Crypto / Digital Assets

Sanctions

US Sanctions North Korea IT Worker Network in Vietnam and Laos

By Manesh Samtani | 13/03/2026

The action targets facilitators using cryptocurrency to launder funds, heightening secondary sanctions and due diligence risks for financial institutions in Southeast Asia.

Fintech / Regtech

HKMA Directs Banks to Conduct Strategic Reviews for Tokenisation Era

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 13/03/2026

Top HKMA officials set out expectations for banks to adapt their business models for emerging digital technologies like DLT.

Market Infrastructure

BIS Paper Calls for Public Sector Push to Fix Cross-Border Payments

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New paper highlights slow speeds and high costs, pointing to APAC initiatives as models for improving global payment systems.

AML / KYC

US Treasury Recognises Legitimate Use of Crypto Mixers, Seeks New Powers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A key report signals a nuanced US stance on privacy tools while proposing a "hold law" to freeze suspicious digital assets.

Enforcement

Thailand Freezes 10,000 Crypto Accounts in AML Crackdown

By Editors | 12/03/2026

The action follows the rollout of a new ‘Speed Bump’ protocol and stricter KYC checks designed to disrupt illicit fund flows.

Crypto / Digital Assets

New Zealand FMA Calls for Digital Asset Law, Expands Fintech Sandbox

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

The FMA has flagged the need for primary legislation for virtual assets, citing industry concerns over regulatory fragmentation.

Fintech / Regtech

Korean Regulator Concludes Probe into Bithumb 'Ghost Coin' Incident

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

The FSS has concluded its probe into the exchange's internal control failures, which allowed a payout far exceeding its holdings.

Crypto / Digital Assets

ASIC Outlines 'Substance Over Form' Approach to Digital Asset Regulation

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

A senior Australian regulator argues for integrating digital assets into existing financial laws, rejecting the need for entirely bespoke frameworks.

Fintech / Regtech

Japan FSA Prioritises Real-World Use Cases to Guide Digital Asset Rule-Making

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

A senior official outlined Japan's focus on fostering real-world applications for stablecoins and tokenised assets while seeking global consensus on DeFi.