Crypto / 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.

Crypto / Digital Assets

Thailand Seeks Interpol Red Notice in Major Crypto Fraud Case

By Sanday Chongo Kabange | 12/03/2026

Authorities are pursuing a fugitive businessman accused of a cryptocurrency scheme with initial losses estimated at over THB 76 million.

Fintech / Regtech

Meta, Global Police Disrupt Asian Scam Networks; New AI Tools Rolled Out

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

As new AI-powered anti-scam features are deployed, a joint operation has led to 21 arrests in Thailand and the removal of over 150,000 accounts from Meta's platforms.

AML / KYC

When Financial Crime Converges: Asia Pacific’s New Equation

By Bradley Maclean | 12/03/2026

Across APAC, financial crime threats have converged, turning fragmented data, siloed teams, and legacy controls into critical institutional vulnerabilities.

Sanctions

New FATF Report Calls for Crackdown on Offshore Crypto Providers

By Manesh Samtani | 12/03/2026

New report outlines risks from offshore crypto firms and calls for coordinated global action from regulators and financial institutions.