk.